Janet CollinsSo You’ve Been Invited to a Cocktail Party
May 6th 2009 21:17
Cocktail parties can range from a dressy occasion right down to a home party but if most people call it a cocktail party on the invitation, then you’d probably be expected to wear something reasonably smart.
One of my observations of cocktail parties and I find it rather funny is that people go to the trouble and expense of going to a place where they will be served and then making it very difficult for anyone to even serve them.
They stand in doorways, block off alleyways and spaces and huddle up in bunches so that it’s virtually impossible to get any food or drink to them. To make things even more difficult, many people wave their hands around while they are talking, don’t look where they are walking and grab drinks from trays as if they have been stuck on with superglue. Guests at cocktail events can often be the biggest hazard in occupational health and safety.
Hopefully, some of the tips will not only help you enjoy the occasion but minimise any accidents, like breakages and spilt drinks. The last thing you would want is to have to walk around with red wine all over you newest outfit or fancy sauce on your tie. It's really all about paying attention to what's going on around you.
The problem with cocktail parties is that you often feel you need at least three hands to manage a drink in one hand and food in the other and be able to eat and drink and still look pretty together.
What makes it a lot more difficult these days is that the finger food is often much more than bite sized canapés. Often it can be satays on skewers or food in a Chinese spoon or a little box filled with risotto. This can make things really difficult, especially for women who usually have a handbag as well.
Cocktail parties can be rather formal such as the first part of a wedding reception, or an art opening or similar or they can be rather casual. I will talk about the more formal ones because these are the ones at which most people often look awkward trying to juggle the food and drink and socialise at the same time. With a little bit of knowledge and some common sense you can go to these parties relaxed and look like you do it all the time.
One of the things you should always keep in mind is that there are usually many trays of glasses floating around and waving your arms around while you are talking can be rather dangerous.
On arrival it’s OK to pick up a drink from the tray. That’s what they are there for. Just be careful not to yank it off the tray because doing so will probably send the rest of the glasses flying. Just take it carefully from the tray. If you are drinking wine or champagne, it’s usually a good idea to hand on to the empty glass so a waiter can refill it.
My suggestion also is that you work your way towards a cocktail table if there are any. If friends or associates are far away from one, just suggest that you move closer. Believe me, having a table to rest your drink on really makes things a lot easier.
When the food comes around, try to remember this. Always take the serviette first. It is a lot harder to take a serviette once you have the food in one hand, especially if you have a drink in the other.
Many etiquette trainers often suggest that if you are at a business function and it is quite important to have some serious discussion, you could probably eat before you go so that you can concentrate on the conversation. That is really up to you.
It’s probably not a good idea to put food into your mouth just before you are about to speak also. Pace your eating. You don’t want to look like you haven’t eaten for a week.
Often, as I mentioned earlier, cocktail food can be quite elaborate. While this is very nice to eat, it can be very awkward eating it standing up. However, if you have a serviette at all times, it will help with anything that is likely to drip.
For food that has skewers or something like that such as satay sticks, don’t ever throw your empty one on to the food plate. It’s for food not rubbish. Keep your eyes out for any drop bowls that might be around the place for this reason.
Leave a little space between yourself and the next person so that food and drink can reach you easily and watch moving without looking or rocking around on the one spot. This will minimise any accidents.
Cocktail parties can be fun and often give you a chance to taste a lot of very different kind of food. If you keep your eyes open and follow some of the pointers I have given you above, it will take away the uneasiness and make the occasion enjoyable.
Some Don’ts
Some Do’s
Finally, always look like you are enjoying yourself. It’s amazing how much a smile attracts people to you and….have fun.
Image credit: www.guardian.co.uk
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Comment by Nevar
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Drinking and eating and socialising at the one time, especially standing up can have some awkward moments for sure!
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Thanks for dropping by.
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