By Amanda Daubner
The sounds of clattering flatware and enthusiastic conversation provide background music at a Constant’s family function. Daytona State student Martha Constant is no stranger to party etiquette.
With the arrival of a holiday or party invitation, Constant’s etiquette expertise shines year-round, whether it is a Christmas celebration or Valentine’s Day dinner.
“Don’t drink, dance or dress beyond your limits! Dance, dress and drink according to the social setting, but no matter the setting don’t get drunk! A relaxed setting isn’t an excuse,” warns Constant, when asked for etiquette tips.
Using the three D’s sparingly seems to be the gold standard for any social setting, though Constant also says sarcastically, “Guys just shouldn’t talk! Forget about staying away from jokes, just don’t talk period!”
While guys not talking wouldn’t be conducive to mingling and singling-out prospective dates, it should be noted that a respectable tone is key to everything said and that rule goes for both sexes. “Go to the party at least borderline mentally stable, nobody needs you crying on their shoulder all night long,” advises Constant.
If the opposite is true in a situation and instead of having someone pouring their heart out, conversation is waning or nonexistent, the best thing to do is approach someone and ask them about themselves. Even a question in the simplest form can get a conversation going. To be sure that you have something to add to the conversation you initiated it is a good idea to keep current on local or national news. Even something as simple as an otherwise mundane fact can at times add to a stalling conversation.
When asked for a male’s opinion in a social situation Michael DuFresne, a DSC alumni says, “Don’t knock a over a Tiki Torch at a semi formal ‘Sweet Sixteen.’ Accident or not it won’t go over very well.”
He also adamantly insists that there’s no hope of fooling a woman, and only a handful of guys, that your tie is in fact not a clip on. Make the full effort of wearing an actual tie or go fashionably tie-less.
“Watch out for any possible punch or drink fiascos,” warns student Alex Pagliari.
“I once caused an incident where a whole bowl of punch hit the floor. Obviously I offered to clean it up, but as I came back with the paper towels I inadvertently slipped in the mess mopping it up with my clothes,”
As a further tip, anyone causing an accident such as Alex would know that a safe option is to bring a pair of back-up clothes… just in case your original outfit suffers a stain or possible rip or is just uncomfortable. But also be advised that back-up outfits also needs to coordinate with the social situation. If you are attending a wedding and spill something on your slacks that’s no excuse to change into holey jeans. In fact don’t even think of holey jeans in the same mind as wedding attire.
If nothing more, use common sense or borrow some from a seasoned event attendee, it may just save a reputation or two. As well as preventing a Tiki Torch from starting a small fire and clothes from being stained by punch.
For more on etiquette, visit www.emilypost.com or www.washingtonpost.com and search for Miss Manners.