With the Spring racing season just around the corner (can’t wait) which, BTW, is almost the unofficial opening of the silly season with all its glorious celebrations, (Australians love a party and these few months with the the Christmas season, summer, Hannukah, cricket and whatever else the festive season brings, gives us full license to run completely amuck. Naughty I know, but awfully good fun ) … but back to my extended sentence … I thought it would be timely to share a few – wait for it – etiquette (yes! really!) rules I happened upon whilst cruising some of my favourite online sites.

Un … (No, not a typo, I’m going hair-tossed-behind-one-shoulder-glamoursly French for no reason at all ) … always say hello to friends with a cheek kiss – right cheek to left cheek. For anyone not in the inner circle, a firm handshake will suffice. However, never shake hands while seated. If someone walks up to your table, do not extend a hand while sitting. Always stand – no matter what your gender!

Deux … Posture is everything to anyone but especially so a Royal (aka Kate) who is constantly in the public eye and being scrutinised from every which way. If you look closely, its evident that Kate always sits with a ram rod straight back and her chin parallel to the floor. Her legs stay together with a slight ladylike lean. Think classic composed refinement

Trois …Your napkin/serviette (depending on which side of the discussion and pond one sits: To Nappe or Serve) is always folded in half with the crease facing towards the body. At dinner parties it is polite to wait until the hostess places her napkin on her lap before doing so. Finally, when using the serviette, wipe inside the fold so the ‘mess’ is not transferred to clothing.

Quatre … This is a biggie Always always always hold a wine glass at the stem. This not only looks super dainty (and puhleese, no tacky pinky pointing ) but prevents your body temperature from heating up the wine. Another important note re the wine glass, if wearing lipstick, be sure to drink from the same place on the glass each time in order to prevent a ‘lipstick ring’ from forming. (My NY girlfriend MW is an absolute stickler for this!)

Cinq … The art of taking tea is performed in a ‘pinch.’ This means pinch your thumb and index finger together, then rest your middle finger under the handle. For coffee, use a loop, which means the index finger goes through the handle too.

Sept … Now this one is never going to fly but I thought I’d include it for the intrigue aspect; other than marital or religious jewellery, diamonds should only be worn after 6.00pm. Absolutely no idea why but I thought it an interesting concept

Nuit … and the last lesson of the day, if you need to leave a room it is correct to say “please excuse me,” never “pardon me.” Asking for a pardon is reserved for service staff and it would be such a shame to get mixed up with the masses of ‘help’ we all have running our homes don’t you think

All very British but don’t you find – at least some – these traditional customs still in fashion and a little fascinating?

Anyhoo, one thing to ponder though  … aren’t rules there to be broken

Till next time.

Tipsy Pipsy xo

*etiquette rules courtesy Veranda.com and extended links*