Etiquette Boss: The right approach to cocktails

March 5, 2014 Phillipa Morrish

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COCKTAIL PARTY ETIQUETTE

Most people are right handed, and hold their drinks in the right hand at cocktail parties. However, if you are attending a business cocktail party/mixer, where it is likely that you will be shaking hands frequently, it is recommended that you hold your drink in your left hand, so that your right hand will be free and dry for handshakes.

In a business setting, it does not give the best impression to shake with a cold hand or extend an elbow because your drink occupies your right hand. Be ready, warm and prepared for greeting others when attending business events.

Please keep in mind also, that hors doeuvres should be placed in a saucer or napkin before meeting the lips. It is poor etiquette to take anything from a platter and place it directly into your mouth. The reason is that the purpose of a cocktail hour or cocktail reception is to meet, greet and mingle, not really to satisfy hunger (that is purpose of the entrée).

The quick conveying of food from platter to lips demonstrates a rush to eat that goes against the purpose of the cocktail hour. Relax, place the hors doeuvres in a napkin or saucer, and eat in one or two bites.

BEAUTY TIPS:

Regardless of age, your eyelashes can grow. Buy a small bottle of castor oil and place in the bottle a thin sliver of lemon peel. It is said that for some unknown reason, the lemon peel speeds up hair growth.

Use a Q-tip or mascara brush to apply the oil to your lashes nightly. It will take a few weeks, but you will see longer, healthier lashes. An added bonus is a little castor oil applied to the eyelid aids sleep.

If you apply to your eyelid, place the pure oil above the lid and to your crows feet areas. Remember, all that is needed is a light touchdo not tug at the sensitive skin below or above your eyes.

Until those lashes grow, apply a bit of powder to your lashes before applying mascara. You can also use a Q-Tip to apply the powder in between applying two coats of mascara. This would give your lashes a much longer appearance.

Phillipa Morrish is the president of Etiquette Training International.