Umbert enjoys receiving his friends in Paris, especially for the long weekend of Thanksgiving.
It is a privileged moment for him to relax with his family and friends.
The coming winter, the fireplace, the plaid on the sofa, a very cozy universe conducive to family and friendly relations.
Umbert explains you How to easily place your guests for your Thanksgiving party.
Benefits of this coaching :
Best methodology to become irresistible
Innovative technique to unleash your charisma
Learn the new etiquette & manners
A better lifestyle
“The family is a big table and everyone around”, Laetitia Casta, French actress
In this article :
1) Table setting at home
2) Table setting for business
1) Table setting at home
The simplest to not be embarrassed at the last moment, is to provide cardboards with the names, placed in front of the water glass (or pebbles, shells, ribbons ….)
The hostess and her husband:
In France, if the table is of 6, 10, 14 or 18 guests, the hostess and her husband are placed at each end of the table, face to face. If the table is of 8, 12, 16 guests, the hostess shifts one place to respect the alternation Male / Female.
In England and the USA: the householders are at each end of the table.
The guest of honor:
For a woman: to the right of the master of the house.
For a man: to the right of the hostess.
Couples of equal social importance (couple X and Y):
If couples are of equal importance: places of honor go to those who are invited for the first time, or to the oldest people, or the one whose function is the most important.
Couples are always separated except those who have been married for less than a year.
– Mr. X will be to the right of the hostess.
– Mr. Y will be on the left.
– Madame Y will be on the right of the master of the house.
– Ms. X will be on the left.
Particularities:
If there is a single person, the alternation will not be able to play. Do not point it out.
Likewise if you are 13 at the table.
A religious personality always has the place to the right of the hostess.
If you are alone, do not put a single person in front of you … Avoid ambiguity.
2) Table setting for business
The most important guest sits to the right of the host, the second to the left.
If there are 2 people who invite, they sit at each end of the table, with the 3rd most important to his right.
How to easily place your guests for your Thanksgiving party? Respect these simple tips.
The table plan is made to encourage meetings and talkings between guests.
What to remember: position people in order of importance to those who invite. Place a cardboard in front of each glass to avoid any confusion at the last moment.
How to become irresistible ? Download now the free eBook, chapter Behave (only available this month).
Umbert is very exited about Halloween coming on October 31st.
With his friends Diane and Georges, he will travel to Seattle.
Why ?
First because the US are the essence of Halloween. I mean almost the essence, because it was introduced by the Irish and the Scottish immigrants.
Then because the city of Seattle organizes a lot of amazing events the all night, such as big haunted houses.
Even if Halloween allows almost any costume, Umbert and his friends want to avoid vulgarity.
They will respect 10 etiquette rules to follow for a Halloween in style.
Benefits of this coaching :
Best methodology to become irresistible
Innovative technique to unleash your charisma
Learn the new etiquette & manners
A better lifestyle
« Be afraid … Be very afraid », Ronnie, actress in The Fly
« Ayez peur … Ayez vraiment peur », Ronnie, actrice dans La Mouche
In this article :
1) Your costume
2) Don’t laugh at the others
3) Social networks
4) The death
5) Offense
6) The decoration
7) The party
8) The kids
9) Organic candies
10) Share
1) Your costume
Keep it chic, even if extravagant.
Extravagant doesn’t mean provocative.
2) Don’t laugh at the others
Some people have prepared their costume a long time ago for this special night.
Even if you don’t like them, never say it.
Plus remember that nobody has the true regarding what is nice or not.
In a startup world, all the ideas are welcome.
3) Social networks
Always remember that the people will take a lot of pictures that night.
So pay attention to your costume, but also to your attitude, especially if you drink a little bit too much.
4) The death
Some people may have lost someone recently, so avoid death in general.
I mean costume but also words like : « You gonna die ».
Fear is ok, but not death, even if Halloween is related to death.
5) Offenses
Never forget that you could offend someone with your costume, by making fun of a social group or race.
If you have just a small doubt, that’s because you have already crossed the red line.
6) The decoration
Try to keep it simple and nice.
Choose some colors that match, or the opposite.
For exemple you can go for a white-black-orange only, or multiple sparkling colors.
Avoid the white-black-orange only + 1 sparkly color.
Be careful to what could hurt such as fork.
7) The party
Even if the party is at its maximum, respect the neighborhood.
Some people are older and need to sleep earlier than you will.
8) The kids
The nicest thing about Halloween are probably the kids everywhere.
When walking, pay attention, you may not see them running everywhere.
Avoid outrageous costumes and decoration, their parents could be chocked.
Be ready to offer some organic candies.
9) Organic candies
You will offer a lot of candies that night, but you don’t want the kids to eat bad food.
Pick-up some organic ones, you will find them in high-end supermarkets or organic shops.
Be careful to allergies, so try to ask them before, especially for nuts.
10) Share
Halloween is about joy and happiness.
Share it with your family, friends and open yourself to the people.
Umbert and his friends will respect the 10 etiquette rules to follow for a Halloween in style.
They want to remember this party and time together forever.
That’s why they choose to travel from Paris to Seattle to have the best time ever.
What must be remember : keep it simple and chic, even if extravagant. Pay attention to the kids, and respect the others in general. Tipsy is good, but you don’t want to loose control of yourself.
How to become irresistible ? Download now the free eBook, chapter Behave (only available this month).
Umbert has invited his best friends for a dinner in Paris.
His apartment has a huge living room with a nice dinner table for 12.
Umbert doesn’t want to show off tonight, he just wants his friends to be happy and confortable.
How to set up a table in style at home for your best friends ?
He knows that the table setting is important, not only because it shows its respect for his guests, but also because a nice decor and atmosphere makes the food and drinks better.
Simplicity or fantasy but everything must be perfect.
Benefits of this coaching :
Best methodology to become irresistible
Innovative technique to unleash your charisma
Learn the new etiquette & manners
A better lifestyle
“True cooking is an art form, a gift to share” Oprah Winfrey, American animator
“La vraie cuisine est une forme d’art, un cadeau à partager », Oprah Winfrey, animatrice américaine
In this article :
1) The tablecloth and towels
2) The plates
3) The cutlery
4) The glasses
5) The table decoration
1) The tablecloth and towels
Place a fleece under the tablecloth. It is more pleasant but be careful, it must not exceed the table.
Choose a tablecloth :
Variegated with plain plates.
Clear with dark plates and vice versa.
In white damask with white porcelain and gold.
On a round table, iron the folds of the tablecloth.
On a rectangular table we keep the folds of the length parallels and we pass those of the width.
The towels are made of fabric matching the tablecloth, organic if possible :
For lunch: it is placed on the plate, folded into a triangle, pointing downwards.
For dinner: it is on the left of the plate folded in rectangle, touching the forks.
It is never presented in a glass.
If you are serving shellfish: plan for large towels to be removed afterwards.
If a guest drops a towel, change it.
2) The plates
They are placed 2 cm from the edge of the table and 50 to 62 cm apart from each other.
Never put two plates flat on top of each other, except for the small plate of the entrance.
If you serve soup, the soup plate is placed on a flat plate.
You can place in the top left of the plate a small plate for bread, but it can be placed directly on the tablecloth.
Avoid presentation plates, it isn’t chic.
3) The cutlery
Cutlery is used from the outside to the inside, from top to bottom for cheese and dessert.
The knives are placed to the right of the plate, cutting edge towards the plate. If serving cutlery every time, no knife holder, otherwise it is placed on the right.
The forks are placed on the left. In France, the tips are placed on the table. Why ? This was done to show the coat of arms or the initials. In England and the USA, forks and spoons are placed on the other side.
If there is soup, the spoon is on the right side of the knife, curved side on the top. The soup spoons are placed on the rounded side.
The small cheese knife is placed at the top, blade to the right and cutting edge to the plate.
The small dessert fork is placed near the plate, the teeth to the right and down. The dessert cutlery are not placed at the beginning.
Fun ! Louis XIV imposed the use of the forks. Before we ate with the fingers or with a spoon.
“Thank you Umbert for the advices on the cutlery. Before it was a nightmare when I was invited to a fine dining restaurant in France. I never remembered how to use them”, Mark J.
4) The glasses
Before placing the glasses on the table, wipe them with a very thin white cloth. They need to be impeccable.
They rank in descending order to the right : Water – Red wine glass – White wine glass.
The not very full water glass is always served before going to the table.
In large dinner parties, there may be two glasses for the red wine : one for the wine that accompanies the meat, the other for the cheese.
Exception for the size, Champagne last right. Champagne heats up less quickly in flutes than in cuts.
The glass is held by the foot and not by the chalice to not heat the drink. Do not dismiss the little finger, it is now childish and unsuitable.
5) The table decoration
The flowers :
They need to match the color of the tablecloth and the service used.
On a white tablecloth, the flowers will be white or pastel.
In the country: choose wildflowers or roses from the garden. No precious flowers.
The perfume must be very light, so you can appreciate the food.
The bouquets must be low to not disturb the guests, or in a long centerpiece.
You can choose a central bouquet surrounded by two small ones.
Thecenterpiece :
You can place it in cups, compotiers, basins, plate.
You can choose flowers, or flowers floating on the water.
Also a mixture of fruits and vegetables, add flowers if you like.
Red foliage, because red is the perfect color for food.
Floating candles give a nice light, in an intimate atmosphere.
Candles :
Place them up to the faces or just above them.
In candelabra, place long, thin candles, cream.
Light them at the last moment.
An original idea : if the table is large, in addition to candlesticks and flowers, you can put characters or animals in silver or colored porcelain.
The menus :
Put a menu between 2 covers.
It has to be hand-written on white cardboard (surrounded by a gold border).
It bears the date of the day.
The dishes should have a simple name, this is more chic that long names.
We write “salad” but not « cheese » because there is no good dinner without cheese.
Great tip : in the country you can write it on a postcard of the region or your property. For a wedding, anniversary or baptism, on the photo of the event.
This is How to set up a table in style at home for your best friends.
Umbert is sure that with this setting, his friends will start a great evening, have fun, and enjoy an amazing dinner.
What must be remembered : keep it simple and chic. Even for a little party, try to respect those rules. This not to show off, but you want your friends to have a wonderful experience when visiting.
How to become irresistible ? Download now the free eBook, chapter Behave (only available this month).
At 94, Charles Aznavour died on the night of Sunday in France.
Charles Aznavour was loved in France of course, but also in Asia, the US and all over the world.
He has been on stage worldwide, where he sang some of his most famous songs in English.
He was a true gentleman all his life, starting as a son of the immigrantion, and become one of the most famous French singer.
Most of his songs were inspired by his Parisian anecdotes.
Did you know that Charles Aznavour was a king ? And still is …
Let’s check his most famous songs and gentleman values.
Benefits of this coaching :
Best methodology to become irresistible
Innovative technique to unleash your charisma
Learn the new etiquette & manners
A better lifestyle
« Take me Along the end of the earth », Charles Aznavour, French singer
« Emmenez-moi au bout de la terre », Charles Aznavour, chanteur Français
In this article :
1) Take me Along
2) Bohemia
3) As they say
5) I already saw myself
1) Take me Along
Charles Aznavour leaves some wonderful songs behind him.
“Take me away” is an invitation to discover the other cultures and adapt to different civilizations.
Don’t forget that he was born from an immigrant family in France, so he had to adapt to a foreign culture very young, but also learn about his Armenian family one.
He will get a star for this song on the famous Walk of Fame of Los Angeles.
Listen to the the song :
2) Bohemia
“Bohemia” is the art of being happy.
On stage, he always sang it with a white handkerchief in his hand, a symbol of eternal and innocent youth.
This song becomes the hymn of a generation in Paris.
Listen to the the song :
3) As they say
“As they say” is an invitation to tolerance, especially for the gay community.
He was inspired by his driver’s life. This shows us how he took care of his siblings and the people in general.
This song was a controversy in France at that time.
But Charles Aznavour remained strong on his beliefs.
Listen to the the song :
5) I already saw myself
« I already saw myself » is a song about his optimism.
As a son of an Armenian family, he dedicated his life to his career.
In this song, we can see the hope of a young guy.
A real lesson for all of us.
Listen to the the song :
These values associated with socially adapted behaviors are those that Umbert likes and transmits in his blog.
Thank you Charles for your talent and what you have transmitted all over the world.
Did you know that Charles Aznavour was a king ? And still is …
A gentleman is leaving, a king who guides us remains …
What must be remembered : try to listen his songs, most of them are translated. This will give you hope, tenacity and the satisfaction that brings achievement.
How to become irresistible ? Download now the free eBook, chapter Behave (only available this month).
He loves this place, just renovated with so much elegance ! It is also one of the best spot for the pastries, and Umbert can’t wait to see the amazing birthday cake.
Georges is a real French aristocrat, so Umbert will pay attention to his manners, especially when arriving.
Show time !!! Umbert shows you how to arrive at the party in style !
Benefits of this coaching :
Best methodology to become irresistible
Innovative technique to unleash your charisma
Learn the new etiquette & manners
A better lifestyle
« Life is party. Dress for it », Audrey Hepburn, English actress
« La vie est une fête. Habillez-vous pour la circonstance », Audrey Hepburn, actrice anglaise
In this article :
1) Dress to impress
2) Bring a gift
1) Dress to impress
Don’t forget to check or ask for the dress code. Adapt your style to the evening.
You don’t want to look underdressed and ridiculous.
It also shows that you respect the hosts and the other guests.
But always wear confortable ones, the ones you like, so you won’t be or look under pressure.
Don’t forget that people may judge you on your outfit, especially in Asia and Europe.
2) Bring a gift
It is always recommended to bring a gift to the hosts.
For a dinner, bringing chocolates is very popular and easy.
Wine or champagne as well, but you have to choose a very good one. Ask for advices in a wine shop if you don’t know. Ask them for something that nobody knows, from another country for exemple.
Avoid liquors if one of the hosts is a woman.
« Thank you Umbert for the wine advices. With my wife Amy, we’ve been to a neighbor house warming party. I stopped by an amazing wine shop in L.A., and bought a bottle of a fantastic white wine from New Zealand. We were so lucky because the neighbors honeymoon was there. », Jay L.
Everyone can offer flowers: children, women, men. But if the rule is easy, nothing is more difficult than knowing how to apply it :
The choice of the flowers varies according to the personality of the hostess, the circumstances, the decor.
There is a language of flowers. Ask for advices at the flower shop.
For a dinner or lunch, you can send them the day before, the morning or the next day to thank.
You must remain classic: avoid paper and plastic decoration.
Ask for a transparent packaging, it’s more chic.
The label is proscribed for potted flowers.
Waterproof paper bouquets with water are allowed.
Do not offer gladioli and carnations.
Offer by odd number except for the dozens.
If you know them very well, you can choose something more personal. For exemple I like books, so I always try to find one that matches their passions.
Umbert travels a lot, so he never forget to buy something original he can offer. People love his gifts because it also bring a part of the travel. It is also a good way to start the conversation with where he has been.
If they have children, bring them a little toy or so, they will really appreciate.
Don’t forget to add a personal card.
Show time !!! How to arrive at the party in style ?
In fact, try to stay natural, discreet and chic.
Umbert likes to arrive in silence, but with the right outfit and gift, so everybody will pay attention.
What must be remembered : arriving in style is an art. Avoid making noise or pretending. People like discreet and chic guests. The perfect gift, that the hosts will remember,will make all the difference in next days.
How to become irresistible ? Download now the free eBook, chapter Behave (only available this month).
Yesterday night Umbert had a meeting with his best friend Diane at the Café de Flore.
Paris is so busy in November, everybody is in town working and having fun.
So he was late.
Do people care when you’re late ? Here is what to say.
Benefits of this coaching :
Best methodology to become irresistible
Innovative technique to unleash your charisma
Learn the new etiquette & manners
A better lifestyle
« Being late is an act of violence », Mahatma Gandhi
« Etre en retard est un acte de violence », Mahatma Gandhi
In this article :
1) What to say when you are late
2) How to act when you are late
3) The next day
1) What to say when you are late
Being late is not a problem, as long as you contact the other person as soon as you can.
Do not forget to call ahead.
If you known it in advance, give a courteous version.
If it is last minute, give the real reason that will be valid.
Always give a real and logic reason. Lying would be the worst, because people always figure it out.
Exemple : Umbert is late to meet Diane. He calls her immediately, saying that the traffic is crazy in Paris, and he should be 15 to 30 late.
2) How to act when you are late
The best solution is to take it easy. Stress would accentuate the problem.
Here is a process :
Even if you arrive angry, stay silent for a moment in front of the door and breathe calmly.
If necessary, check your outfit, your hairstyle.
Enter calmly.
Follow the rules of the presentations according to what the hostess will do.
If there are many people, a “good evening” discreet will be said to the crowd.
Only the persons expressly presented by the hostess will be greeted.
Isn’t it easy ?
« I have tried this process many times, thank you Umbert for all the advices ! », François B.
3) The next day
The best is to send a card the next day to excuse yourself, especially if you were enable to attend.
Then, invite the people for something fun, so they will apologize and forget.
Diane was so happy that Umbert called. Now she knows what to do : continue to shop the amazing dresses from the best designers in Saint -Germain, or watch the people going to the Paris Fashion Week to check their amazing outfits and get inspirations.
Umbert knows how to behave in all circumstances.
Do people care when you’re late ? Yes they do, so you have to know what to say.
What must be remembered : take it easy and follow the process, then everything will be fine. The worst would be to lie.
How to become irresistible ? Download now the free eBook, chapter Behave (only available this month).
Umbert has been to Comporta near Lisbon, with his friend Eduardo, to enjoy the Indian summer.
He now joins his friends from the US in Paris, to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family “in style”.
It’s a warm and privileged moment that he loves.
He takes the opportunity to make you discover The best November weekend in Paris.
Benefits of this coaching :
Best methodology to become irresistible
Innovative technique to unleash your charisma
Learn the new etiquette & manners
A better lifestyle
« Fall is winter’s spring », Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, French painter
« L’automne est le printemps de l’hiver », Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, peintre Français
In this article :
1) Day 1
Check-in : Four Seasons Hôtel Gorge V
Brunch : Le Bon Georges
Shopping : Vestiaire Général, L’Occitane
Hairdresser : Four Seasons Hôtel Gorge V
Diner : Apicius
Cocktail : Little Red Door
2) Day 2
Coffee & Croissants : Four Seasons Hôtel Gorge V
Exhibition : Basquiat & Egon Schiele à La Fondation Louis Vuitton
Brunch : Le Frank à la Fondation Louis Vuitton
Diner : Café de la Paix
Show : Jerome Robbins à l’Opéra Garnier, La Traviata à l’Opera Bastille
Cocktail : Lulu White
3) Day 3
Brunch : La Maison Rose
City tour : Montmartre
Coffee & tea : Four Seasons Hôtel Gorge V
When travelling to Paris Umbert recommends the travel guide Lonely Planet Paris. He likes it because it gives you a lot of details about the culture, monuments, maps, and other cool spots.You can buy it directly from link.
1) Day 1
Check-in
Four Seasons Hôtel George V, 31 avenue George V 75008 Paris
The excellence of the hotel industry, near the Champs-Élysées, ideal to discover Paris. Umbert likes to meet his friends at the hotel bar to chat, an essential Parisian meeting place. It is also the only palace to have 3 restaurants with 3 starred chefs.
Must-have restaurant for meat! A true Parisian “bistro” as in the past. Umbert loved the rabbit terrine with hazelnuts and the chicken stuffed with morels. A relaxed atmosphere very frenchie! Ideal for a Thanksgiving meal that lingers …
Vestiaire Général :environment friendly, this shop offers clothes with excellence and ethics. Umbert liked FDB Paris for their t-shirts, Bleu de Chauffe which favors a clean design for stylish and practical bags and Kost shoes. Vestiaire Général, 3 rue Victor Massé 75009 Paris
L’Occitane, 8 rue Halévy 75009 Paris
L’Occitane : the cosmetic line for men is very complete, Umbert uses: the after-shave balm Cade, the Immortelle Precious Cream for the face, the shampoo pure freshness, and especially the organic butter. L’Occitane, 8 rue Halévy 75009 Paris
Hairdresser 18:00 – 19:00
Four Seasons Hôtel George V, 31 avenue George V 75008 Paris
The George V Hotel has a new spa in a sumptuous Louis XVI style, a huge pool and a relaxation area with steam room. After enjoying the exceptional facilities, go to the hairdresser to prepare yourself for the evening.
Ranked 11th by the World’s Best Bar, you have to discover this hidden cocktail bar. Umbert appreciates the “Gin Beefater” and his friend Paul the “Whiskey Bulleit Rye”, blend of cognac, dates and violet tea.
Four Seasons Hôtel George V, 31 avenue George V 75008 Paris
Michelin starred chefs prepare an exceptional breakfast for Umbert and his friends. A fabulous French-American blend with waffles, croissants, seasonal fruits, salmon eggs and the best fruit juices.
Exposition Basquiat & Egon Schiele à la Fondation Louis Vuitton, 8 avenue du Mahatma Gandhi 75116 Paris
The exhibition Basquiat revives, through his works, the underground New York of the 1980s. A must see “Riding with Death” which expresses all the suffering of these years.
From New York to Vienna, to discover a revolution, the « Jugendstil”, through the four themes developed by Schiele.
Since May 5 1862, the Hotel de la Paix, later the InterContinental Paris le Grand, and the Café de la Paix are real institutions, famous throughout the world. Umbert loves the Second Empire elegance, frescoes and sumptuous gilding, facing the flamboyant Opéra-Garnier. Umbert and his friends will have a seafood feast!
Jerome Robbins à l’Opéra Garnier, 8 rue Scribe 75009 Paris
The Paris Opera pays homage to Jerome Robbins, by presenting ballets from the creator of the choreography of West Side Story. The energetic “Glass Pieces », the sweetness of “Afternoon of a Faun”, “A Suite of Dances” and the famous “Fancy Free ».
An extravagant “Belle Epoque” decoration for this cocktail bar, and a specialty: absinthe-based cocktails. Umbert advises the “Parrots in Picardie”. Forbidden 100 years ago, absinthe was made famous by the painter Van Gogh and the writer Verlaine. Today no more problem, the “Green Fairy”, because of the color of the leaves, is back.
Maurice Utrillo, French painter, has immortalized this little pink house in the heart of Montmartre which reflects the soul. Umbert likes to listen to the owner of this restaurant who tells his story while enjoying a delicious “Basquaise chicken” or octopus.
Take rue des Saules to admire the vineyards of Montmartre, the ghost of the house of Aristide Bruant, singer of La Belle Epoque, the Agile Rabbit, a cabaret whose history must be discovered, formerly “Cabaret of the Assassins,” then ” Rendez-vous of Thieves “, and finally St. Vincent Cemetery.
Norvins and Saint-Rustique streets are the center of the historical Montmartre, with old artists’ houses. Finally, a visit to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart is required.
Four Seasons Hôtel George V, 31 avenue George V 75008 Paris
Before leaving, Umbert is back at the Hotel Georges V, where the starred chefs will serve him the best high-tea ever, full of organic teas and amazing French pastries.
Umbert spent an amazing weekend with his close friends. So many memories, gifts and photos …
Umbert hopes that these tips will help you. “I always enjoy reading Umbert weekends in Paris, it makes me dream !”, Georges S.
The leaves of the trees have fallen, soon replaced by the Christmas lights. Umbert is already preparing the month of December which is fairy in Paris. Do not miss his next weekend in Paris!
What to remember: the French attach a lot of importance to their group of friends. It is often difficult and long to be part of it, but once accepted, this friendship lasts a very long time.
How to become irresistible ? Download now the free eBook Behave (only available this month).
The diner is over, the coffee is served, you have to know when to leave according to the New Etiquette.
Entering the room and make an amazing impression is very important to be irresistible.
But leaving the party in style too, so they remember you.
« Paris is a party », Ernest Hemingway, writer
« Paris est une fête », Ernest Hemingway, écrivain
In this article :
1) General rules
2) Leaving the table
3) What to say
4) The next days
1) General rules
When Umbert is invited, he always observes the other guests to know when he should leave.
So, when all the other guests have already left, he knows it’s time to thank the hosts and call a taxi back home.
French like parties that end at a late hour.But when you see the host is tired, you know it’s time to leave.
He stays just if the hosts asks for it, especially if the conversation is passionated.
Sometimes Umbert also invites friends. He rents one of the amazing reception rooms of a Parisian palace. He likes The Ritz for example, it remembers him the 90’s and the crazy parties there. He wants his guests to enjoy their evening until the end, so he remains cheerful and warm, even if it lasts until the early morning … He then accompanies his guests and thanks them for coming. Isn’t it all the charm of Paris and the French way of life ?
2) Leaving the table
First watch for the first signs of trouble or fatigue in the guests or hosts. On weekdays, think of the hosts who work the next day …
You cannot leave until the hostess (housewife) has stood up first, followed by the host (husband) and the other men who should push out the chairs of their neighbors.
Then place your unfolded towel on the right side of the plate.
Leave as discreetly as possible.
3) What to say
Do not leave without greeting or thanking the hosts.
A compliment to the hostess is always welcome.
Greet the other guests only if they get up too.
If it is very late, and there are still several guests, you can address a collective “Good night”, and warmly greet the hosts.
4) The next days
No matter the quality of the evening, you must thank the hostess the next day, by phone or with a thank you card.
It is imperative to invite the hosts in the next 1 to 2 months.
If you met people you like, invite them for the first time too.
Paris and its parties, Ernest Hemingway is right : « Paris is a party ».
Now you know How to leave the party in style so they remember you.
The dandy-chic, the laughs, the musique … it’s always fun, and Umbert and his male friends like to go there to seduce the pretty girls. Always in style !
What must be remembered : the way you leave is as important as the way you enter a room. Do it in style, thank the hosts, make a compliment, leave discreetly saying a general « Good night » most of the time.
Following a wonderful evening at Diane’s, Umbert must thank her for her invitation.
Say « thank you » is part of the international savoir-vivre. It also helps to maintain cordial relationships. It is a form of respect.
The fact that you decline or accept an invitation is not the problem, but you have to thank for the invitation, that’s the most important.
Thank you Dear ! Here is a Process on how to thank
“Politeness is for the mind what grace is for the face”, Voltaire, French philosopher
« La politesse est pour l’esprit ce qu’est la grâce pour le visage », Voltaire, philosophe Français
In this article :
1) What are the different types of “Thank you”
2) Thank before the party
3) Thank during the party
4) After the party
5) How to decline
1) What are the different types of “Thank you”
The automatic “thank you”, for example at a shopkeeper. It’s the one you use automatically.
“Thank you” says with his heart, to a friend or someone who is helping you.
The “thank you” for an invitation, that’s the one we are talking about.
The hypocrite or forced « thank you », try to avoid it, find a real excuse instead off playing.
2) Thank before the party
Answer as soon as possible to accept or refuse an invitation, in the 24 hours.
Answer through the same canal as the invitation.
So if it’s a card, answer with a card, if it’s online, answer online.
The card must be white, the ink color blue or black, stay neutral. Nevertheless, if you are a real artist, you can create something for the host.
Show that you are very happy to be invited.
Never asked if you can bring someone with you, unless it’s a friends party.
If you are on diet, that’s not a problem, just let the host know before. Same for allergies.
If you are a couple, don’t forget to mention the other person.
3) Thank during the party
Arrive 15 minutes after the official beginning of the party, and adapt you style to the dress code, it shows that you respect the host. Too early may disturb the host, too late is not respectful for the others.
Thank the host with a gift : chocolates for a diner, wine, flowers or something more personal if they are friends like a coffee table book.
If the host has children, bring something for the kids, the all family will appreciate.
You can send the gift before you arrive, bring it, or send it the next day.
Regarding the flowers, the best is to go in a nice flower shop, and ask some advices describing the host. Always stay neutral and chic. Add a thank you card.
After a dinner, leaving, thank your hosts for this wonderful evening. Make a compliment on the housekeeper’s attire, the dinner or the bouquets is always welcome.
For a particular moment such as a wedding or a baptism, things are more a protocole. You have to first thank with a card, then send a gift with another card.
Don’t make any gift if it is just a cocktail party. A thank you card will be enough.
4) After the party
Call your host the next day to thank, or send a handwritten « thank you » card.
Avoid the email, it is less friendly.
If you were the host, thank the guests for coming. Say a big thank you for the flowers, wines or chocolates they offered.
You have 1 month to thank everybody if it’s a wedding or baptism.
5) How to decline
You can answer that you thank the host for the invitation, you are very happy to be invited, but unfortunately … Never lie (people always find out later when you do), find something logic.
Always decline with a written card if possible, or a call.
If you are a couple, don’t forget to mention the other person. You both decline.
Umbert is now eager to return to Paris, where every evening a new invitation to a fabulous party amuses him.
The glamorous Paris, this city of glamorous parties amazes him every day.
Thank you Dear ! He will be able to use this Process on how to thank … more and more ..
What must be remembered : the most important is to thank in the 24 hours, never lie, use a written card if possible, and bring a gift.
When Umbert goes to the restaurant with his friends, they like to discover new dishes and try any new experiences.
For exemple he likes to go to The Ritz, and meet the famous chefs from the Escoffier School. This is his favorite place in Paris.
But sometimes some dishes requires different utensils, especially in France.
Here is list to know if Should you cut your steak with the oysters fork ? How to eat some dishes properly.
“Whoever does not eat at the table eats in the barn”, French proverb
« Celui qui ne mange pas à la table mange à l’étable », proverbe Français
In this articles :
Soup
Asparagus
Artichoke
Salad
Caviar
Oysters
Mussels
Lobsters
Sushis
Foie gras
Escargots
Omelet
Spaghetti
Fishes
Poultries
Sandwiches
Tacos
French fries
Cheese
Fruit pies
Chocolate cake
Orange
Pear/apple
Ice-cream
Soup : only with a spoon. You can now finish the plate by leaning backwards and slightly to the right (for right-handed) or left (left-handed).
Asparagus : you can eat them either with your fingers in an intimate dinner, either cut with its fork, leaving in the plate the harder part. If the asparagus are very thin : they can be folded in the middle with a knife and put in the mouth with a fork.
Artichoke : use to fingers to did the leaves in the vinaigrette sauce. Use your fork and knife to eat the heart.
Salad :the salad should not be cut with a knife. Take your fork to fold the large leaves. The host must serve cut leaves to avoid this problem.
Caviar : serve the caviar with the little spoon, then spread it on the toast or blinis. You can use your fork and knife, or your fingers, to eat the blinis.
Oysters :the oysters are eaten with elegance. It is necessary to take the shell in the left hand, to unhook the flesh with the oyster fork, and to suck it with the water from shell without making noise.
Mussels : hold the shell in the palm of your hand and use an empty shell as a pliers to detach the flesh.
Lobsters : the claws are cracked with a nutcracker. Take the meat with a seafood fork. If the piece is big you can use a knife to cut it into small pieces.
Sushis : you need some chopsticks. Pick up the sushis so it doesn’t break into pieces. Dip it into the soy sauce, eat part of it, then let the chopsticks on the table side by side. The best is to practice before with someone who will teach you. Advice from one of Umbert friend who is a well-known chef in Tokyo : “don’t put to much perfume before going to a sushi place, because the strong smell may modify the sushi taste and your experience.”
Foie gras : do not spread it. In France, it is eaten with a fork, with a piece of toast. In England, cut a piece and place it delicately on a piece of bread.
Escargots : hold the shell in tongs, use a snail held and remove the snail from the shell. Use the fork to dip the bread in the garlic butter.
Omelet : the omelet is cut and eaten only with the fork.
Spaghetti : never cut with a knife. Wrap them around a fork.
Fishes : for the soft fishes use the fish cutlery. Split the fish with the fish knife from head to tail and lift the nets. If the flesh is hard use the cutlery especially the knife.
Poultries : detach the flesh with the knife and fork. Never use your fingers. Do not suck the bones. When can you use your fingers exceptionally ? Caution: provide a finger rinse (warm water with a lemon slice or mint leaf) : ortolans, quail wings, wings of young pigeons, frog legs.
Sandwiches : tea sandwiches are eaten with the fingers. For the other ones, even club-sandwich, you can use a fork if they are not cut already.
Tacos : you can use your fingers.
French fries : do not use your fingers. Prick them with a fork.
Cheese : present it, it is possible to leave the label. Warning: the Camembert never stays in its box as pretty as it is. Cut it if it is round into sections. If it is square: it is sliced. If it is in a semicircle : it is cut into a triangle. To eat cut a piece and put it on a small piece of bread. You can use your fingers or cheese fork and knife.
Fruit pies : the fruit pies can be enjoyed with the desert spoon. If a pie is made with puff pastry, you can use a dessert knife to keep it from breaking.
Chocolate cake : the chocolate cake can leave traces around the mouth. Remember to wipe your lips, especially before drinking, so you won’t stain the glass.
Orange : cut the bark, detach it and separate the quarters by hand.
Pear/Apple : cut the fruit in four, peel with a knife and a fork and eat with a fork.
Ice-cream : you can eat ice-creams and sorbets with a desert spoon.
There are many other dishes, cutleries and flatware, especially if you travel in different countries.
So now you know if you should cut your steak with the oysters fork ? And How to eat some dishes properly.
Umbert will bring you in some amazing restaurants and cafés in Paris, with more advices to come during his monthly Weekends.
