Comments on: SP on TV

By: Easy and Elegant Life

Easy and Elegant Life — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:00:36 +0000

Dear SP,
I don’t know why I hadn’t come up with the short and perfect answer that you advise. “I’m sorry, we don’t allow children at our dinner parties; thank you for understanding.”

I think that in an effort to avoid causing offence, I’ve forgotten how to be — politely — direct.

Thank you,
C

By: Easy and Elegant Life

Easy and Elegant Life — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:53:32 +0000

Well played.

I have a situation that may warrant a post. I’m afraid to go off on a screed as the transgressors may be reading my blog and I’d hate to offend… but…

Recently Mrs. E. and I have had a number of friends who also have children invite them along after an invitation to the parents to come to dinner. We try (politely) reminding them that our children are in bed by 7:30 and that would leave no entertainment for their progeny. Mrs. E. goes on to say that we were hoping to spend some “adult time” with our friends the parents.

My question is two-fold: is this a new thing? And is there a less sticky way of asking that children stay at home?

Thanks for your thoughts SP.

Dear C,
I will tell you of a recent experience of mine in hopes that the telling will offer a little illumination. I was throwing a dinner party for a friend’s birthday recently, a sit-down, catered (SP does not cook), staffed affair. Several of the guests called to ask if they could bring their children. I responded that while I would love nothing better than seeing you run around chasing your children at my dinner party, I would appreciate your full attention and engagement of the company assembled. As would our guest of honor. So please, leave the kiddies at home. I do not understand people that drag their progeny everywhere they go. It seems to me there is somthing lacking in a life that is not lived among intelligent company. If your guests are too dense to appreciate this fact, it is absolutely correct to inform them of your wishes. No children at a dinner party. Thank you.
Cordially,
SP

By: tartanscot

tartanscot — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:25:51 +0000

firstly – great job. those tv interviews are always kind of gruesome to get through . . . lol.
but, seriously, that one anchor could CLEARLY use some etiquette lessons – but you rose above the fray and presented yourself and the material very well.

kudos,
scot

By: CashmereLibrarian

CashmereLibrarian — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:46:09 +0000

Very nice, SP (“dude”), but what is up with those reporters!?

By: Peter

Peter — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:08:13 +0000

You are being too hard on your performance. I think you actually did a better job than the reporter who was hosting the segment!

Thanks, Peter. But I must say Allie was a real pro and a master at putting me at ease. She made the whole thing enjoyable and tolerable at 5:00 AM.

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 08:05:41 +0000

Interesting to see, but I must say this etiquette differs from what is common and accepted in Europe.

By: Max

Max — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 23:12:59 +0000

I agree on your graceful handling of moments that could have gone awkwardly awry very easily. Kudos!

By: Gentleman Mac

Gentleman Mac — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:41:13 +0000

Great exposure for SP; I think you handled it much more elegantly than I could have during the less “structured” moments. But, of course, that is how a gentleman should behave: have the ability to adapt and look good doing it.