Social Primer

A reader writes: Hello SP, I recently threw a large, catered cocktail party where many of the guests arrived with a thoughtful "hostess gift" -- a term my mother used to refer to the bottles of wine, boxes of chocolates, etc., proffered by guests upon arriving at a private party. However, only a minor fraction of my guests contacted me after the party with a thank you call, email, or card, which I find puzzling as most of my friends have what I ... Read More

SP takes a fair share of heat.  When there is an SP feature in a newspaper’s online version or on a blog, oh Lord do they come for me in the comments section. As you can imagine the fate of anyone who deigns to assess civil behavior, the positions staked on this domain are pretty much sitting ducks for anyone with even questionable aim. In the past, I have never responded to defend myself, but now someone has stomped on my turf ... Read More

You’ve all heard SP wax on about tailgating, the smell of good Kentucky Bourbon, and the sis boom bah of a rocking stadium. SP loves a college football game.  And on game day of a huge rivalry, there is nothing that is quite as exciting. The early rise and getting ready for the tailgate, pulling together all the provisions you will need for the day ahead. Not only must one consider the weather, but also the walking, the sitting, the revelry. Between ... Read More

SP has written, on many an occasion, of his love for the Go Cup, or Roadie to some. It is the essential partner to any aspiring bon vivant. What do you think makes us so social and eager to meet you? Booze, baby. And where do you keep that booze? In a Go Cup. And heretofore the roadie of choice has always been, and will remain, the classic red Solo cup. This icon will never be replaced in roadie lore, so embrace ... Read More

As you know we like to debunk the myths here on SP and now the institution of classical music has landed in our sight. The myth being that classical music is an exclusive enclave for the rich or the gray-haired country club set and therefore inaccessible to Average Joe. This is not to imply that a night at the philharmonic  or chamber music recital will compare to swilling Budweiser center field at the Talledega 500. Or for that matter staving off ... Read More

Now that the season is upon us, get out there and enjoy the culture. If you are invited to the philharmonic or a chamber music performance, don't be intimidated if you've never been. Herewith a simple list of what to expect and how to prepare. Rules Familiarize before you go - Find the music or video of the performance on the internet and listen to the work ahead of time to familiarize yourself with the music. You know, just like you would do if ... Read More

A friend wrote to me the other day saying he witnessed a most unfortunate incident during a business lunch recently. At the table next to him were seated an older gentleman with a younger chap. By the nuggets of overheard conversation, the two were obviously engaged in an employment interview situation and it was Chappy the Younger who was auditioning for the job. My friend says that Chappy was well-dressed, articulate, seemed to have a grasp of the occupation’s vernacular and was ... Read More

How many times do you receive an invitation to an event and the dress code says something like this? Business casual. Or semi-casual. Or cocktail attire. Here’s a new one I just received printed on an invitation today. Dressy cocktail attire. Honestly. What the hell is going on? Are we so inured to the omnipresence of t-shirts and flip flops that we don’t have any idea what to wear to things? And it isn’t only our fault. When hostesses run about making ... Read More

Oh, no.  SP just took a gander at the calendar and sees the future all too clearly. Summer is almost over and soon, much too soon, we will kiss her goodbye. Yes, SP is sentimental now and you’ll just have to stay with me through the molasses. Summer, we really love her and the bounty she brings: Independence Day parades, watermelon, corn on the cob, sailing, seafood, linen, parties, full moons, music festivals, entertaining on the front porch, summer houses, old friends, ... Read More

First of all a yacht is just a fancy word for any boat bigger than a skiff. Defined as a vessel used for private cruising, racing, or other non-commercial purposes, sailboats, motor boats, pontoon boats, and yes, Aristotle Onassis’s Christina are all considered yachts. Do not let the word -- or the invitation -- intimidate you. There is nothing greater in SP’s mind than a day spent on the water on board a beautiful boat sailing the bounding main. Tasty drinks, beautiful ... Read More