Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[amigov6]

 :)Peeling out a few do'nuts on the parade ground whist swigging your 3rd bottle of Moet and shouting "Oi, stick this on youtube" might not go down too well.
    If you feel in need of support we could arrange an impromptu OOF meet..............................................................won't show you up, honest!!!!!!!!!!!! [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]

[Auto Addict]

Lady Golfbuddy and I have been invited to a Senior NCO's mess dinner next weekend and I was wondering what special etiquette we would need to observe for this kind of occasion.

The dress is full mess kit for the members and black tie for guests. I am not a total stranger to formal dinner occasions but would welcome some advice from anyone with some experience of these affairs.

I believe that it is expected that we don't leave the table once everyone is seated and that touching the breasts of the lady sat to your left is frowned upon but, other than that is there anything else I should be aware of?

I think your dear lady would be better off in a evening dress.

[Jim]

Just copy everyone else

Thats what I do

[Auto Addict]

Another good idea is when a lady on the top table puts her soup spoon to her mouth, is to go Sllluurrrp, behind your hand very loudly.

[Entwood]

If you get the chance, make yourself known to the CMC (Chairman of the Mess Committee) at the "pre-dinner" drinks ( and go easy on those as they lead to un-authorised absences ..more on those later !) and explain your "newness" ... he will then be more lenient on transgressions ....you hope ...  

Any breaches of "mess etiquette" are usually dealt with in the form of "fines", the most common "fine" being a bottle of port. Leaving the table without permission is the most obvious crime, as is starting to eat too soon, drinking from the "wrong" glass, and anything else the CMC can dream up.. all done in the sense of "banter" and enjoyment.

At the end of the meal the Port is passed ALWAYS to the left, and the decanter must NEVER touch the table..  serious breaches of tradition to do otherwise. Do NOT drink the Port until the Loyal Toast is taken. all decanters are the "property" of "Mr Vice" .. if you like Port get close to him as he will replenish glasses as he sees fit !!   It is at this point that fines are paid .. and the fines added to the decanters....

The after dinner chat/stories/banter is as much a part of a Ladies Dining In Night as the meal itself.

Above all .. relax and enjoy ... I know you will have a great time

[omegaman2]

a quick gentlemans excuse me is not on especially when theres tartare sauce around :exclamation