The Victorian Era came with calling cards to introduce yourself to your host. The closest thing we have to do that today is business cards but we are talking social not business here.

In those days, people would be properly announced when entering the home of the host and hostess of a dinner party. Gone too, are the Victorian dinner party etiquette manuals for hosting or attending such a dinner. Granted, those days had butlers and one spoke delicately about domestic solicitude, and when the servers took away plates and such, they moved as if they were wearing soft ballet shoes, so light was their touch and attitude as they moved noiselessly about. Guests on the other hand basically pretended that the domestics were not even there.

Today, the emphasis is no longer on the pretentiousness of the Victorian era, but rather making sure that both guests and hosts are relaxed, and that they enjoy each other, without interruptions by graceless and boorish behavior. This means that etiquette is still around but do know that good manners are still in fashion.

The necessity for inviting guests to a dinner party used to require that they were engraved on beautiful stationary and hand delivered by a servant. For a guest to respond to the invitation it was required that you respond immediately to the host with a formal response as well. Today we do not require that level of formality for anything other than a wedding or other formal affair but that does not mean that we have been reduced to the lack of consideration by using email for our invitations either.

It was customary to dress in your finest during Victorian times, but now, many dinner party invitations now stipulate a more relaxed atmosphere and may say that it is casual dress. We have retained, though, the etiquette that one should never dress in a manner that one ups ones host or hostess.

Good manners, also means that an invitation to a dinner party usually requires that you will give the hosts a small gift, such as flowers, or wine. Too, you will show up on time, not overly early, nor any later than ten minutes or so. Men should still seat their lady. Good manners also dictate that you use your napkin properly, and allowing the hosts to begin the meal by unfolding their napkin still signals that the meal has begun.

The act of a man standing when a lady rises from the table is not an outdated custom and still considered polite today. An area of custom that was never part of the etiquette rules are how we address technology. When entering a host’s home it is polite to turn off your ringer of all cell phones and only accept emergency phone calls. If you are expecting a potential emergency call it is polite to inform your host upon your arrival. Keeping your phone on vibrate in case of potential issues with babysitters is acceptable but keep in mind that should a call come in during your dinner party you are required to excuse yourself to a private location and not take the call in the presence of others.

Hosts need to be as ready as possible, anticipating that the food service will be taken care of properly, and if you need to adjust whats being served for special diets, do it graciously. Neither host nor guest should ever drink to excess.

Everyone commits a social blunder or faux pas every once in awhile. The trick when an error occurs is not to allow it to ruffle your feathers but instead make amends quickly and then move on with the occassion. Maintaining good manners as a guest will ensure that your social calendar is constantly being added to and you can enjoy all social occasions without any stress or worry.

Many people ask how to make every party go off without a hitch. Although they may think that everything is going perfectly, in the past there have been several party mishaps, but fortunately, the hostess kept her cool and thought things through, and the party guests never suspected a thing. That is the key to throwing the perfect party, keeping your cool.

If an issue arises during the party don’t bring it up, most guests won’t notice if a certain item is missing, only the host or hostess will know. Arrange for additional food and drinks in case of extra guests, something burns or is dropped. Have an idea of where the food items will be placed on the table, make a drawing to help visualize. If there is any mechanical involvement make sure that is working prior to arrival of guests.

Borrowing dishes, devices, etc for the party should be done as soon as possible so those items are there the day of the party. If someone else is supposed to bring ice or something similar they may forget it so have those items on your own. Make plans so that all the setup is done early.

Planning ahead for food allows more creativity in the menu, as lots of menu items can be prepared early and refrigerated. This allows for time to do other items the day of the party. There may be some simple preparation that others can help with while more complex chores are handled by the host or hostess. Self serve is the best arrangement so the host or hostess are able to spend their time socializing instead of serving the guests.

Finally remember, that it is not about throwing a party without problems, but about making it seem as if it is flawless, even when it is not.

Like I have said before, I am no Gourmet Chef or expert on fine Cruise. I do how ever know what I like. Recently Me and a Buddy of mine stopped at the Meson Ole Diner in Southampton on Long Island in NY, A Mexican and Spanish Restaurant.

Some of you may know I am a Biker, As any Biker knows some times the greetings we get when we walk into a place can be a look of “Oh No” and a half hearted “can I help you?”, Is it right? Well of course not, but that’s a different article. The Greeting We got at Meson Ole was a very warm friendly one and we felt welcomed in.

The Decor of the place was great and you could almost believe you where some where down in Mexico. We where promptly brought over some Nachos and Salsa and some fresh hot Bread and Butter. We ordered a Pitcher of Sangria, A drink I do not believe I have ever had before but I enjoyed none the less!

We ordered a Bunch of food and the Service was pretty fast. Now even the best service means nothing if the food is not good, Well the food was incredible. We ordered a set up where you made your own Pepper Steak Burritos and also a plate of Ham and Cheese Burritos. It was all made to perfection, The Pepper Steak was served in a separate pan and it was still sizzling when it was placed safely on the table ! I could not have been happier with the taste and preparation of the food! While we where enjoying the meal the waiter made sure we where happy at all times. When the Bread was finished more was served to us. We ate so much ran out of Burrito wraps, That is not a complaint because as soon as it was notice more where quickly brought to the Table.

eat at many places as I really love to eat, But some times I come across a place like the Meson Ole Dinner where I feel I must share the experience with others! I was happy to find out that the Meson Ole has 8 locations across Long Island NY and two in Naples Florida (That’s a bit of a big jump in the Chains Locations) Good food can sometimes be hard to find, Both Great Food and Great service at one place can be almost imposable to find these days! So If you are a fan of Mexican and Spanish Cuisine check out the Meson Ole Diners in the Long Island NY area or when you are near Naples, Florida and let me know what you think of them.

Your Bro L.J. James AmericanBikerX.com Listen to LJs Radio Show at BikerLowDown.com