Celebrity Encounters Turn Awkward at Exclusive Social Gatherings Recently
A senior citizen is seeking advice on how to decline Christmas invitations from a friend. The invitations are to events where the guest list consists of couples, and the women do not seem to get along with the senior.
The individual is looking for a polite way to turn down the invitation without causing offense. In response, it is suggested that a simple expression of gratitude for the invitation, along with a regretful decline, is sufficient.
In a separate matter, a person has noticed that some event invitations they receive have “By Hand” written in the lower right-hand corner of the envelope. This notation allegedly indicates that the invitation was hand-delivered by the sender.
The use of this phrase is being questioned, with some viewing it as pretentious. However, it may also be seen as a sign of the sender’s extra effort and potential distrust of the postal service.
A dining etiquette question has also been raised, regarding the proper placement of utensils when salad is served simultaneously with the main course. In one instance, a host placed the salad fork to the left of the regular fork, and guests used two separate forks during the meal.
It is generally recommended that one fork be used per course, dispelling the notion that etiquette is overly complicated or intended to confuse.