Cultural leisure time

Cultural leisure time
In the previous articles we made ourselves familiar with the basic rules of etiquette, such as how to make an introduction, how to behave in public places, etc. However, there is much more to learn as possessing of etiquette practices helps make a positive impression both by means of looking good and speaking well, and also by having cultural leisure time in a proper manner.
We all like to have leisure time. At the same time, we all have different tastes and preferences when it comes to it. Today we will review various approaches to leisure time from the etiquette perspective.
Public events with dances
A party with friends is obviously very much different vs. a gala night in a formal setting. When organising a party, one should not disturb the neighbourhood – once this factor has been taken into account, the rest is just about turning on the music and dancing as much as you want.
However, different rules come into play if dances are of public nature:
Men should invite women for dances – if she does not accept an invitation, then she should also do so when it comes to everything else
Invitation for a dance and apologies in case of refusal should be considered as bound for men
Quick tip for men – in case a woman accepted your invitation, don’t keep her very close to your body while dancing. The distance between the dance partners should be corresponding to the standards of the type of dance
One should also keep personal hygiene in mind
You can talk while dancing. It is also okay to keep silence as well if you either can’t figure out what to talk about or you are not yet familiar with the partner’s interests
Once the dance is over, please thank your partner
In case you just don’t know how to dance properly specific type of dances – just dance as you wish. Of course, if you get tired – try to have a break… Having light and pleasant chats is also one of the attributes of a dance night.
It is also a common practice to make an introduction before inviting anyone for a dance, especially when it comes to a formal event.
Having meal al fresco
In case you want to organise a meal outside of your house, you should find a good place with fresh air and make sure that it is convenient.
Usually, a table is organised under a tree with a table cover of various and funny colours. Glasses and baskets with tableware and napkins are placed on the table
Garden meal menu usually excludes fat courses and has various vegetables, crudities, cooled drinks and fruits. Guests serve and accommodate themselves as convenient
As briefly mentioned above, table covers should be of various bright colours so that the whole table setup harmonises with the environment. Also, table ceramics will be a good substitute for porcelain as well as bright plastics – for glass
Summerhouse and garden tables are served in a different manner vs. in-house: everything should look much easier and your guests would likely be okay in case there is some element of tableware missing on the table; at the same time, you would excuse your guests for taking food with their own hands – such approach creates an undemanding atmosphere. Stepping slightly away from formal rules is absolutely normal – in a scenario of a meal al fresco great mood is much more important as compared to complicated rules and dishes, for example
Do not invite more quests than you can realistically serve and keep in mind that fresh air warms-up appetite
Create entertainment programs such as games, competitions and other activities which will bring life and energy to the process. You can distribute roles between guests beforehand, but do not insist and make it obligatory in case someone wants to stay aside. Try to work it out in a way that corresponds to the interests and sense of humour of the audience

Personal invitation to a home meal
Invitation is a great honour and it also means that you have been selected and you are wanted to be shared a holiday with, which is very pleasant. A written invitation must not be left without any answer to it.
In case you were invited and accepted the invitation – it will be great disrespect not to actually come. You must find every opportunity to inform an inviter with regards to your refusal, at least two days before the meeting date
It is not a good manner not to invite in return people which you often visit yourself – it does not necessarily have to be your place, it can be anything else such as a coffee shop, a restaurant, outing
Once you have accepted an invitation, do not ask: “Great! Who else is coming?” – a person who invited you will tell you in case he or she feels it is proper to do so
Once you are in the inviter’s house – don’t look carefully around, don’t judge on what is inside. It would make much more sense to see instead how you are being treated
Accept a meal which you are being offered – there should be no hesitation around it. Although, when it comes to alcohol – you may feel free to do so
Have as much great leisure times as possible – do it in a cultural manner, it is so much fun and interesting! Good luck!

Kristina Angel,
life coach, psychologist and trainer of international etiquette.