AboutAmanda Gamble Expertise I will answer any etiquette question you`d care to ask!
I will be happy to give friendly non-judgmental advice on any situation.
If your question is rude,incoherent or demands I confirm your "victim" story,
I reserve the right to refuse to answer. Life is too short.
Certain cultures and customs are not part of my personal
experience,but I will research to get the needed answer.
Time specific questions may or may not get answered by your deadline.
Experience I have been writing a daily etiquette advice column for 8 years.
I have taught as well as given lectures on the subject.
Question Hello,
I always get nervous going out for meal dates as I feel like I'm going to do something to embarrass myself. Could you please give me some advice on what to wear for formal/non-formal meals, like what is appropriate to wear to a nice Italian restaurant? Also, could you please tell me everything that I need to know when I'm at a restaurant like if I should put the napkin on my lap/what I should do/anything I need to know? Also, I am going on a formal dinner date and to the ballet in about two weeks -- what would you recommend that I wear and what should I know about etiquette regarding going to the ballet? Thank you very much for your help!
Answer Dear Suzanne,
OKAY--part two! You've made it to the theatre a half
an hour before the curtain. THEY will have a coat check!
Get your programs from the usher who will show you to your
seats,again you go first. If for some weird reason there
is no usher,MD goes first to help you negotiate the stairs,
aisles all that. Look at the program now,unwrap cough drops
now..not during the performance.
If you are late to the theater you won't be seated until
intermission.
Applause applause,lights come up..Intermission! You
should follow your date's lead here. Some people wait
in their seats,most do go out to stretch their legs..
Drinks of all kinds are generally available in the lobby.
Stand around talking about what you've just seen,etc.,etc..
5 or 10 minutes before the performance is to begin again,a
chime will sound or the lights will blink to let you know
it's time to go back in...rest of the performance,applause
applause..coats,entering the car..all the stuff you already
know.
I don't think that I have missed anything,but again,if
there are specific questions that you feel that I did not
address,let me know! I will be happy to do what I can to
prepare you for the big evening. Alot of it is common
sense,it just halps to go over the order of what will
come up.
Best regards,
Amanda Gamble
