Couple celebrates marriage at a reception in Oklahoma City
Carroll Mayfield, Blake and Roger Dahlgren, Maggie, Jeremiah, and Karen Mayfield enjoy the party for newly-weds Maggie and Jeremiah Mayfield. (Photo by David Faytinger).
Maggie and Jeremiah Mayfield, Dallas, Tx.,were honored at a reception on Aug. 21 given by his parents, Karen and Carroll Mayfield.
The party was in Karen and Carroll Mayfield’s Val Verde home where musicians played and dozens of pink roses decorated the dessert table that was filled with homemade fudge and cakes. Pink chiffon, satin and organdy materials decorated the buffet table where a shrimp and pasta dinner was set up.
The Dallas couple celebrated their marriage which was July 31 in Vail, Colo.
Among those at the party were Barbara and Ralph Thompson, Helen and Ralph Mason, Barbara and Dick Kerrick, Karen and Roger Dahlgren, Blake Dahlgren, Pat and Terry Hare, Cheryl and Mike Johnson, Pat and Ray Broadfoot, Jackie and Ted Wolfe and Helen and David Cotten.
Parties Extra! has party cakes, Ruth’s Sweete Justice Bakery and Tour de Palate Gala
Ruth Rickey and Jill Hull talk about the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Gala, Tour de Palate.
Chaos in the grocery store? 20-40-60 answers
YOU ASK…WE ANSWER…YOU DECIDE
QUESTION: While at a grocery store checkout line on different occasions, I have seen children who I assume are siblings physically fighting with each other while the parent is on a cell phone or distracted in some way.
At least one time, the punching was so hard it looked like it was hurting one of the kids. Do I glare at the parent and hope he or she gets off the phone, glare at the children and hope they stop, verbally interfere with the altercation, ignore it or handle it some other way?
CALLIE’S ANSWER: Not your place. But if it bothers you enough, step in. Maybe calmly try to calm the kids down.
If the mother gets mad, back off and get someone else involved. You should know what to do based on each situation, use your good instincts.
LILLIE-BETH’S ANSWER: I’m not sure this is your business to handle. Irritating and disturbing? Yes! But requiring your interference? No. I’m not condoning ignoring children while they kill each other. The minute weapons come out, it’s time to get involved.
But realistically, what kind of horrible things are going to happen in a checkout line? It’s up to parents to decide how they want to handle their kids, and if that includes ignoring them, so be it.
Your involvement in a brief moment in a line isn’t going to change their upbringing; it’s only going to antagonize a parent who may react against you instead of against their children who are misbehaving. It’s too bad the parents aren’t stopping the behavior.
If you feel you have to do something, an angry or stern glare at the parents or the children acting up or both might be enough to get your point across, if they truly are in the wrong. If they’re getting in your shopping cart or their fighting is threatening your family, then step in and stop it.
However, many of us think we’re better parents when it’s not our kids involved. Just ask the mom whose child is having a sudden meltdown in the grocery store what kind of disapproving looks she gets. Ask yourself if you’re doing the same thing by inserting yourself into a family situation in the checkout line about which you know little, and try to give the harried parent some sort of grace.
We all need it from time to time.
HELEN’S ANSWER: Going to the grocery store with small children is hard. It is hard enough to figure out what you need and how much it costs, but if someone else’s children are bothering you by running down the aisle in front of you or fighting with an intent to hurt, I think it is ok to step in with a word or two…“Hey, you two, settle down.” Maybe that will get the parent’s attention. It will certainly get the children’s attention.
I have heard mothers pacify their children by offering some reward “if they behave.” Sometimes that works, sometimes it does not.
But, truly, it is not your place to discipline the mother and the children. Just get through your shopping, go the other way, and hope that the mother learns to set down rules ahead of time and sticks to them or learns to immediately leave the store if the children are disturbing others.
GUEST’S ANSWER: Matt Price, Features Editor: If you think someone is being hurt in front of you, then of course you have to step in. But if the fighting is just annoying, or loud, you could try talking to the parent.
Something as simple as “It looks like you brought your helpers with you” will help her realize that the kids are being disruptive.
And genuinely try to be nice instead of being judgmental. The parent will realize that her kids are affecting other people — she probably just zones them out at this point — and will try to make them more presentable.
Callie Gordon, a college junior, was a 2009 debutante and has been in many new social situations recently. Lillie-Beth Brinkman is a former debutante and currently the assistant features editor for The Oklahoman. Helen Wallace has written a social column for The Oklahoman for many years and has been on various local Ball committees. Guest Matt Price is The Oklahoman’s Features Editor.
This group does not always agree (via age differences), but they ALL see the need for proper behavior.
Ask a specific etiquette question and you will get three answers…Then you decide for yourself how you would handle the situation. The answers have information for every age range….Callie is 20-ish; Lillie-Beth is 40-something, and Helen is 60-plus.
Please email us with your questions and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and daily blogs. We will try to answer your etiquette questions weekly on the Parties Extra! blog. Sometimes we will ask other people for their opinions.
Look for us!
helen.wallace@cox.net…lbrinkman@opubco.com… calliezok3@aol.com
Red Bull’s “Art of Can” exhibit comes to Oklahoma City
Red Bull’s “Art of Can” is a national art show featuring professional and amateur artists with work inspired by or created with Red Bull cans.
To celebrate the exhibit’s arrival in Oklahoma, members of Allied Arts and Red Bull, will have a party on the new rooftop patio in Automobile Alley. Guests will enjoy the private preview of the art, gourmet foods, DJ Moody and Red Bull drinks.
The event is August 27 from 7 until 10 p.m. on the Rooftop patio, 1015 N Broadway. Tickets are $20. in advance and $25. at the door and are available online or by phone at 278-8944. Visit 222.alliedartsokc.com/events. Proceeds benefit Allied Arts.
The exhibit has been in Dallas, Miami, Chicago and Boston.
Lauren Steakley honored at tabletop shower and luncheon in Oklahoma City
Bride-to- be Lauren Steakley, left, with Linda Roberts, Susan Sadler and Libby Steakley, was honoree at a tabletop shower and luncheon in the home of Linda James. (Photos by Helen Ford Wallace).
Bride-to- be Lauren Steakley was honoree at a tabletop shower and luncheon in the home of Linda James.
Co-hostesses were Georgene Blaschke, Barbie Borlaug, Timi Burch, Patty Cohenour, Dee Harris, Susan Hoffman, Sue Homsey, Kathy Loggie, Grenda Moss and Nancy Rowntree.
Steakley and Tucker Brollier will be married in September.
Among the guests at the party were Cheryl Browne, Laura Kirkpatrick, Sarah Pruellage, Barbara Beeler, Whitney Moss, Emily Blaschke, Judy Lehmbeck, Libby Steakley, Linda Roberts, Candy Ainsworth, Mary Sue Shelley, Connie Givens, Kanela Huff and Helen Sullivan.
The menu included Larry Brannon’s chicken salad, rolls and a huge fruit tray and vegetable tray and flower-bedecked petit fours.
The hostesses gave the honoree a Simon Pearce crystal bowl filled with various colors of stock.
Sarah Pruellage, Barbie Borlaug and Whitney Moss talk at the party.
Laura Kirkpatrick and Emily Blaschke are in the line for party food during the luncheon honoring their friend, Lauren Steakley.
Linda Roberts is greeted by party hostess, Linda James.
Mother of the bride, Libby Steakley, is surrounded by her friends.
Lauren Steakley gets in the lunch line.
Jane Thompson and Lana Lopez talk about Wine, Women & Shoes on Parties Extra!
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Sports manners? The Pioneer Woman-Ree Drummond- and 20-40-60 etiquette team answers
QUESTION: Help! Football season is coming up again and my best friend and I (and our families) root for opposing teams that usually play each other during the year. Sometimes we go to the game together or watch it on television.
What are some mannerly ways to approach this? I always seem to get mad when the other team scores and only love my team, but after the game is over, I usually feel bad that I was not as good of a sports fan as I should have been. Tell me how to be a better football fan.
CALLIE’S ANSWER: It is always fun and games! Remember that it is just a game, whether the other person is being a sore winner/loser let them be. Let them look bad! Don’t be the annoying football fan!
Scream, yell, and have fun! GO SOONERS!!
LILLIE-BETH’S ANSWER: It’s really fun to watch a football game when you passionately care about the outcome. Things get intense at our house when a certain team plays, and we love being totally into each play, the players and the final score. That intensity is a good thing when it means you’re loyal to your team and want good things to happen; it’s quite the opposite when you’re wishing bad things to happen to the opposing side.
Is that what happens when you’re with your friend? Do you talk trash about your friend’s team and celebrate opposing players’ missteps, bad plays or worse, like injuries? If so, tone it down and show some respect.
Recognize that those rooting for the other side care as much about their team as you care about yours. Start by finding ways to compliment the other team on a good play (after all, in every game, both sides make good and bad plays).
Be graceful and considerate whether your team wins or loses. Find common ground in the good food, camaraderie and the atmosphere. Enjoy your friendship.
Sometimes it’s a fine line between cheering for your team’s success and gloating over the opponent’s failure. Don’t talk trash when you’re in mixed company that includes fans for both teams. If you have to, leave the snide comments for when you’re alone with fans who are hoping for the same team to win that you are.
HELEN’S ANSWER: My University of Oklahoma football team is the very best! In the past I have shown zero tolerance for other teams (even if they are better than my team), but I do realize there are others out there who love their teams too. Too bad. I try to be around people of like minds when watching the game in person or on television because I am obnoxious.
But with that being said and since this question has been raised by one of our readers, I will devote this football season to better manners during games and to being a better sports fan. I will refrain from booing the other team, will never say bad things about Texas and will engage others (of the opposite team) watching with me in polite conversation.
Maybe our reader can join me in striving for better sports manners.
The Pioneer Woman
GUEST’S ANSWER: Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman. This dilemma could not be more relevant in my own household, because my husband and I attended different Pac-10 schools. When our two teams play together, things are tense; on one hand, I know how much he loves his alma mater and wants to win. On the other hand, I want my team to pummel and dominate his team (and it usually does. Sorry, Honey!)
What I’ve found through much trial and error (and strife and therapy) is that if I both lay off the trash-talking and remain willing to throw my husband the occasional “that was a good play” when his team does well, it goes a long way toward saving our marriage from football rivalry-related disaster…at least for one more season.”
Callie Gordon, a college junior, was a 2009 debutante and has been in many new social situations recently. Lillie-Beth Brinkman is a former debutante and currently the assistant features editor for The Oklahoman. Helen Wallace has written a social column for The Oklahoman for many years and has been on various local Ball committees. Guest Ree Drummond is The Pioneer Woman, author of a world famous blog of that name. She has also written a cookbook called The Pioneer Woman Cooks and authored a book called Black Heels to Tractor Wheels to be released in February. thepioneerwoman.com
This group does not always agree (via age differences), but they ALL see the need for proper behavior.
Ask a specific etiquette question and you will get three answers…Then you decide for yourself how you would handle the situation. The answers have information for every age range….Callie is 20-ish; Lillie-Beth is 40-something, and Helen is 60-plus.
Please email us with your questions and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and daily blogs. We will try to answer your etiquette questions weekly on the Parties Extra! blog. Sometimes we will ask other people for their opinions.
Look for us!
helen.wallace@cox.net…lbrinkman@opubco.com… calliezok3@aol.com
Chi Omega alumni’s fund-raiser “Fashion For A Passion” is coming up
Chi Omegas, Myrla Pierson, Lori Hill and Timmye Donnell, talk about upcoming fund-raiser on Parties Extra!
DOWN IN FRONT? 20-30-40-50-60 men answer on 20-40-60 Etiquette Extra
With football season fast approaching, we received this question. 20-40-60 decided to give it to the men. These men were chosen strictly because we thought they might give us an answer.
Question: What do you do when you are at the football game and in front of you is a tall or large person that has no consideration for the person behind them (like me as I am short) and they stand up most of the game and ignore me when I ask them to please sit down?
It is almost better to say at home and watch the game on television. I have season tickets, so it is the same obnoxious person every game.
Nick Tankersley
20’s: Nick Tankersley’s answer: I guess the simple answer would be to bring it up with the person in front of you. Maybe you could switch seats or an arrangement can be made when you are at the game.
You never know, they could be very understanding of your issue.
If they aren’t, talk to the ticket office about the issue and see if there is a way that you can have your season tickets traded for another set (this would be an easier thing to accomplish during a bad season).
Ford Sanger
30’s: Ford Sanger’s answer: In my opinion, if the person paid for the season ticket, they can stand the entire game if they choose. You have done all you can if you ask the person to please sit during the game.
If the person keeps standing, it is your right to find a new seat or you can watch the game from home like discussed in the question. If they are standing on the bench or the actual seat, that is a different story. You have the right to get an arena official and complain.
From past experience, during a recent Thunder playoff game, the stadium was standing during the entire game. It was an amazing game to attend and the fans were involved in every play.
In Oklahoma we have such great tradition with our sports and fans that we need to be as involved in the game as possible. Get LOUD and STAND!
Scott Kinnaird
40’s: Scott Kinnaird’s answer: I think you must either summon the courage to take the offending stadium neighbor to one side and discuss the problem openly and honestly, and hope the person will work with you on a solution. Or, you should sell the season tickets and watch the game on TV at home.
Who knows, maybe there’s someone in front of the person in front of you, blocking his or her view. Or, they could be very nice, but just oblivious to what goes on around them.
You never know until you engage and find out. Short of doing that, it’s best to not waste your money on season tickets and stay home.
Clay Healey
50’s: Clay Healey’s answer: There are many rude behaviors at football games. Wearing the colors of the other team (ask Seinfeld!), spilling your food and drink, constant waving of giant foam fingers, banners and noisemakers. These things are all fun, but when overused, they distract from the viewing of the game. And seeing the action is the bottom line.
Dealing with someone who is standing in front of you most of the game is a special challenge. Culturally, we expect and accept folks shouting from their seats and standing and cheering the team. In Japan, for example, folks might watch a football game more quietly, more like we watch a game of golf. In other cultures, the rowdiness in the stands is so extreme that going to a stadium can be risking life and limb.
But even here, there is no doubt that standing during most of the game, especially when someone behind you has asked you repeatedly to sit down, is rude. Very rude. I am 6’4″ tall, so I always have to be aware that I might be blocking someone’s view. If it were possible to simply exchange seats with the obnoxious offender so he would be behind you? If he’s not a very accommodating gentleman, and the problem has persisted for years, I would ask the team’s office to try to find you other, equally good seats, or ask them to speak to the offender and move him.
Because you are right, if the action in the stands blocks the action of the game, the game is no longer fun, and it would be better to stay home. And trust me, the team does not want its fans staying home because rudeness goes unchecked in the stadium. Think of the money they would lose! Hey, it might even be a business opportunity. The team’s could start a “Don’t Be a Jerk” campaign and remind fans that certain behaviors at the game are rude and unwelcome.
Sometimes folks will act nicer when they know the whole stadium is watching them!
Ron James
60’s: Ron James’ answer: Firstly, since he’s a big stubborn buttinski, it wouldn’t be a good idea to ratchet up the conversation. I think we have three options here:
1. Offer him five dollars (cold cash) to trade seats with you.
2. Ask him his name and then start talking to your mate about your rewarding casework at the IRS.
3. Stay at home as I do. Whilst the 4th quarter drags on, slumping ever deeper into the sofa, simply move the Rotel dip to the side so it doesn’t interfere with your view.
Deaconess Pregnancy & Adoption Services celebrates 110 years of service with annual fashion show luncheon
Executive Director Dierdre McCool, Event Chairman Sheila Amundsen, Janie Axton, back; Barbara Brou, Mary Ann Harroz and Hayley Attalla, front, were at the committee meeting for the Deaconess Pregnancy & Adoption Services luncheon and fashion show. (Photo provided).
September 8 is the date for the annual Deaconess Pregnancy & Adoption Services luncheon and fashion show. It will be at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. It is the third annual Angels of Destiny event. Sheila Amundsen is chairman. She is a DPAS adoptee.
There will be a show featuring fashion from Cayman’s and furs from Geno’s. One of the honorees, Claire Culwell, will share her story. For tickets call 405-949-4200.
This is the 110th year that DPAS has provided services to children, families and women in crisis pregnancies.
