Fashion designers will be at the Lego-inspired Block Party set for November 5th
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Johnathan Kayne Gillaspie, Rob Crissinger and Erica Reid talk about the November 5th Block Party and Lego-inspired fashion show.
Alex Cross honored at bridal shower
Susan Corp, Mary Cross, Alex Cross and Cathy Cross enjoy the party. (Photo provided).
Alex Cross was honored at a party in the home of Ann Fleming. Hostesses were Fleming, Marilyn Henley, Janie Cook, Susie Gray, Mary Reneau, and Linda Tate.
The centerpiece was a large antique basket filled with fall flowers.
The bride-to-be who will marry Collin Corp in November received a large white platter rimmed in silver from the hostesses.
Guests included Cathy Cross, Liz Hoffman, Patricia Murphy, Johnel Harrison, Susan Corp, Mary Cross, Susan Edwards, Lauren Corp, Drue Diesselhorst, Joann Donovan, Janie Gawey, Lee Ann Kuhlman and Barbie Munneke.
20-40-60 Etiquette: Time to stop gift giving?
YOU ASK! WE ANSWER! YOU DECIDE!
QUESTION: When is it time to give up Christmas gift giving? How does one suggest to a friend or family member that it may be time to stop the Christmas gift exchange?
CALLIE’S ANSWER: Give up? It is always nice to get a gift, and know that someone has thought of you. It isn’t about how much or how nice the gift is. It is about the effort, and thought.
Come on, ’tis the season!
LILLIE-BETH’S ANSWER: I think you have to do this delicately, without sending the message to a friend or relative that they’re no longer high enough on your present priority list. Some people really enjoy gift-giving, and picking out a gift they think you’ll like, even a small one, is a way for them to show how much you mean to them. You might be stealing some of their holiday fun.
However, in today’s economy, as people scale back spending and the size of living spaces, it’s easier to suggest ending the exchange. If it’s a friend with whom you’re no longer in touch regularly, sometimes the gift-giving stops gradually, without a conversation or hurt feelings. If you want to stop an exchange for financial reasons, then approach your loved ones with the thought in mind and say so — “We’re trying to cut back our spending. What do you think about drawing names to save money? Or, what about dropping the gift exchange this year altogether and enjoying time together instead?”
If it’s just a group that you’re a part of it and you’re tired of buying knickknacks en masse, why not suggest that everyone bring wrapped gifts for a charity that helps out people at Christmas time? There’s no shortage of needs, and organizations can provide lists of items they need to help families during the holidays.
I don’t think there’s a specific time when families or friends should consider giving up Christmas gift giving; you just have to weigh each situation individually — a growing family (by marriage or children), a financial hardship, etc.
Also note, when children are involved, I think it’s important for them to learn how to give gifts graciously and not be on the receiving end all the time. So if the children are the ones still involved in a gift exchange, then take them to the dollar store and let them pick out inexpensive gifts for the ones who will be giving gifts to them. Or, involve them in baking for others so they can share the joy of giving, too.
HELEN’S ANSWER: We all love Christmas gifts! It would be hard to give them up, but if you haven’t seen the person you are giving a gift to during the year, maybe it is time to re-think your list. If it becomes a chore or hardship to exchange gifts, it is time to call your friend/relative and decide to end the gift giving exchange. And most people will not be offended by that call, as it might be what they have been thinking too.
Or you might suggest setting a limit of a lower cost on the gifts. Many families either draw names among the relatives or set cost limits on gifts.
Several people have given to charities in the name of family members or friends and have sent cards to them stating that. When we received a card like that, although it was not our favorite charity, we took it to mean that we did not have to return the favor, as the generous gift was given to several other people at the same time.
GUEST’S ANSWER: Yvette Walker, OPUBCO’s Director of Presentation, Features and Custom Publishing. I have a friend who doesn’t give Christmas gifts … at all. But she does a wonderful job celebrating birthdays. I admire her. She has been able to accomplish something that I haven’t.
I’ve tried and failed to suggest the Kris Kringle method, pulling one name out of a hat and giving only to that person. Or buying something fun and needed for the house that everyone can enjoy instead of buying individual gifts. Somehow we always come back to gifts for everyone.
I always imagined that the older you got, the less you would have to worry about giving and getting gifts. Not true … it depends on your family and its expectations. If the cessation would cause more hurt than benefit, keep giving, but find more personal, and less expensive and lavish gifts to give.
Unless you’re talking about a husband or boyfriend. Sorry, gents, the giving NEVER ends. Keep those gifts coming!
Callie Gordon, a college junior, was a 2009 debutante. 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 Yvette Walker is OPUBCO’s Director of Presentation, Features and Custom Publishing.
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
Tarr-Mosteller couple’s shower held in the home of Suzie and Stan Hupfeld
Bill Mosteller, Jo and Kathryn Tarr, Michael and Charlotte Mosteller enjoy the party in the Hupfeld home. (Photos by David Faytinger).
Kathryn Tarr and Michael Mosteller were honored at a couple’s shower in the home of Suzie and Stan Hupfeld. The engaged couple will be married in November. They will honeymoon in Italy so the dinner featured an Italian theme.
Party- goers were Deb Graves, Chris and Bill Radke, Lisa and Ed Heinen, Kathi and Jim White, Donna and Bruce Lawrence, Marilyn and Cliff Jones and Joni and Kevin Graves.
Cliff and Marilyn Jones are welcomed by Suzie and Stan Hupfeld.
Oklahoma Follies Update held in the home of Yvonne Kauger
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Bobbie Lane, Wes Lane, Susan Turpen were at the party in the home of Yvonne Kauger for Oklahoma Follies enthusiasts. (Photo by David Faytinger).
Yvonne Kauger entertained singers, dancers from the community, directors and interested friends of “The Oklahoma Follies…Celebrating Oklahoma’s Premiere Senior Performers”.
Bobbie Lane Burbridge, Oklahoma Follies Founder, Dr. David Henerdeen, Director of OCU Musical and Opera Theater, and Mark Parker, OCU’s Dean of Wanda L. Bass Music School talked to the group about the joint project between Oklahoma City University and the Burbridge Foundation.
Auditions for the Oklahoma Follies will be January 8-9 at Oklahoma City University. The Follies will be held June 10-11-12 in Kirkpatrick Auditorium at OCU.
Among those at the event were Lynda Tarpley, Susan Turpen, Wes Lane, Ann Kattov-Parsons, Betty Price, Carol Sander, Jo Rowan, Barb Goodman,William Calvin, Ikey Orick, Jack Arnold, Jim Henline, Pat and Jay Edwards, Linda Piro, Nikki Singer, Paula Reed, Rosa Scott, Vicki Rodden and Carolyn Roslik.
Junior Hospitality Club members plan submarine sandwich sale
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The 3rd annual “Sub Sandwich Blitz” sponsored by the Junior Hospitality Club is November 5-6 at Mayfair Baptist Church, NW 50th and May. The fund-raising event is from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. both days. Large sandwich orders can be pre-ordered and delivered. www.jhok.org
Members have been making and selling these special sandwiches since 1954 when they had a booth at the Oklahoma State Fair.
20-40-60 Etiquette: Should we line up the wine glasses?
YOU ASK! WE ANSWER! YOU DECIDE!
QUESTION: I was at a formal dinner party at a Country Club where several kinds of wines were served. Each wine had its’ own glass, so there were four extra glasses on the table which wasn’t so big anyway.
Wouldn’t it be better if each wine was served individually and the server took away the extra glasses. That way, it would not be so crowded. And I would not get my neighbor’s glasses mixed up with mine.
Or is it a rule to line up the glasses to go with each course?
CALLIE’S ANSWER: SORRY!! This is out of my league, but logically, that sounds about right.
I do believe that each wine needs its own individual glass. White wine and red wine come in different glasses to let the wine breath, and supposedly it tastes better.
It might look crowded on the table but this shows which wine is which; and you can tell the one you liked, or didn’t like and maybe remember the year, or the type or wine. (Compliments to my dad for my knowledge.)
LILLIE-BETH’S ANSWER: According to etiquette guru Emily Post, all glasses are lined up on the right directly above the knives. This guideline includes water and as many wine glasses as necessary for the courses being served. Since wine is typically poured at the table, this makes sense because it would cause extra work and extra trips back and forth to deliver new wine glasses and then take them away. I believe the wine glasses are picked up as each course is finished and a new one is served, unless you’re still drinking it, which will make room at the table as the evening goes on.
The way you saw it happen at the country club recently probably isn’t the only way to handle this on a small table; while tradition dictates one way, I would imagine that there are other proper ways to serve wine in a formal setting.
HELEN’S ANSWER: When several wines are served during dinner courses, set the glasses above the plate. The water glass goes above the dinner knife tip. Next, a red wineglass can be placed to the right behind the water glass. White wineglasses are to the right of the red ones and should be removed as the meal progresses.
A sherry glass may be place to the right of the white wineglasses and the champagne flute is placed slightly behind the water goblet as champagne is usually served with dessert.
Since the host has gone to the trouble of picking out wines to go with the dinner, it is polite to taste the offerings. Hopefully, a serving person will ask if you are through with the wine glasses and remove them as the next wine is poured.
GUEST’S ANSWER, Hilarie Blaney, Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant.: You said several key words, “formal”, “four” and “rule.” A formal place setting includes four extra glasses. The water goblet is placed above the knives, then a champagne flute, white wine, red wine and sherry to round out the four extra glasses. The order in which they are placed is a rule based upon the courses being served.
The center of etiquette is comfort, which is derived from expectations. When you are seated, your table setting tells you what to “expect” during the event. I see that you have two choices. One, as the server approaches you, to serve the next wine course, you may say, “no thank you.” An experienced server will then remove the glass.
As a second choice, the wine will be served and you take a sip out of respect for your host. Our hope would be that the experienced server would remove the glass before the next course.
Lastly, all beverages are served on the right, as long as you use your right hand to enjoy your drinks, you won’t get confused with your neighbor’s glass.
Callie Gordon, a college junior, was a 2009 debutante. 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 Hilarie Blaney is an Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant.
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
Overtour members have party to promote the Oklahoma City Philharmonic
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Kyle and Cher Golding, Christin Baker, Tyler Vaughn were at the Overture party. (Photos by David Faytinger).
The Overture party for Oklahoma City Philharmonic Orchestra new audiences was held on the rooftop of the Cardinal Engineering Building featuring door prizes and food from Iguana Lounge for the 100 guests.
Among those at the party were Dan Gordon, J.D. Merryweather, Mary Ann and Zach Osko, Dwayne Webb, Jenni Fosbenner, Cher Golding, Kevin Joseph, Rachel Stoddard Morris, Sarah Soles, Deb and Christian Kos, Lindsay Houts, Matt Thomas, Denise Duong, Matt Seikel, Melissa Scaramucci, Cacky Poarch, Charles Brown and Kyle Leemaster.
Alesha Leemaster and Keith Peters were Overture chairmen. Kyle Golding is president of the OKC Philharmonic Associate Board which administers the Overture program. Members enjoy pre- and post- orchestra concert parties with food, drinks and socializing with orchestra members and guest artists.
Membership in Overture includes:
• Discounted tickets to three designated Overture concerts
• Access to invitation-only pre and post concert events featuring hors d’oeuvres and drinks plus meet the members of the orchestra and guest artist
• Discounts on all OKC PHIL ticket purchases
• Select group seating at certain concerts
• Special exclusive/early bird ticket offers
• Networking opportunities with members of the OKC PHIL board and corporate sponsors
• Potential opportunities to join the Associate Board of the OKC PHIL
• Invitations to members only and VIP events such as “Red, White Boom” and “Violins & Vino”
• Additional “members only” offers and promotions as they become available.
Daniel Gordon, Mike Jones, Cory Wokaty enjoy the rooftop event.
Zach and Mary Ann Osko, Justin Hull were among the 100 people attending the Overtour event.
Former ambassador honored at dinner in the home of Oklahoma City University’s Jan and Robert Henry
Nabil Fahmy, Jan and Robert Henry talk at the event. (Photos provided).
Nabil Fahmy, former ambassador to the United States from Egypt, and founding dean of the School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the American University in Cairo, Egypt, was honored at dinner in the home of Jan Henry and Oklahoma City University president Robert Henry.
Fahmy lectured earlier that day on “Winds of Change in the Middle East” at OCU in the Kerr McGee Auditorium in Meinders School of Business.
Among the guests were Bill Shdeed, Sandy and Art Cotton, Ron Norick, Polly and Larry Nichols, John Richels, Jeanette and Dick Sias.
Ed Kelley and Patsy Homsey were at the dinner party.
Bill Shdeed, Polly Nichols and John Richels enjoyed the dinner.
Members of the Oklahoma County Medical Alliance set kitchen tour in Nichols Hills
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Sylvia Shirley and Anita Verma talk about the Oklahoma County Medical Alliance’s kitchen tour in Nichols Hills on Parties Extra!
