Etiquette at official events. Rules for introductions, greetings and farewells

A reception is a widely accepted form of organizing working meetings that allows discussing in a relaxed atmosphere topics that, for a number of reasons, it is undesirable to address at the official level.

So, techniques serve to establish, maintain and develop contacts between business partners and friends, officials and foreign colleagues, representatives of various institutions, firms and scientific and technical circles, cultural figures.

Receptions are held to commemorate any events, in particular holidays, anniversaries; in the order of rendering honors to outstanding persons, delegations, organizations; in honor of the signing of any documents, etc.

For a business person, the ability to combine work tasks with a meal is one of the most effective ways to achieve success.

In business life, breakfast, lunch, dinner play a significant role. Each option has its own rules. Of course, there are rules that apply in all cases, so to speak, universal, for example, general norms of behavior at the table, but there are also some subtleties that a business person should be well versed in.

A business lunch is a great opportunity to get to know your clients, colleagues, managers or subordinates better. By the way, it is a business lunch that is considered the most decent for a business meeting between a man and a woman.

Since business success these days is almost entirely about building relationships, an informal atmosphere and extra time spent eating lunch with a partner should be much more effective in promoting your career than short meetings in a rush, in the office, on the street, in public places or faceless telephone conversations.

However, there are pitfalls in organizing a business lunch. Be wary: to show that you do not know how to properly behave at the table - this will undermine your prestige; to chat too much with the interlocutor about the details of your personal life - this will destroy your professional image;
drink too much alcohol - they may think that you have a problem with this; in addition, an immoderately drunk is also a problem for others: he is annoying, poorly managed, does not control his words and deeds.

There is one essential thing about business lunches that should not be forgotten: you should not throw the phrase “Let's have lunch together sometime” to your business colleagues right and left, unless you really have a firm intention to do so. In the business world, lunch is considered a serious event, and it is possible to put forward such an assumption only when you really want it, and you must immediately set a specific time and day.

An official reception is one to which those present are invited solely by virtue of their position.

Official receptions are divided into day and evening, with and without seating arrangements. Daytime techniques include "A glass of champagne", "A glass of wine", "Breakfast".

A glass of champagne usually starts at 12 noon and lasts about an hour. The reason for organizing such a reception may be the anniversary of a national holiday, the opening of an exhibition, etc. Drinks and snacks are served by waiters. From the point of view of the organization, this is the simplest form of admission that does not require much and lengthy preparation.

A similar technique is the “Glass of Wine” technique. The name in this case emphasizes the special nature of the reception.

Breakfast is one of the most common types of formal receptions. It is arranged between 12 and 15 hours, more often at 12.30 or 13.00. The menu is made taking into account national traditions. Breakfast usually lasts an hour and a half, of which about an hour - at the table and about 30 minutes - for coffee, tea (coffee, tea can be served at the same table or in the living room).

Guests usually come to breakfast in casual attire, unless the dress code is specifically specified on the invitation.
In international protocol practice, it is generally accepted that daytime receptions are less solemn than evening ones.

Evening formal receptions are of several types.
The "cocktail" starts between 17:00 and 18:00 and lasts about two hours. During the reception, waiters serve drinks and cold snacks (in the form of canapes - small sandwiches). Hot meals are available. Sometimes a buffet is arranged, where waiters offer drinks to those who wish.

Reception "a la buffet" is held at the same time as the "cocktail". However, at the buffet reception, tables with snacks, including hot dishes, may be served. Guests themselves come to the tables, pick up snacks and leave, giving the opportunity to others present.

One of the tables is for guests of honor - it should be located so that other guests do not have their backs to it.

Receptions such as "cocktail" and "a la buffet" are held standing. In both cases, in order to emphasize the special solemnity, champagne, ice cream, and coffee can be served by the end of them. If the reception is held on the occasion of a national holiday or in honor of a distinguished guest, a small concert or film screening is possible at the end of the reception. The solemnity of the reception can be emphasized by indicating a special form of clothing in the invitation.

Dinner is considered the most honorable type of official reception. It usually starts at 20:00 or 20:30, but no later than 21:00. According to Russian protocol practice, lunch can start at an earlier time. Lunch usually lasts 2-3 hours or even longer. After the table, at which the guests are about an hour, everyone goes into the living rooms for a conversation; coffee, tea are served here, in some cases they can be served at the dining table. In the case of a reception with seating at the table, guests gather at the appointed time in one of the rooms of the house where they are invited. They are served with soft drinks, beer, whiskey, juices, and sometimes other drinks. Guests can have their choice of drinks at the bar. Often, lunch involves a special form of clothing (tuxedo or tailcoat for men, evening dress for women).

Dinner starts at 21:00 and later and differs from lunch only in the start time. In some countries, on especially solemn occasions, two receptions are held in a row: immediately after dinner, a “cocktail” or “a la buffet” reception is held for distinguished guests.

"Lunch-buffet" involves free seating at small tables of four to six people. Just like at a buffet reception, tables are set with snacks, there are buffets with drinks. Guests pick up snacks and sit down at their own discretion at one of the small tables. Guests can either be served with wines, or they stand on the tables. Tea or coffee is offered either at the same tables or in another room. Such receptions are often organized after a concert, watching a movie, during a break in a dance evening. In tropical countries, they are often held outdoors - on the veranda or in the garden. "Lunch buffet" is less formal than lunch.

Evening receptions also include "tea", arranged between 16 and 18 hours, as a rule, for women. The boss's wife invites the spouses of the heads of firms with whom business contacts have been established for tea. For “tea”, one or more tables are laid, taking into account the number of guests. Sweets, cookies, fruits, drinks are served. Canapes are not excluded.

Unlike an official reception, in which all dishes and drinks without exception are served by waiters, a banquet reception is a form of service when cold snacks and drinks are put on the table in advance, and only hot dishes are served by the waiters. (It is with this form of guest service that the customer has to deal with when he celebrates an event in a restaurant.)

Each appointment is preceded by careful preparation. It is necessary to determine the type of official reception, taking into account the purpose for which it is organized, the venue, draw up a list of invitees, fill out and send out invitations in advance, draw up a menu and seating plan at the table when it comes to breakfast, lunch, dinner.

If the reception is organized in a restaurant, then special attention should be paid to preparing the premises, setting the table, and instructing the waiters who will serve the reception.

When it comes to a reception with a large number of participants, a restaurant with a good and high service culture is chosen.

Drawing up a list of invitees is one of the most important elements of the preparatory work. The total number of those invited to the reception is determined Even with the most careful study of the list, it is impossible to avoid the fact that someone will not be able to attend the reception. This so-called dropout rate is taken into account when drawing up the cost estimate for admissions.

Modern international protocol practice testifies to the desire of countries to make official receptions modest, to avoid excessive pomp, to limit or exclude the supply of alcoholic beverages, to refuse too expensive and exotic dishes. Nevertheless, at an official reception, it is necessary to take into account the tastes of guests, their national and religious traditions. Consideration should be given in advance to those who eat only vegetarian food or who do not eat pork. Game is not served at the reception during the period of the ban on hunting.

The etiquette of official receptions implies the use of good quality dishes: crystal, porcelain, silver. Fresh flowers on the tables and in the living rooms give the premises a conviviality and coziness.

The practice of sending out written invitations to receptions has been established. It is best that they be made in a typographical way, while the name of the invitee, his position or rank, type of reception, day, hour and place of the event are entered by hand. When holding breakfast or lunch with seated guests, you should make sure in advance whether the guest will be able to accept the invitation, and only then send it in writing.

Invitations are usually sent one to two weeks before the reception. This allows us to hope that guests will be able to plan their time in such a way as to be able to arrive at the reception.

Once you receive an invitation, please read it carefully. This will save you from mistakes and embarrassing situations in which a person who does not understand the received invitation may find himself. Regardless of the language in which the invitation is written, it should be completely clear about the following: who is hosting the reception; for what reason; where; when; what should be the dress code; whether an answer to the invitation is needed (often on invitation cards in the lower right corner are the letters RSVP: repondnz, s "il vous plaot - please answer).

The information refined as a result of such an analysis will help to make the right decision.

It is advisable to give a written response to an invitation with a “request to respond”, regardless of whether it is positive or negative. The answer is drawn up on behalf of the person who received the invitation in a third person, without a signature. It will not be a big mistake if the answer is given by phone (but in person). In some cases, the protocol provides for the procedure by which it is mandatory to send a written response (positive or negative) to an invitation to a reception hosted by the head of an official delegation, an official.

SAMPLE POSITIVE ANSWER
"The President of the German-Russian Cultural Foundation, Mr. O. Vogel, has the honor to acknowledge receipt of the kind invitation of the Mayor of Moscow, Yu.

SAMPLE NEGATIVE ANSWER
“Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Finnmlmy, in connection with his departure in the coming days on vacation, unfortunately, cannot accept the kind invitation of the Mayor of Moscow and his wife for breakfast on Friday, September 6 this year. in honor of the holiday of the city of Moscow"

In cases where the reception is given in honor of a person whose presence has been agreed in advance, the letters RSVP on the invitation form are crossed out and the letters “r.t.”, or “for memory”, or in English “to remind” (according to -French "roig titogge").

For receptions without seating at the table, it is not necessary to come to the very beginning. You can leave at any time. However, an important circumstance should be taken into account. If several guests are invited from one institution or department, then it is desirable that the lower in position come first. And vice versa, when leaving a reception, it is customary for representatives of one department not to leave it until the senior officer leaves. Staying at the reception later than the time specified in the invitation should not be. This would violate the etiquette of official receptions.

The organization of a formal dinner begins with the invitation of the person who will be the main guest at the dinner, and if he accepts the invitation, agreeing with him the date of the dinner. This is usually done at the next business visit to this person or during a special visit to him on this occasion.

An invitation must be made a month, if not earlier, before the scheduled date, since the schedule of business people today is very tight.

After the main guest has accepted the invitation, it is necessary to immediately draw up a list of guests for this dinner and, for the reasons indicated above, urgently send out invitations to them. As already mentioned, the main guest, despite the fact that he accepted the invitation, also needs to send an invitation - an invitation card in which the words “please answer” are crossed out and instead of them write “for memory”.

On the invitation card for an official reception, only the position of the invitee is indicated. Neither his surname nor the surname of his wife is spelled. In the text of the invitation, the form is usually used: "has the honor ...".

An invitation to a formal breakfast or lunch is addressed to a person, not to the position held by that person.

It will not be a mistake if you call the invited guests and find out if they would object to accepting the invitation, and if they agree, send them an invitation card in which the words request to answer should be crossed out and written for memory.

HOW TO MAKE A GUEST LIST
1. It is necessary to determine the maximum number of guests that can be invited. This will depend on the size of the executive spaces, especially the dining room and dining table. It is recommended to provide each guest at the table with approximately 70-75 cm along the length of the table. The tightness at the table, both for guests and for staff, is very inconvenient. In addition, when serving food, it creates a danger for any guest to be doused with sauce or gravy. In practice, such cases, although rare, do occur.
2. Before sending out invitations, it is recommended to estimate a plan for future seating at the table and, in case of difficulties in seating, for example, if you intend to invite people of the same seniority, make the necessary changes to the draft list of guests.
3. It is very important to provide a relaxed atmosphere at dinner, conducive to frank conversations and statements. This can be achieved by selecting guests who are close to the main guest both in business (service) interests, and in coincidence of views or in personal sympathy, friendship. If people who are not close to the main guest and, all the more so, those who are oppositional, are invited to dinner, the dinner will be constrained and strained and will be reduced to a formal event.
4. It is advisable to invite junior employees of the company to dinners and, in general, to receptions in order to involve them in vigorous activity and, therefore, to improve their business skills in this way.
5. It is recommended that your firm's guest list be slightly larger than the outside guest list by at least four junior employees. This will make it possible to put your people at the ends of the tables, since the extreme places are considered less honorable.
6. By the time the list of guests is approved, invitation forms printed in a typographical way should be ready.

When filling out invitations, it is very important not to distort the name, position or rank of the guest. Distortion can lead to the return of the invitation and, therefore, to the complication of the relationship.

Of course, you should not send an invitation "with wife" to a widow or single person. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to have a file cabinet, a dossier and make changes to them in a timely manner.

Menu planning is not as easy as it might seem. It is necessary to take into account the composition of the guests in order to prepare dishes that correspond to their religious customs, national traditions or habits.

The breakfast menu includes one or two cold appetizers, one hot fish and one hot meat dish, dessert. Serving the first hot dish (soup) is not excluded. In conclusion, coffee or tea is offered. Before breakfast, soft drinks, beer, vodka, whiskey are served. Vodka can be served not before breakfast, but during it, with cold snacks. Dry white wine (chilled) is served with the fish dish, dry red wine (room temperature) with the meat dish, champagne with dessert, cognac or liquor with tea or coffee. Mineral water is served during the entire breakfast.

The lunch menu, based on local protocol practice or tradition at home, includes one or two cold appetizer dishes, soup, hot fish and hot meat dishes, and dessert. Before dinner, before inviting guests to the common table, light snacks can be offered: nuts, crisp potatoes, dough sticks, etc. After dinner - coffee or tea.

When guests gather, they are served an aperitif: vodka, whiskey, gin, campari and other spirits. At the dinner itself, vodka is served with an appetizer, sherry or Madeira with soup (very rarely), hot dishes and dessert - the same as for breakfast.
There is a practice, for example in France, when during the whole dinner for all dishes (grapefruit is included for a snack) only champagne is offered.

Seating at the table is a very important element in the organization of a formal dinner1, although it is difficult to say that in protocol practice it is “not very important”. There are no trifles in it.

The seating arrangement is based on one of the most important norms of the protocol - seniority. And not by age, although this is sometimes taken into account to some extent, but mainly by the official and social position of a person.

The following seating rules apply.

The closest places to the owner and hostess are considered the most honorable (the place of honor at the table is the middle opposite the front door, and if the door is on the side, on the side of the table that faces the windows facing the street). The farther the place is from these persons, the less honorable it is.

The place on the right hand (on the right side) is more honorable than the place on the left hand (on the left side).

Women are seated first on the right and left hand of the owner, and men from the hostess. Then the places alternate: next to the woman they put a man, and vice versa.

A woman is not assigned a place next to a woman, and a husband is not assigned a place next to his wife.
A woman is not offered a seat at the end of a table unless a man is sitting at the end of the table.

A married woman has the seniority of her husband.

If the mistress of the house is absent, her place may be taken by the wife of one of the diplomatic workers of the mission.

A seat opposite the host may be offered to the most honored guest.

Foreign guests of equal rank with guests - employees of a diplomatic mission - are given an advantage in seating arrangements.

When seating, it is necessary to take into account the knowledge of foreign languages ​​​​of the guests sitting nearby.

The diplomatic etiquette of official receptions provides for the following practice of designating places at the table. Seating and cover cards are made of small rectangular shape from thick paper, on which the names of the reception participants are written.

In the room where guests gather, or immediately in front of the entrance to it, guests are offered a seating plan. In accordance with it, each place at the table is indicated by a cover card. The guests are introduced to the seating plan. If there are difficulties, then it is necessary to contact the waiter or head waiter, who is obliged to indicate to the guest the place intended for him and escort him to him.

In order to facilitate the work on drawing up a seating project, it is recommended to divide the general list of guests into two parts - into foreign (not your) guests and into a list of guests from your side. Both lists are compiled according to the seniority of the guests.

In the dining room, the guest finds his place at the table and checks it on a card lying on the tallest glass or near the cutlery, where his name is printed, stands behind the back of his chair and waits for the invitation of the dinner hosts to sit down at the table. It is not customary to sit down before the host and hostess sit down.

During lunch, it is recommended that the head waiter (maitre d') signal the waiters to change dishes only after all the guests have eaten the served dish. This is especially important when serving dessert. The host and hostess should not leave the table until they are sure that all the guests have eaten ice cream.

Speeches and toasts are made depending on the event on the occasion of which the dinner is given, on the local protocol practice, and also by prior arrangement with the main guest.

Both speeches and toasts are made after dessert before champagne, when it is poured for all guests.

At mass receptions, toasts are rarely pronounced. In some countries (for example, in Great Britain, the Netherlands), according to the established tradition, towards the end of the reception, a toast is provided in honor of the monarch and the national anthem is played. The departure of a guest from a reception prior to this ceremony may offend the hosts. As for receptions with seating at the table, here the attitude towards toasts can be different. Sometimes (more often in Moscow) at mid-level receptions, a lot of toasts are pronounced throughout the feast by both hosts and guests. But more often, and this is apparently more rational, there is one exchange of toasts - under champagne. The host is the first to make a toast, addressing the main guest, and then he makes a return toast. These toasts emphasize the main meaning of the reception, focusing the attention of the guests on it. With this order, the whole course of the reception is calmer and more natural. Simply put, the abundance of toasts sometimes interferes with communication, and sometimes the toast catches the invitees at the moment when they are eating the next dish.

After dinner, guests are invited to other representative rooms, where they are offered coffee and tea. From alcohol liqueurs and cognac are offered, juices and mineral water are also served. There is no strict seating arrangement for coffee and tea. Guests are seated at small tables, choosing neighbors in whom they are interested for a conversation.

The guests disperse after the main guest has left. On the eve of dinner or on the day of the dinner, the host usually gathers all his guests in order to provide for their personal attention to the invited guests, to determine the direction of the conversations.

In order for the reception to be successful, it is necessary not to miss a single, even the smallest, detail during its preparation and conduct. So, it is necessary to think in advance where the guests will park their cars, and perhaps someone should be entrusted with the care of this at the entrance of the house where the reception takes place.

Guests are met at the entrance to the premises by the host with the hostess or one host if the wives are not invited. Handshakes are exchanged, congratulations are pronounced, if the reception is dedicated to a solemn date, you can exchange a few words, but in no case should you start a long conversation with the owners when entering the room. This can be inconvenient for other guests, as they will have to wait until the conversation is over.

If a reception is given with seating at the table, then the number of guests, as a rule, will be less than at a mass reception of the "buffet" type. In this case, the hosts should allocate their time before the invitation to the table in such a way as to pay attention, if possible, to all those invited, at least briefly talk with each.

At a large buffet reception, these possibilities are limited. Here you should pay maximum attention to the main guest and his "team". A very common mistake at such receptions is the desire of the representatives of the inviting party to group and discuss their affairs instead of paying attention to the guests, helping them get comfortable, offering drinks and snacks.

Guests should not try to discuss any serious issues with the hosts: after all, they have many concerns, and they should be equally available to everyone.

Before being invited to the table and after leaving the table, over tea or coffee, men and women form their groups. Important political issues can also be discussed here, but mostly issues of a more general nature.

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ETIQUETTEat official events

Official events include various receptions and ceremonies organized on the occasion of national holidays, historical anniversaries, the arrival of foreign delegations, heads of state and government, etc. Receptions are held by heads of state, government, ministers, as well as embassies, consulates, trade missions of the country abroad.

Receptions are held by military attachés, commanders of ships on a friendship visit in foreign bases, as well as representatives of the local military command and civil authorities in order to show honors to the military guests who have arrived.

Diplomatic receptions are also held independently of any events, in the order of daily diplomatic work. In the practice of diplomatic missions, these techniques are the most common. Few in terms of the number of invited persons, such receptions are a convenient opportunity for making contacts, strengthening and expanding ties, obtaining the necessary information, influencing local circles in the right direction, and explaining the foreign policy of one's country.

Regardless of the purpose, volume and type, any diplomatic reception is political in nature, since it is a meeting of representatives of foreign states.

While abroad, one must respect the rules and customs adopted in that country. When inviting a foreigner to an official event, care should be taken not to put him in a position that humiliates or offends his national dignity, otherwise he may regard this as disrespect for his state and nation.

First of all, diplomatic etiquette must be strictly and strictly observed. Diplomats, when performing their functions, organizing official events, participating in ceremonies and procedures, act in accordance with the diplomatic protocol, which is understood as a set of generally accepted rules, traditions, conventions observed by governments, state representations abroad (embassies, consulates, etc.) and their employees when communicating with each other. At the same time, one should not forget that diplomatic protocol and general civil etiquette are two different things.

Receptions are divided into daytime and evening, receptions with seating and without seating at the table.

Daytime receptions include "glass of champagne", "glass of wine", breakfast. In international practice, it is generally accepted that daytime receptions are less solemn than evening ones.

Evening receptions include tea, "Zhur fix", cocktail, buffet, lunch, buffet lunch, dinner.

Types of tricks:

"A glass of champagne" - usually starts at 12.00 and lasts about an hour. The reason for organizing such a reception may be the anniversary of a national holiday, the stay of a delegation in the country, the departure of an ambassador, the opening of an exhibition or festival. Drinks and snacks are served by waiters. From the point of view of organization, this is the simplest form of admission that does not require much and lengthy preparation. Served, as a rule, champagne, wine and juices. An appetizer is not required, but you can serve small cakes, nuts, sandwiches. The invitees come in casual clothes. A similar technique is the “glass of wine” technique. The name in this case emphasizes the special nature of the reception.

Breakfast - arranged between 12.00 and 15.00 hours. The most common start time for breakfast is from 12.00 to 13.00. The breakfast menu is compiled taking into account the traditions and customs existing in the country and, as a rule, consists of one or two cold appetizer dishes, one hot fish dish, one hot meat dish and dessert. It is not customary to serve first courses (soups) for breakfast, although serving them will not be a mistake. After breakfast, coffee or tea is served.

Before breakfast, a cocktail, dry wine, juices are served, during breakfast - mineral water, and sometimes juices.

After all the guests have eaten, the host (or hostess) is the first to get up from the table and invites the guests to go to another room where coffee is served.

The duration of breakfast is 1-1.5 hours (approximately 45-60 minutes at the table and 15-30 minutes for coffee).

The initiative to leave breakfast is up to the main guest.

The dress code for breakfast is in most cases a casual suit, but on formal occasions a tuxedo can also be worn. Usually, the dress code is specified in the invitation.

Tea - arranged between 16.00 and 18.00 hours, as a rule, only for women. For example, the wife of the Minister of Foreign Affairs arranges tea for the wives of the heads of diplomatic missions, and the wife of an ambassador arranges tea for the wives of other ambassadors. There are cases of invitations to tea as well as men.

One or more tables are laid for tea, depending on the number of invited persons, confectionery and bakery products, fruits, dessert and dry wines, juices and water are served. Snacks (sandwiches with caviar, fish, cheese, sausage) are rarely served at tea, and if served, then in small quantities.

The duration of tea is 1-1.5 hours. The dress code is a casual suit or dress.

Receptions such as "Jour Fix" are held once a week on the same day and hour throughout the autumn-winter season (from autumn to summer). Invitations to such receptions (Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays) are sent out once at the beginning of the season and are valid until the end of the season, unless a special notice of a break follows. In terms of time, food and dress code, this reception does not differ from tea. Sometimes such receptions take the form of musical or literary evenings. Men are also invited to the "Zhur Fix" receptions and may be present. Receptions such as a cocktail or a buffet reception are arranged in the time interval from 17.00 to 20.00 and last 2 hours. Treats - various cold snacks, confectionery and fruits. Sometimes hot appetizers are also served. The treat should not be plentiful. At receptions of this type, alcoholic drinks are displayed on tables or, being poured into glasses, are carried by waiters. Sometimes a buffet is arranged in one of the halls, where waiters pour drinks for those who wish. Champagne may be served at the end of the reception followed by coffee.

Receptions such as a cocktail or buffet are held standing. Guests approach the tables, pick up snacks on their plates and move away from the tables to give other guests an opportunity to approach them.

Dress code - casual suit or tuxedo, depending on the specific occasion and indications to this effect in the invitation.

Lunch - starts from 20.00 to 21.00 hours. Lunch menu: one or two cold appetizers, soup, one hot fish dish, one hot meat dish, dessert. After dinner, coffee or tea is served in the living room. Before dinner, guests are offered a cocktail. The lunch menu differs from the breakfast menu in that soup is served after cold starters. For soup - sherry (optional).

For cold appetizers, guests are offered vodka or tinctures (chilled), for a fish dish - dry white wine (chilled), for meat - dry red wine (room temperature), for dessert - champagne (chilled), for coffee - cognac or liquor (room temperature). temperature).

Lunch usually lasts 2-2.5 hours, while at the table about 50-60 minutes, the rest of the time is in the living rooms. Dress code - dark suit, tuxedo or tailcoat, depending on the specific occasion and indications in the invitation; for women - evening dress.

On some official occasions, an "a la buffet" reception is held immediately after dinner. The guests who were present at the dinner, at the end of it, are sent to the reception "a la buffet". This combination of two receptions is organized mainly in connection with the stay in the country of a foreign statesman or a foreign delegation, in whose honor a dinner is given.

The dress code is the same as at dinner.

Dinner - starts at 21.00 and later.

The dinner menu and wines are the same as for lunch.

Dress code - dark suit, tuxedo or tailcoat; for women - evening dress.

Dinner differs from lunch only by the start time - not earlier than 21.00.

An evening reception "a la buffet" is arranged on special occasions (in honor of the head or prime minister of a foreign state, a foreign government delegation, on the occasion of a national holiday, etc.). Starts at 20:00. and later.

The treat is the same as at a cocktail or buffet reception, but more varied and plentiful.

Dress code - dark suit, tuxedo or tailcoat; for women - evening dress.

Buffet lunch involves free seating at small tables of four to six people. As well as at the buffet reception, tables are set with snacks, there are buffets with drinks. Guests pick up snacks and sit at their discretion at one of the tables. This kind of reception is often organized after a concert, watching a movie, during a break in a dance evening. The lunch buffet is less formal than lunch.

Varieties of receptions - film screenings, musical and literary evenings, evenings of friendship, golf meetings, tennis, chess, and other sports games. These events are usually accompanied by a light meal.

Depending on the case for which it is necessary to arrange a reception, the type of reception is selected. At the same time, international diplomatic practice should be taken into account, according to which the most solemn, and therefore the most honorable types of receptions are lunch and an evening reception. If we are talking about the head of state or the prime minister, the minister of foreign affairs, and other members of the government visiting the country, then it is advisable to choose lunch. In less important cases, you should use other of the above types of techniques. In this case, it is always necessary to take into account the protocol traditions and customs established in a given country. These traditions will help in choosing the type of reception.

Any reception must be pre-prepared in the most careful way. The preparation of the reception includes: choosing the type of reception, compiling a list of invited persons, sending out invitations, drawing up a seating plan at the table for breakfast, lunch or dinner; menu planning, table setting and guest service; preparation of toasts or speeches, drawing up a scheme (order) of the reception.

When determining the date of reception, one should proceed from the fact that receptions are not held on holidays, and in Muslim countries - on the religious holiday of Ramadan. Receptions are not held on the days of national mourning, and earlier appointments are cancelled.

In order for the reception to be clear and organized, a plan for its implementation is thought out in advance. The time and place of the meeting of the guests by the host, the time of the invitation to the table, the announcement of toasts, etc. are provided. Responsibilities are distributed at the reception for diplomatic workers (giving attention to certain guests, monitoring the hall, etc.). Sometimes at large receptions for the most prominent guests a separate hall is assigned, which, however, should not be isolated from the rest of the guests, or a place in the hall. The owner of the house (reception) should choose the time to go around all the halls and pay attention to all those invited.

Reply to an invitation. In all cases where the letters R.S.V.P. or the phrase "Please reply", it is necessary to inform in advance by phone or in writing whether the invitation is accepted or not. The absence of an answer or its belatedness is considered as a manifestation of impoliteness and impoliteness. In the event that for some reason a response cannot be given in advance, it is better to refuse the invitation than not to give a response at all or to delay it.

Once a positive response to the invitation has been given, attendance at the reception is mandatory. Only in the most extreme case, if any unforeseen and urgent circumstances have arisen that prevent attending this reception, it can be refused, but always with advance notification of the owner of the reception.

If the invitation contains the letters R.S.V.P. crossed out or absent (this occurs mainly in invitations to receptions held standing, without seating at the table), it is not necessary to give one or another answer.

Arrival at the reception and departure from the reception. For breakfast, lunch, dinner or any other type of reception, in the invitation to which you are asked to respond, you must arrive exactly at the time indicated in the invitation. Being late is considered a violation of etiquette and can be perceived negatively and even with resentment. If several representatives from the same department or institution are invited and they come to the reception together, then it is customary for the juniors to enter first, and then the seniors. For receptions held without seating at the table, the invitation for which indicates the time of the beginning and end of the reception (17.00-19.00, 18.00-20.00, etc.), you can come and go at any hour within the time specified in the invitation. It is not necessary to come to the beginning of the reception, just as it is not necessary to be at the reception until the end.

It is believed, however, that the arrival at such a reception at the beginning and the departure from the reception at its end are an expression of the especially friendly attitude of the guest to the host of the reception. And, on the contrary, if there is a need to show or emphasize the coldness or tension of relations with the reception organizer, it is enough to stay on it for 15-20 minutes and, having said goodbye to the host, leave.

Behavior at diplomatic receptions. Any diplomatic reception is a meeting place for representatives of foreign states, who in their relations with each other adhere to the established rules of courtesy, courtesy and tact.

Foreign guests who come to the reception, thereby show respect to the diplomatic representative and his country, and therefore they should be received with honor and attention. The diplomatic representative and his staff make sure that their guests are comfortable, talk with them, treat them. Employees of diplomatic missions should not be allowed to gather in their own circle, forgetting about foreign guests.

The time of a conversation with one interlocutor at an official reception should not exceed five minutes.

At receptions such as a cocktail or a stand-up buffet, guests themselves approach the tables, collect snacks on their plates and move away from the tables to allow other guests to approach them. This rule must not be ignored.

Staying unnecessarily at a particular reception longer than the time specified in the invitation is not recommended, as this can be burdensome for the hosts. An unfavorable impression is produced by cases when guests at a particular reception leave it all at once, after the departure of the main guest. It is better to disperse gradually.

In our country, two types of reception services are accepted:

- "to the table", when all snacks and dishes are on the table;

- "in a run-out" when guests are served by waiters.

Abroad, the latter type of service is widespread. With this service, the waiters approach the guests, pour water and drinks into glasses, then serve snacks and dishes on large oblong trays in the order indicated on the menu. Service begins with a lady seated to the right of the host. If there are two or more waiters, then the service starts immediately from both sides of the table.

At the end of the meal (after dessert and fruit), guests can be served water with lemon slices in special bowls for washing their hands. Fingertips are dipped into this water, which are borrowed on a napkin.

As soon as all the guests have finished eating, the hostess gets up, and everyone else rises after her. The men help the ladies out of the table by pushing their chairs back.

Headed by the hostess and guest of honor, all those present at the reception move from the dining room to the living room, where coffee, cognac, and liqueurs are served.

In the living room, the duties of the men towards their tablemates come to an end.

Before leaving lunch (dinner), guests say goodbye to the hostess and host, thank for lunch (dinner), but not for delicious food.

One of the most important moments of organizing a reception is drawing up a list of guests. An invitation to a diplomatic reception is always political in nature, so the compilation of lists should be entrusted to a responsible official and approved by the head of the institution hosting the reception. The list maker must first determine the total number of guests who are supposed to be invited to the reception. Taking into account the possibility of providing normal service to guests in the premises where the reception will take place, it is necessary to keep in mind a certain percentage of guests who, for various reasons, will not be able or will refuse to be at the reception.

The list of guests from a foreign side primarily includes representatives of official authorities, the diplomatic corps, if invited, and members of the public. It is not recommended to invite people with sharply opposing views and positions to receptions (breakfasts, lunches, dinners, cocktails, receptions) held in a narrow format. In order for such receptions to be successful, it is advisable to invite people of the same party affiliation or those connected by mutual friendship and interests.

Invitations to the reception are sent on a printed form. The name, surname of the invitee and his position are written by hand or on a typewriter. For receptions on the occasion of a national holiday or in honor of a statesman or delegation, special forms are ordered, which indicate on what occasion the reception is held.

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Formal and informal business receptions. Holding an official reception according to the rules of diplomatic protocol and etiquette. The main types of business receptions (daytime and evening, receptions with seating and without seating at the table), features of their conduct.

The diplomatic protocol and its rules are historical categories that arose and developed simultaneously with the whole complex of the diplomatic service.

They arose and are developing not as a result of the decisions of some individuals and their desires, but as a necessity, an indispensable condition for the implementation of successful diplomatic practice.

Diplomatic protocol includes etiquette and ceremonial.

Etiquette is a set of rules, the behavior of diplomats and other officials during various diplomatic events (negotiations, visits, receptions). Includes norms and customs associated with the culture of behavior, culture of life, communication, etc.

Ceremonial - the established procedure for holding a solemn official act (meetings of heads of state, etc.).

Thanks to television, today you can see a lot with your own eyes: solemn meetings of heads of state, government receptions, conversations, press conferences. But all this is a "scene". But what is happening "behind the scenes" of the diplomatic protocol is known only to a small circle of specialists.

The current trend towards cooperation between states and communication between people has taken on a truly global character.

And this, in turn, reinforces the importance of observing certain ceremonial and protocol customs and rules.

There were attempts, taking into account the development of interstate relations and the practice of diplomatic ceremonial and protocol that has developed in different countries, to create something like a generalized monographic study specifically devoted to diplomatic protocol. But this idea remained unrealized.

To perform the numerous functions of the diplomatic protocol, special services are created in all countries. The structure of these services may vary. Today there are two such systems in the world:

• 1. Decentralized or distributed. According to this system, protocol divisions are present in different state institutions at different levels of government and government. This is the most common system (USA, UK, Germany, Japan).
• 2. A centralized system, in accordance with which the main coordinating body is created in the country, which pursues a unified state policy in the protocol support of international contacts of officials of various levels. The protocol services of France and Italy can serve as examples of this system.

But this division is rather conditional. Often in a particular country you can observe elements of both systems.

AT Russian Federation The State Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs acts as a unified state protocol. The protocol activities of a number of higher state bodies are carried out through the State Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On issues related to the activities of the President of the Russian Federation, the Department works together with the Protocol Service of the President.

Functions of the State Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation

International protocol practice shows that although the diplomatic protocol service may be called differently and have different subordination, it ensures the execution of approximately the same scope of duties.

The Department of State Protocol is a structural functional subdivision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

In accordance with the decree of the President of the Russian Federation, the State Protocol Department ensures a unified protocol practice in Russia.

In its activities, the Department is guided by the Constitution of the Russian Federation, the laws of Russia, decrees of the President, resolutions and orders of the Government of the Russian Federation, orders, instructions and instructions of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia.

The department consists of the following divisions:

Department for the stay of the diplomatic corps;

Department of Visits and Delegations;

Department of information work with the diplomatic corps, registration and government telegrams.

The tasks of the Department include:

• 1. Ensuring a unified protocol practice in the Russian Federation, monitoring compliance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic and Consular Missions of Foreign States on the Territory of Russia.
• 2. Protecting the interests of the Russian Federation and its citizens in the performance of tasks related to the stay of the diplomatic corps, monitoring the observance by foreign diplomats of the laws and regulations of the Russian Federation.
• 3. Participation in the development of proposals and the implementation of events of a protocol and organizational nature, during visits abroad by the President, the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as visits of state and government delegations, heads of state, heads of governments of foreign countries, ministers of foreign affairs to Russia.
• 4. Control over the compilation and sending of telegrams on behalf of the head of state in connection with national holidays and other memorable dates of foreign states.
• 5. Maintaining permanent working relations with the diplomatic missions of Russia abroad, providing them with the necessary assistance in protocol work.
• 6. Maintaining business contacts with diplomatic missions of foreign states on the territory of Russia on issues within the competence of the Department.
• 7. Study and generalization of international protocol practice. Based on the main tasks listed above

Department of State Protocol:

• 1. Prepares, in agreement with other departments of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, documents for the reception of foreign delegations in the Russian Federation at the highest and high levels, develops draft programs for their stay and, after appropriate approval, organizes protocol events (meetings, seeing off delegations, laying wreaths, breakfasts, lunches, visiting theater, etc.).
• 2. Organizes the accreditation of heads of foreign diplomatic missions.
• 3. Deals with issues of diplomatic privileges and immunities of foreign diplomatic and administrative and technical workers, as well as their customs privileges.
• 4. Prepares letters of credence and revocable letters of ambassadors of the Russian Federation sent abroad.
• 5. Carries out the registration of the personnel of the diplomatic corps and the issuance of relevant documents to them.
• 6. Participates within its competence in the settlement of material claims of Russian citizens and organizations against diplomatic missions and their employees.
• 7. Organizes the presentation of the diplomatic corps to the President of the Russian Federation, as well as to the heads of state who arrived in Russia on official visits (at their request).
• 8. Organizes the invitation of the heads of diplomatic missions to events and ceremonies of a state nature, as well as to international events held in Russia (festivals, exhibitions, fairs, etc.).
• 9. Publishes the collection Diplomatic Corps in Moscow.

Etiquette of greetings and introductions- a set of rules of initial interpersonal interaction concerning the external manifestation of attitudes towards people.

Despite the seeming simplicity of the rules of mutual greetings and introductions, they require certain knowledge and sufficient attention. In modern business etiquette, some rules have been developed regarding introductions and greetings, depending on the gender, age and position of the contacting people, as well as whether they are in a group or alone. The primary rule of greeting is that in any situation it should show your disposition and goodwill. The nature of the greeting should not be affected by your mood or negative attitude towards the other person.

In the process of relationships, various situations may develop that have the specifics of greetings, introductions to each other or handshakes. This specificity is expressed mainly in who has the right or is obliged to be the first in these actions. For clarity, the display of the rights or obligations of the "first step" of any of the employees in some of the most typical situations are given in Table. 5.1. This table reflects some of the main, most common situations. These situations can be conditionally called options for meeting employees of one or different organizations, and these employees are in a different position based on their age, gender, job level, etc.

Table 5.1. – Rules for greetings and introductions

Presentation etiquette. There are a number of generally accepted rules of etiquette that must be observed when introducing and dating. So, a man, regardless of age and position, always appears to a woman first. Men and women who are younger in age or official position should be presented to older ones, and not vice versa. With an equal position (rank), the younger one is presented to the older one, the subordinate - to the boss, one person is introduced to the couple, group, society, even the woman is presented to the married couple first.

When in a society (guests) they introduce one person to several at once, they usually loudly call his last name, first name. The person represented gives a slight bow to the whole society. It is not accepted to bow to each separately.

If a man is sitting at the time of the performance, he must stand up. A woman may not get up unless she is introduced to a lady much older than her in age or position.

Any performance is accompanied by a slight bow. Deep bows, jerky movements and clicking heels should be avoided.

After the introduction, the person to whom the new acquaintance is introduced calls his last name and adds "Very nice." "Nice to meet you". The one who is being introduced should not say this at the time of the presentation. New acquaintances, as a rule, exchange a few words, enter into a short conversation. The initiator of such a conversation is a person who is senior in rank and position, or a woman.

It is preferable to address a woman by her husband's last name. In hard-to-pronounce and complex names, you can do without this by using the international form "madame".

As a rule, they introduce members of their family without naming their names, for example: "Fyodor Stepanovich, let me introduce you to my son Ivan."

At a party, at parties, dinners and other similar events, it is better to resort to the help of an intermediary from among the familiar guests or members of the host's family for the presentation. However, if there is no person who could introduce you, you can introduce yourself. If someone introduces themselves to you, you should respond with your last name.

dating etiquette. If someone introduces two people, he must himself name the person being introduced. You can not bring them to each other and say: "Get acquainted", obliging them to name themselves. It's not polite.

If you need to introduce a woman to a man, you should say, referring to a woman, for example: "Nina Ivanovna, let me introduce Philip Konstantinovich to you" or "Let me introduce you: this is Philip Konstantinovich."

When addressing officials with state status or military, diplomatic, religious rank, as a rule, they do without mentioning the name. They say: "Mr. President", "Mr. Prime Minister", "Mr. General" (without naming the full rank, say "major general", "lieutenant general", etc.). Etiquette also provides for such a remarkable detail: when addressing an official, he is usually slightly "promoted" in his position. So, a lieutenant colonel is called "Mr. Colonel", an envoy - "Mr. Ambassador", a deputy minister - "Mr. Minister". When introducing military personnel, their military rank is indicated, for example: "Comrade (Mr.) General, let me introduce you to Colonel Kuznetsov."

In the event that the introducer introduces people of the same age and gender, he must introduce the less familiar person to the more familiar one.

handshake etiquette. After the introduction, new acquaintances exchange greetings and, in most cases, shake hands. The first to give a hand is the one to whom a new acquaintance is introduced. Giving a hand should be at the last moment, walking with an outstretched hand or shaking hands across the table is not accepted.

If a woman or a senior in position does not offer a hand to age, you should bow slightly. Extending several fingers or fingertips instead of a hand is tactless. As a rule, you should extend your right hand for a handshake. If for some reason it is busy or damaged (in a bandage), you can extend your left hand, but after apologizing.

The handshake should not be too strong or, conversely, too weak. Shaking your hand is indecent, not recommended, and shaking it with both hands.

Although the handshake has become a familiar and standard ritual, it can convey the attitude of people towards each other. The first option - you feel that the person seems to dominate you, that is, he is trying to control you and you need to be more careful with him. This is because his hand is pointing down in relation to your hand and you feel quite a lot of pressure. As a rule, such a person is the first to extend his hand for a handshake. The second option - a person holds out his hand so that his palm looks up and in this way he lets you know that he is ready to obey and recognize your leadership. The third option - the hands move parallel to each other and vertically with respect to the floor plane. The pressure of the palms is also about the same. This is a relationship of equality, partnership.

There are certain rules of etiquette regarding not only the forms of greetings, but also the conditions in which it is most appropriate to use one form or another. The young are obliged to greet the elders first, just like a man - a woman, persons of a junior rank (official position) - seniors, late - waiting, entering - those present, etc. However, a woman, entering a room where guests have already gathered, should be the first to greet all those present, not waiting for the men to greet her. Men, in turn, should not wait for a woman to come up to them and say hello. Better if the men get up and go to meet her. When leaving, a woman should also be the first to say goodbye. Persons of equal rank, age, position can be recommended to follow the advice expressed by Count A.A. Ignatiev, author of the famous book "50 years in the ranks"; "Of two officers with the same rank, the one who is more polite and well-mannered is the first to greet." By the way, this provision is contained in the French military regulations of the past.

Entering the room in which the guests invited by the owner are located, a person should greet each person present separately or all at once. Approaching the table, greet all those present and, taking your place, once again greet your neighbors on the table. In this case, it is not necessary to give a hand in both cases.

At official receptions, first of all, the hostess or host is greeted, after them the ladies, first the older ones, then the young ones; after that, older and more senior men, and then the rest of the guests. The hostess and host must shake hands with all guests invited to their home.

Of great importance when greetings is the manner of holding. You should look directly at the person you greet with a smile. An unfavorable impression is made by a person who, while extending his right hand in greeting, keeps his left hand in his pocket, looks away, down, or continues to talk to another person. Such impoliteness is not conducive to continuing the acquaintance.

A seated man, greeting a lady or a person older in age or position, must necessarily stand up. If he greets people passing by without engaging in conversation with them, he may not get up, but only rise.

If married couples meet, then first the women greet each other, then the men greet the women, and only after that the men greet each other.

The first person to greet is a woman walking in the company of a man, with a woman walking (or standing) alone.

A woman is the first to greet a man if she overtakes him.

On the street, a passing man is the first to bow to a standing man.

When greeting a woman he knows on the street, a man should raise his hat or cap (but does not take a winter hat either). If the greeting is accompanied by a handshake, the man must take off the glove, and the woman may not take it off, since gloves (silk, cloth, kid), a bag, a scarf, a headdress are part of the ladies' toilet. However, it is recommended that women also remove mittens and a warm leather glove.

A woman is never kissed on the street as a sign of greeting: they do it only indoors.

They do not introduce themselves in the elevator, but in the presence of a lady, the men take off their hats.

Always say "you" when addressing a stranger. You can only address close people, relatives, relatives (if they are younger or your peers), children and friends. In a number of foreign languages, in particular, in English there is no appeal to "you" at all.

Verbal etiquette also allows the use of various psychological techniques, such as, for example, parting words and a brief assessment of communication. These are verbal turns of the type: “Good luck to you”, “I wish you success”, “It was nice to meet you”.

If you are addressing a stranger with a request, be sure to use introductory words: "Excuse me", "Excuse me", "Please", "Let me", etc.

When greeting and parting, in addition to the words “Hello”, “Good afternoon” and “Goodbye”, it is desirable to add the name and patronymic of the interlocutor, especially if he occupies a subordinate position in relation to you.

If the conditions and time of the conversation allow, an exchange of neutral phrases is possible: “How are you?” - "Thanks, it's okay. I hope everything is going well for you as well.” “Thank you, yes.”

In conclusion, it should be noted that there are no trifles in etiquette, so you should always strive to show maximum courtesy and comply with generally accepted rules and norms of behavior and communication.

The handshake accepted here and in the West when meeting or introducing a man and a woman in Muslim countries is absolutely inappropriate. Islam does not accept even the simple contact of people of different sexes, if they are not related by blood ties. It is not customary to shake hands among the peoples of Southeast Asia.