Newport Manners & Etiquette: Utterly Casual Yacht Wedding, Whatever Gender Restrooms, No-Show Guest
Didi Lorillard, GoLocalProv Manners + Etiquette Expert
Newport Manners & Etiquette: Utterly Casual Yacht Wedding, Whatever Gender Restrooms, No-Show Guest
No-Shows
Q. At a seated dinner recently the man whose name was on the place card next to me didn't show up. It was a table of ten seated boy-girl, boy-girl, etc. His date didn't show up either, so there were two empty seats at our table of ten. A gate crasher took one of the vacant seats. He was the bride's hairdresser and was an entertaining fill-in. Someone suggested I move over a spot. I did but at a big table like that it is hard to equally talk to the person on your left and the person on your right when there is an empty space between you. I was impressed that the host came over right after we sat down to say he was sorry that the missing couple had to leave because of an emergency, and asked if it was alright if he sent over a gate crasher.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe hard part for me was that the only actual person I sat next to was stuck with me and I with him. What would you have done, Didi? AV, Newport, RI
A. At some point before the entree was cleared, you could have suggested that the one person seated next to you switch seats with a person across the table. You could say, "Let's shake up the table a bit and switch you with George when the wedding cake is served." It takes social skills to make such a switch, but if you take the lead you can make it happen gracefully, if not humorously.
Doctor Patient confidentiality
Q. My husband and I are currently without health insurance and he's been taking an over-the-counter anti-depressent called SAM-e, which makes him irritable and at times either whiny or overly-anxious -- or both. His primary physician doesn't know he is taking SAMe. But I feel I should tell him. My husband insists it is as good, if not better, than any of the expensive prescription antidepressants he took when we had health insurance, pre Obamacare. Should I just be happy that he is no longer depressed and grin and bear the whining and anxiety. Long-Suffering Wife, West Bath, ME
A. The US Food and Drug Administration doesn't sufficiently regulate over-the-counter herbs supplements, so the jury is still out on whether antidepressants such as SAM-e are totally safe. What you can do is to persuade your husband to talk to his primary care physician about SAM-e to see if any medication he is also taking works with the SAM-e, or against it. For instance SAM-e could possibly affect bleeding risk if your husband is also taking any drug that affects bleeding, such as aspirin or blood thinners. Or if he takes a drug to control his blood pressure.
What you can say to your primary care doctor is this: I'm concerned that SAM-e may not be working well for Jack. Can you please talk to him about what he's taking, how much he's taking and how often, so that he can get a reality check on his mood swings.
His doctor may not know he's taking SAM-e, so you want to assume for the safety of your husband that his doctor knows about the SAM-e.
Utterly Casual Yacht Wedding
Q. My boyfriend and I are invited to a wedding taking place at sea on a yacht. What do we wear? What should we know about a yacht wedding? The dress code is Utterly Casual. Since there are 150 guests we don't want to be underdressed or overdressed. We're not sure what Utterly Casual means for a wedding on a boat! PH, Manhattan
A. You can assume that the bride and groom will be dressed casually, but more formally than their guests. They want everyone to relax and have a good time.
- Most important is footwear. Shoes should be broken in so they won't slip or slide on slippery high polished flooring. Don't wear spiked heels that could damage any wooden floors.
- Your boyfriend would wear a navy blue blazer or any lightweight linen jacket, a collared open shirt and dress khakis, colored or white trousers with possibly a rubber sole shoe. A tie would be optional.
- As the bride will be dressed super casually, you wouldn't want to wear anything that might be dressier than what she's wearing. A jumpsuit would be terrific or any dress that moves well in the wind and on the dance floor that's not puffy with fabric or tacky with sequins.
It goes without saying that sunscreen and a hat are a must for a daytime wedding at sea.
Whatever gender restroom
A. Yes, say it loud and clear: "Do either of you have toilet paper you can share?" Chances are good that one or the other will listen to your need.
Didi Lorillard researches manners and etiquette at NewportManners.com for her upcoming book NEWPORTMANNERS.
20 Things to Look Forward to in New England This Summer - 2019
Sipping Del's Lemonade on a Hot Day
While you can probably find Del's Lemonade somewhere during any month of the year, drinking it in the winter is just not the same as when it is a hot day in the midst of summer.
As summer approaches, be sure to locate our nearest Del's Lemonade stand.
PHOTO: Krista Guenin/Flickr Commons
Waterfire
Providence, RI
Waterfire is back for the summer and it's an event and experience that must be had.
As GoLocalProv reported, WaterFire will begin the 2019 season with a basin lighting on Thursday, May 23 or the National Association of State Treasurers Treasury Management Training Symposium and the first full lighting of the season will be Saturday, June 22.
Waterfire is Providence's signature event bringing in people from all over New England and the country to see it.
A great night out for families and couples alike.
PHOTO: Waterfire
Visiting Southwick Zoo
Mendon, Ma
Can't wait to get back to the zoo and visit the animals at Southwick Zoo.
Be sure to check out the giraffes.
The Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Click here for more information.
Taking a Cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee aboard the M/S Mount Washington
New Hampshire
Lake Winnipesaukee offers some of the best scenery in all of New England and there is no better place to see it from then the M/S Mount Washington.
Click here for more information.
PHOTO: Winnipesaukee.com
The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival
Burlington, Vermont
The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival takes place from May 31 to June 19 in downtown Burlington, Vermont.
This 10 day celebration features four stages with free live music from Patti Labelle, Tank and the Bangas and more.
The festival also will feature local food and much more.
For more information, click here.
PHOTO: kingkongphoto/Wikipedia
Walking Along Roger Wheeler State Beach
Narragansett, RI
Look forward to taking a stroll all the way from chair six to chair one as the waves crash along the shore.
PHOTO: RI DEM
Taking a Cruise on a Windjammer
Maine
Head to Maine and sleep aboard a National Landmark, the Maine Windjammer Fleet.
Go on a three, four or six-day cruise and get closer than ever before to wildlife like whales, eagles, and porpoises while you see some of the best coastal scenery that North America has to offer.
Click here for more information.
PHOTO: Maine Windjammer Association
PVDFest
Providence, RI
After another successful festival last year, PVDFest returns to Providence for the fourth year and will take place from June 6 to June 9.
The festival will bring in art, music, performances and more from all over the United States and the world for the free outdoor festival.
Click here for more information.
Catching a Worcester Bravehearts Game
Worcester, Ma
Year after year, the Worcester Bravehearts are one of the best baseball teams in New England.
They bring in some of the best college talent from across the region to compete for the Futures League Championship.
Don't miss a game.
Click here for more information.
Newport Folk Festival
Newport, RI
The Newport Folk Festival is set to be held from July 26-28 and will feature bands such as Sheryl Crow, Hozier and more.
Don't miss out on one of the biggest concert events of the summer.
Visiting Cape Playhouse Theatre
Cape Cod
Taking a ride to Cape Cod and visit the oldest summer theatre in the country, Cape Playhouse. Cape Playhouse was first opened in 1927 by Raymond Moore.
The theatre has been home to some of the biggest stars to ever grace a stage like Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart amongst others.
It opens for the summer on June 12 with "The Importance of Being Earnest."
Click here for more information
Participating in the Worcester World Cup 2019
Worcester, MA
The 2019 Worcester World Cup is set to take place from Friday, August 19 to Sunday, August 11.
The Worcester World Cup is more than a soccer tournament. It's a celebration of Worcester and a safe, friendly family event that people look forward to all year.
Click here for more information
PHOTO: Worcester World Cup event page
Newport Jazz Festival
Newport, RI
The 2019 festival is set to take place from Friday, August 2 to Sunday, August 4.
The festival will show off over 50 individual jazz ensembles on four stages including performances at the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Fort Adams State Park.
Click here for more information
PHOTO: Newport Jazz Festival
Seeing a Movie at the Rustic Drive-In
North Smithfield
Look forward to Calling up your friends, pack a picnic, and sit in your car as feature films are projected on giant outdoor screens.
The audio plays right through your radio, so be sure to turn the volume up high as you snack on your candy and popcorn.
Click here for more information
PHOTO: Swampyank/Wikipedia
Zip Lining in the Berkshires
Looking for something new and exciting? Head to the Berkshires and get yourself on a zip line, maybe even do a canopy tour.
There are three different tour options, starting with the base area tour which lasts an hour or the Moutain Top or Valley Jump tour which takes three hours. Both of those are sure to shoot some adrenaline into your day.
Click here for more information
PHOTO: Khaufle/Wikipedia
Eating a Clam Cake From Flo’s
Portsmouth, Middletown
Be excited about heading to Flo's and taking a bite of a Flo’s clam cake and you’ll understand why they’ve been around since 1936.
Dip it in a side of tartar sauce or enjoy as is.
Click here for more information
Boston Calling
Boston, Ma
Boston Calling, the first New England music festival of the season kicks off in downtown Boston on the weekend of May 24 to the 27.
The festival features a performance from Twenty One Pilots and much more.
Click here for more information
PHOTO: Adam Elmakias/Wikipedia
Vermont Summer Festival
Manchester, Vermont
The Vermont Summer celebration features everything from horses to shopping at onsite boutiques and plenty of places for food and drinks.
The celebration takes place from July 2 through August 11.
Click here for more information
PHOTO: Vermont Summer Festival website
Playing Golf at Harbor Lights
Warwick, RI
Harbor Lights in Warwick offers golfers a great place to tee it up this summer.
Not to mention the amazing scenery and the great food at the Par + Tackle restaurant.
Click here for more information
PHOTO: Harbor Lights
RI International Film Festival
Across RI
The Rhode Island International Film Festival will celebrate their 36th anniversary beginning on August 6 and going through August 11.
The Festival features the best local films made with some of the best local talent.
Click here for more information
