Last night I attended a cocktail party or ‘vernissage’ at a downtown gallery.
The art was interesting, huge canvas’ with portraits – an interesting juxtaposition of old and new styles.
The crowd was extremely mixed from the very wealthy with their private cars and drivers at the door, the parvenues,trying to show everyone how ‘cool’ they are, and desperately fluttering around seeking the attention of the rich and famous. Lawyers, fashion designers, media types, business executives, a singer, and a fairly large contingent who couldn’t possibly afford even the smallest item for sale, who, I can’t possibly imagine how, were invited.
The food, which I must say, was excellent, wine was flowing freely, and the crowd so dense that the party finally spilled into the street as the gallery couldn’t hold them all.
A couple of wags were overheard between mouthfuls of food which they were absolutely shovelling into their mouths, that they adored coming to parties such as this one as the food was excellent, an overabundance of wine, and their supper was well provided. They served themselves to several platefuls of food, and endless glasses of wine, one was staggering and showed no signs of slowing.
By the time I left, the group of them must have each consumed at least 4 glasses of wine, 3 platefuls of food, and were going back for more.
So, what is the correct etiquette at this sort of function? I was brought up not to be pushy and aggressive when it came to free food, that to savagely attack food at a party is the sign of extremely bad manners. I had one plate of food, nothing whatsoever to drink, not even water.
The question is, inasmuch as it is being offered, should you feel free to eat and drink as long as the food continues to be served, with the absolute knowledge that you have no intention whatsoever, or even worse, no means to make a purchase in an art gallery??
Personally I find their behaviour quite appalling and would be embarrassed at exhibiting such behaviour……thoughts???!!!
