by Crystal Thomas, MCM, CHE

Are you planning a dinner party at your club? As a past club manager of 30 years, and having visited many clubs, there were times that this information could have really assisted to make me fully at ease. Although this is basic information to you, and perhaps to guests that have attended at your club before, you may have some guests that are not even familiar with club lifestyle. So, in anticipation of your guests coming to your club, allow them to turn any angst into pure excitement, which is possible by remembering a few simple pointers.

What is the dress code? Some clubs have a very strict dress code, and in others it is more relaxed. The dress code may change from room to room, meal period to meal period, and event to event within your club. Even the term “business casual” may not mean the same in every club, so you may want to define that for your guests as well. Of course this is second nature to you in the context of your own club, but it really supports your guests at being at ease if they have plenty of notice in knowing exactly how to dress. You don’t want your guest dressed in the club jacket or the club tie!

What are the parking arrangements? Is there valet parking? Is there self parking? Is either an option? Alert your guests to this, so they are fully prepared. Many people are very particular about who drives their car, so this will allow your guest to handle their parking arrangements, while being fully prepared.

How do you handle gratuities in your club? The biggest areas of consideration are coat handling and car park. Different rules apply in different clubs and for different situations. Some clubs do not allow gratuities for their members, but do allow them for guests while some clubs allow gratuities on function events only, and other clubs allow no extra gratuities at all. If you guests knows what to expect, they will be much more at ease.

Where do you wait for your guests? Of course you arrive at the club ahead of your guests, and are waiting for them in the foyer, or the area closest to the entrance to escort them into the area of the club where you are being entertained.

Being totally prepared will include you arriving in enough time to check on all your arrangements, so that you have the confidence that your entire evening flows with ease and with grace.

Now, show off your club and enjoy your guests!

Crystal Thomas, MCM is certified as an Etiquette and Protocol Consultant through the Protocol School of Washington®