Your Own Personal Wimbledon
While the Wimbledon Championships are still months away it would do us all good to review some of the basic rules of etiquette enforced at the tournament. Even if you do not plan on attending The Championships these rules can be applied to all of your more courtly (ha!) summer gatherings involving grass, sunshine, Pimm’s, and the occasional spat of rain.
Do not make a noise during a rally.
This rule is often misconstrued to mean that everyone must keep quiet at all times. Oh no! Not so! The jocular outburst, the groaners of defeat, and even hand clapping (and not the tithy finger and palm slappy-do common to American golf, but full on applause!) all have their place at The Championships. As it should be for your own summer gatherings. It is, however, knowing when to take part in them that is important. Clever witticisms, feats of athletic prowess (even in lawn bowling), and the greeting of old friends are all worthy occasions to temporarily raise one’s voice. Of course there will be those guests who seem absolutely unable to contain themselves and can be heard bellowing from across the yard for you to tell the story of how you got seasick fishing at Morehead City last year. It is best not to admonish these guests, but rather view them as a naturally occurring phenomenon of social gatherings.
Do not applaud a net cord or double fault.
The failings of others should not be a source of overt pleasure, even if they put yourself in a better standing. It is almost certain that one of your party guests (or even yourself) will spill their drink or find themselves in the weeds after a rather forceful croquet. It is precisely at these times that one’s civility is tested. Please find it in yourself to remain supportive and understanding in these instances. Offer to pour the person a fresh drink, or offer encouragement to the unfortunate player. By all means do not dwell on the incident. Keep the party moving by offering a new topic of conversation or suggesting a new activity. You’ll have plenty of time to discuss the faux pas at length after the unfortunate guest as left the party.
Gentlemen are requested to keep their shirts on.
Unless the gathering in question is taking place in the presence of a swimming pool or beach, gentlemen should not remove their shirts. Doing so may upset some guests—either as a matter of decorum or inferiority. And it is only while swimming that the shirt should be removed. Upon exiting the water it is acceptable to remain shirtless until your hair has dried, at that point redressing is recommended. If your summer gathering permits swimming, the general rule of thumb is that adults should not enter the pool within the first hour of arrival. It is during this time that, as a guest, one should greet the host(ess) and mingle with other party goers. Children, however, are allowed to swim and play with any other children at their leisure, after the cursory greeting from the host of course. Women, on the other hand, should never have their wardrobe requirements dictated, unless it is your wish to experience the coldest, iciest summer party ever seen below the Arctic Circle.
No babes in arms are allowed in any show court.
This last rule has been hotly contested by many a mother for years. In regards to Wimbledon, small children are not allowed due to their unpredictable nature. Crying and temper tantrums are sure to disrupt both the players and the other spectators. It should also be noted that this rule is for the benefit of the child as well. I would be hard-pressed to think of a single child under the age of 12 that would tolerate sitting through a tennis match lasting upwards of 3 hours. In regards to your own summer gathering, if you are expecting well behaved and gracious children, simply state on the invitation that, “Children are more than welcome to attend.” This will give advanced warning to all guests that children can be expected at the event. Conversely, if it is your wish to keep away the vile, unruly children of others simply state, “We request that this event is for adults only.”
And there you have it. With a few simple guidelines, a little foresight, and some modesty, your summer gatherings are sure to be as stately and enjoyable as The Championships. Have a wonderful summer.
