Curious about the "rules"

[gary meakin]

The "its just not done old boy" has developed simply because there are not any civilian dress rules and is generally used as a well meaning shot across the bows to warn of "rocks" ahead.

In another life we used to entertain regularly and on a reasonably large scale in private. Our guests were mostly my or my wife's friends, although there were on occasion a shooting party staying overnight. Now if these guests did not conform to the best of their ability, that, by the way, is all that is ASKED for, then they were stretching my friendship, generosity and enjoyment more than a wee tad!They would be imposing their will, desires on me, my wife and other guests in a selfish way and ultimately that really won't do and frankly I have plenty of other friends to invite for my enjoyment in the future.

It is making the effort that counts. One of my friends lost his house and contents due to a fire, but he and his wife made the effort to ring round our friends to borrow the kit that "would do" for our dinner. Now that is consideration and will never be forgotten.

Dinner suits(tux) were new once, white ties were new once, Top hat and tails were new once, the kilt as we know it was new once and so things will evolve , things will come and go all in good time and some things will stand the test of time. However to force the issue is arrogant, inconsiderate, unnecessary and quite correctly in my view "just not done".

Thanks Jock.
I've only been on this forum for a short time but I'm starting to realize that by holding off and waiting til I've heard your comments is a good way to learn something.