1. The Dining In & Dining Out
COL Grace Edinboro
27 August 2016

2. Dining In or Dining Out?
Traditional formal dinner for members of a military organization
Brings together officers or NCOs on a social basis
Fosters a spirit of teamwork and camaraderie
Celebrates unit history
Any reason – end of school year, awards, OCS graduation, etc.
Dining In is generally only unit members. Dining Out invites guests
Dining In usually more rowdy; Dining Out usually more formal

3. Venue Banquet Hall Dining Room Large open room
Head Table and rectangular or circular tables
Ideally someplace with a lounge or separate area to mingle away from the dining room
Generally the meal is served. Can use buffet when necessary.
Uniform – as formal as possible

4. Events Program/agenda is very flexible
Depends on what Commander wants to accomplish
Best planned, coordinated, & executed by a committee
President & Vice President of the Mess

5. Sequence of Events Receiving Line Cocktail Period Dinner Chimes
Posting of the Colors
Invocation
Punch/Grog Ceremony
Toasts
Welcoming Remarks
Dinner
Break
Guest Speaker (Introduction, Comments)
President of the Mess Remarks / Toast Guest Speaker
Benediction
Retire the Colors
Close the Mess

6. Details Use of the gavel Points of Order
Songs, limericks, skits, games
Grog
Menu
Toasts
Guest Speaker
Music/dancing

7. Violations of the Mess Untimely arrival at proceedings
Improper toasting procedure
Loud and obtrusive remarks
Leaving the dining area without permission from the president
Carrying cocktails into the dining area prior to conclusion of dinner
Foul language
Toasting with an uncharged glass
Rising to applaud particularly witty, sarcastic, or relevant toasts, unless following the example of the president
Discussion of politics or religion

8. Layout
Head Table:
President of the Mess
Guest of Honor
High Ranking Guests
Mr/Madam Vice – seated separately opposite the President
Seating Chart and/or place cards
Missing Man Table

9. The Grog More appropriate for Dining In, not Dining Out
Not a traditional part of the formal Dining In
A punch is mentioned in tradition – mix of alcoholic beverages
In CACC, no alcohol will be used
Should be formally prepared at beginning of festivities
Take the history of the unit (or Corps), and equate ingredients to honor parts of that history
Should be potable (drinkable)

10. Many references on the web
Questions?
Many references on the web