1. Hosting Diplomatic ReceptionsBy
Lilian Acom

2. Purposes of Entertaining Diplomats
To obtain opinions and information from local residents and from other diplomats
To make friends that may prove useful
To enable heads and senior members of missions informally to sound out members of the ministry of foreign affairs
To improve the public image of their country
To enable wives to meet and make friends with other wives

3. Seating
Selected date preferably one that does not coincide with a national day or local religious festivals.
Especially for official receptions,before invitations are despatched, a seating plan is worked out.
Have a guest list and select guests that are not likely to clash
Customs and practices of various communities should be taken in to consideration.

4. Seating ( Continued .. ) Invitations
Normally sent two or three weeks before the event
Can be by sending printed fill in invitations
Can be informal by phone through secretaries
If in honour of someone, add the persons name on the invitation

5. Types of Diplomatic Receptions
Dinner
Guests are welcomed by host and hostess
When dinner is ready the hostess will lead the guests to table
During the meal, it would appropriate for the host to say a few words of welcome and for the senior to reply
Dinners are usually offered to honour presidents,members of government or members of diplomatic corps.

6. Types of Diplomatic Receptions ( Continued .. )
Buffets
most popular in recent times
Provides an opportunity to offer a variety of dishes to meet various taste and dietary restrictions
Can be formal or informal
Enables host and hostess to move more effectively among their guests.

7. Types of Diplomatic Receptions ( Continued .. )
Lunch
Invitation, and other arrangements are the same as for diner
General atmosphere less formal
Guests normally invited at 1o’clock for 1:15 and leave between 2:15 and 2:30
Cocktails
Normally given in honour of someone
Generally hosted from 6:00p.m till 8:00p.m
Cocktail buffets state beginning time and not the ending

8. Types of Diplomatic Receptions ( Continued .. )
Coffee
Simple and fairly formal
Enables wives to meet
Can either be in the morning or evening
Tea
Tend to be formal
Invitation cards are normally given
Last approximately from 4:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m

9. Types of Diplomatic Receptions ( Continued .. )
Vin d’Honneur
Honour an individual or group of people
Both alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks are served
Quiet formal
Usually lasts for an hour
Balls and Dances
Can either be dinner or supper dance
Not popular today but can be a charity ball or a ball commemorating a historic event

10. Courtesy Introducing People Visiting Cards
A gentleman is normally presented to a lady
A junior is always presented to a senior
When introducing two people,must be by name and say what they do.
Visiting Cards
Performs functions on behalf of of owner
May be delivered personally or by post or by chauffeur
May convey specific message such as:
P.M: Pour Memoire      P.P- Pour Presentation
P.m-pour memoire
P.r-pour remercier •      P.p- pour presentation

11. Wines and Liquors
Part of the tradition of diplomatic receptions in many countries
French and German wines are most popular
Normally three categories:
Table wine
Fortified wines
Spiced wines
Liquors:
Taken after a meal
Mostly have a brandy base

12. General Observations
For Moslems and people of Judaic faith,pork and its products are un acceptable.
Be very observant and find out about local customs
Enquire about dietary restrictions.i.e vegetarians

13. Role of Guest and Conclusion
Don’t bring a friend without first asking hostess
Don’t be standoffish
Don’t over stay your welcome
Always say goodbye to your host and hostess.
To conclude, diplomatic receptions are basically there to make contacts thus improve international relationships.

14. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Serres.J,1992, “Manuel Pratique de Protocole”, Courbevoie, edition de la biévre.
R.G.Feltham, Diplomatic Hand book, 7 edition.
Gandoiun.J,1998, “Guide du protocole et des usages”, Paris editions stock.
Tuckerman N and N.Dunnann, 1995, “The Amy Vanderbilt Complete Book of Etiquette”, Newyork, Doubleday.