GabyA Little “Secret”
All the chairs are closely arranged around the table, except for those of the main guest and the host. Guests sit on one side. Which side is that? It’s the side from which they can look out the window, while the hosts sit opposite, making it easier to keep an eye on the door and ensure that necessary documents and coffee are served promptly.
If a guest arrives alone or only with a translator, it’s best to offer them a prestigious spot on the sofa. The host should take a seat in the armchair to the left of the sofa. Don’t think of the soft furniture in business offices as mere luxury items.
Remember, the seat to the right of the host is the place of honor.
Flowers and Arrangements
Flowers in tall vases are not placed on the tables. Although diplomatic protocol is often described as “conservative,” it still takes fashion trends into account. Giving three carnations or roses wrapped in cellophane is a throwback to the 1950s. Nowadays, stylish bouquets are in vogue. Special success comes when they are composed of cornflowers, daisies, and especially when sweet peas and nasturtiums are included! However, the most exquisite remain hollyhocks. Regardless of the flowers you choose to give, they should not be fully bloomed.
Flowers convey respect in various ways. The guest’s quarters from Poland were adorned with white and red flowers. When he entered the room, he paused for a moment, surprised, as those are the colors of his homeland’s national flag.
In the fall, the republic was preparing to host a French delegation. For the receptions, we were offered some stunning chrysanthemums, which, to be honest, I had never seen before. We declined them because in November, the French associate chrysanthemums with sadness. Unfortunately, chrysanthemums did appear in the guests’ residence, and it was disheartening when they brought a sense of gloom to the guest’s wife.
When preparing for a meeting, consider all the details and think everything through to maximize both benefit and enjoyment.
Creating a Relaxation Corner
A relaxation corner in your summer cottage can be adorned with original planter devices. These can be made from materials that would otherwise be thrown away or burned. Some people use old car tires for this purpose. There are also several options for creating large planters. For example, if you have an old barrel lying around, you can remove the bottom, secure the lower boards with a metal rim, bury it, fill it with drainage and soil, and plant ferns or climbing plants. Nasturtiums also look stunning in such planters.
Decorative flower arrangements can also be made from logs. For this, you need to drill a hole and hollow it out with a flat chisel. A stump can also be used to plant daisies.
Hosts who enjoy crafting can repurpose old wicker baskets. These can be secured with wire, and the handles trimmed off.
