The main types of diplomatic receptions and their characteristics

 "A glass of champagne"

This type of reception is one of the most common types in diplomatic practice. It usually starts at 12:00 and ends at 13:00. It is arranged for the following occasions:

• national holiday;

• in honor of a delegation;

• on the occasion of the ambassador's departure, etc.

During this reception, only champagne is served, but whiskey, vodka and wine can be served as well. Serving an appetizer is optional, but it will not be a mistake either.

Breakfast

The most common start time for breakfast is between 12:00 and 13:00. The breakfast menu is planned taking into account national traditions and consists of:

• one or two courses of cold appetizers;

• one hot fish dish;

• one hot meat dish;

• dessert.

After breakfast, coffee or tea is offered.

An aperitif is served before breakfast: vodka, whiskey, dry wine.

The duration of breakfast is 1-1.5 hours (approximately 45-60 minutes at the table and 15-30 minutes for coffee or tea). The initiative to leave breakfast is up to the main guest.

The dress code of guests at breakfast is in most cases a casual suit, but on special occasions, it can be a tuxedo.

Cocktail and buffet

 Cocktail or buffet are standing receptions without seating at tables; they do not differ from each other in terms of the nature of their organization and conduct, they begin at 17:00 to 18:00 and last for two hours.

Treat: various cold snacks and confectionery, fruits. Sometimes hot appetizers are also served. The meal should not be plentiful. At receptions of this type, alcoholic drinks are put on tables or, being poured into glasses, carried by waiters.

Champagne may be served at the end of the reception followed by coffee.

The dress code for this type of reception is a casual suit or a tuxedo, depending on the specific occasion and the indication of this in the invitation.

Lunch

This is the most honorable type of reception. It starts between 20:00 and 21:00. Lunch menu depends on local traditions:

• one or two cold snacks;

• soup;

• one hot fish dish;

• one hot meat dish;

• dessert.

After lunch, coffee or tea is served in the living room.

The wines are the same as at breakfast. Before dinner, guests are offered an aperitif: vodka, whiskey, dry wine, juices.

Lunch usually lasts 2-3 hours or more. About one hour at the table and the rest of the time in the living rooms.

Dress code: black suit, tuxedo or tailcoat, depending on the specific occasion and indications in the invitation; evening dress for women.

Invitations

Invitations to a diplomatic reception are sent on a printed form. The name, surname of the invitee and his position are written by hand or on a typewriter, but it is preferable to write by hand.

For receptions on the occasion of a national holiday or in honor of a statesman or delegation, special forms are ordered, on which, at the top of the form, it is indicated on which occasion the reception is held.

Invitations are sent out, depending on local practice, no later than two to three weeks before the appointment and are addressed to the person, not the position that this person holds.

Once the invitation has been answered positively, attendance at breakfast, lunch, dinner or any other type of reception is mandatory. It can be canceled only in the most extreme case, if unforeseen or urgent circumstances arise that prevent attending this reception.

Arrival at the reception and departure from the reception

 One must arrive exactly at the time indicated in the invitation for breakfast, lunch, dinner or any other type of reception, according to the a request for a response (RSVP) in the invitation. Being late is considered a violation of etiquette and can be perceived negatively and even with resentment. For receptions held without seating at the table, in the invitation, for which the start and end hours of the reception are indicated (for example, 17.00 - 19.00; 18.00 - 20.00, etc.), one can come and leave at any time within the period specified in the invitation. It is not necessary to come to the beginning of the reception, just as it is not necessary to stay until the end of the reception. It is believed, however, that coming to such a reception at the beginning and leaving the reception at the end of it is an expression of the especially friendly attitude of the guest to the host of the reception and to the country he represents. In contrast, if there is a need to show or emphasize the coldness or tension of relations with the host, it is enough to stay there for a few minutes and leave after saying goodbye to the hosts.

In all cases, officials are advised not to leave the reception before the senior guests.

It is not accepted to stay at the reception after the closing time of the reception indicated in the invitation and it is considered a violation of the protocol.