Feature:
Ask Mavis

Hello Poppets,

Well it has come to that time of the year when the Mardi Gras festival hits town and everyone takes to the streets for a night of fun and frivolity. The parade often reminds me off the Empire Day Parades (24th May, Queen Victoria 's Birthday; the “Old Queen” Poppets) that festooned the streets of Newcastle for me as a young girl. Relics of the Queen trundled down the street, stretches of lame fabric, kewpie dolls and fairy floss where in gay abundance and the night ablaze with the bright display of crackers that lit the night sky; a testament to the wonder of the Empire. Not much has changed I guess! At the end of the Parade, a street party would follow and families would come over to my parents' tiny weatherboard cottage and drink to the early hours.
I remember as a child being amazed that my parents knew a lot of people by name. It can be a daunting event going to a big party, I know. And so let's have a look at some of the ways you may be able to get to know some new friends at the parties that you may attend.

Even at a big party, it is possible to try and talk to everyone there, If you approach the party with a plan. You will be able to “work yourself around the room” and talk to many people in an hour. Make it a point to greet the host/hostess as soon as you arrive at a party and just before you leave. Don't stick to your spouse or date all evening, try and mingle with other guests including the ones you are meeting for the first time. Move away from the front door, it is a trap. So are the food table and the bar. If you remain talking to someone at the door, or around the food table and bar, you will get stuck in that spot and remain on the fringe of the party. Go to where the action is, it will actually make it easier for you to circulate the centre. I always find it easier and fun if you start by talking to the person you like the least. Do what I do and make a list of people off whom you really can't stand. Make sure you speak to them in the first hour or so, for some of you that may take up to more than one hour, none the less, power through that list! You can finish off the conversation and then move on to spending time with guests you enjoy more.

That done, move on to a person you don't know or someone who is standing alone. For all you know, that lone ranger could turn out to be the next guest at your afternoon tea soiree. After all a party is not the appropriate place for long heart-to-hearts with a close friend or the time to spill out our guts to a new acquaintance. Keep circulating with polite conversation breakers.
You can excuse yourself by telling the person you've been talking to: “I'd love to chat you up later, let me just speak to so and so and get back.” Make sure you are articulate Poppets,
or it could get nasty!

Now don't forget I am hosting a lunch for Rupert Everett on Friday 2nd March at the Bentley Restaurant and Bar as part of the Mardi Gras Festival. Why not come and join us and try some of these tips out for yourself.

Hope to see you at a Party soon.

Always
Aunty Mavis xx