Pub Fayre, Premiers to Black Tie Socials
What about The Social Diary story that makes us unique? This is our lived experience. A lifetime in certain social circles gives us a unique perspective in the storytelling. We don’t live vicariously through others. We live The Social Diary! As your calling card to lifestyle socials and altruistic events, we cover Newport, Rhode Island and other storied communities.1
About Our Methodology
We cover social events and local fayre (fare). From casual outings to extravagant black tie affairs, we’ll keep you updated on all the exciting social happenings. We do so with a critical eye, since perfection is never the goal, but putting one’s best front forward is. That’s why honesty is an important aspect of our reviews and storytelling.
Along the way, we may impart some etiquette and manners. Of course you have more prominent professionals like William Hanson. However, everyone can gain from a refresher or two of the “Do’s” and “Don’ts.” Besides, fashion topics and queries2 remain consistent throughout our pages and posts. For the same reason transparency is important, we are horrified by the lack of care some people have toward their overall appearance!3
It is in keeping with our nature to maintain high standards. We will also point out establishments self-aggrandising as “world class 5-star” and “award winning” who fall short of the mark. Award shows never impressed us. So take these accolades with a grain of salt, since a review is only as good as the reviewer, who is sometimes more concerned with closet space than table settings, organisation, service standards and dress codes. That’s all you need to know about AAA Diamond reviews.
Social Standards: The Gilded Age
Maintaining high social standards is important. And these points are very achievable. Deportment, manners and kindness advances society. Vitriol, crudeness and cruelty does not.
Julian Fellowes brilliantly depicts life during the Gilded Age, in the popular show. Additionally, it showcases the harmony and synergy between the upstairs and downstairs. Lord Fellowes is adept in writing about the social classes. He does so confidently in Downton Abbey to The Gilded Age. Additionally, his keen observations provide authenticity to the dynamic stories between the masters and mistresses (upstairs) and their servants and staff (downstairs).
The standards of service during this period were exceptionally high, and the dedicated servants and staff took great care in ensuring that everything ran seamlessly. If you want to immerse yourself in this captivating era, you can watch the Lord Fellowes rendition of The Gilded Age on Max/HBO in the United States.
About Ratings & Reviews
Unfortunately, it is evident that service standards have declined, even at prestigious five-star Relais & Châteaux luxury hotels. This despite receiving numerous accolades and awards. The pretentious ones list these accolades in a thread at the bottom of their website. Sometimes you wonder what are they hiding or compensating for, because if you have to mention how important you are, you probably aren’t4.
The issues of Top down management are glaring. When the President and Managing Director of a renowned establishment neglects to adhere to the dress code for a “black tie” event at his own hotel, it raises concerns about the value of those accolades and awards. It is disheartening to witness the diminishing level of service in an industry that prides itself on exceptional hospitality.
Not all “five-stars” are alike, so buyer beware!
In addition to the correspondences we sent to these establishments and our compilation of their website mistakes, we also offer our astute observations on their attire and behaviour. If manners define a person, then style and outward image are the defining features of initial impressions.
The Social Diary selection process
About Social Engagements
The Social Diary selects events and programmes to attend based on certain “best practices”5 for practical reasons. For instance, whilst the Newport Polo Ball Gala is a worthy “charity” event, we did not believe the service was to the highest standard it could be. We provide examples here. However, this is not to say that we completely dismiss an otherwise worthy event. With additional training and eye for more detail, these events could become the “Platinum” standards.6
Additionally, after attending one New Year’s Eve Ball at the Ocean House, we will not be returning. Future events may exceed expectations, but sometimes, it only takes one experience to limit participation. However, we were more impressed with their Black & White Ball because of its ‘giving‘ nature. The Social Diary supports community charities.
We are still evaluating the Newport Wedding Show. If we plan on a return for the 2025 season, we will provide our members and subscribers with information on how to better protect their personal data since it is clear that the show’s organisers practice “data farming.” And we are not talking about agriculture.
About Membership Selections
Our selection process extends to memberships as well. Whilst we still maintain ties to our “Legacy memberships,” we have explored other general, social and organisational memberships, evaluated annually. We have added and deleted these adjunct memberships based on certain criteria.
Our financial acumen does not allow for frivolous expenses.7 We don’t mind spending money and spreading the wealth. We don’t throw away money on things that don’t meet our standards. High standards are achievable, but many make excuses for their own shortcomings. Excuses should not belong in people’s vocabulary. Full stop.8
As others have noticed on Yelp, Google and Trip Advisor, standards are sadly slipping across the board. Moreover, top down management continue to make excuses for their own failures. The worse kind of ‘weakness’ is to say, “I’m sorry” after the fact. Don’t be a jerk, then there is no need to apologise.
- The About page is a companion of Beyond Yelp. Both pages provide insight and details on our selections and processes. ↩︎
- Member requested queries occur when there is additional information to an already published story. ↩︎
- The “dress code” is emphasised where necessary, such as Private Members Clubs and black tie events. ↩︎
- The Social Diary believes in the “Golden Rule” of “less is more.” ↩︎
- Changed from ‘etiquette.’ Best practices notes a policy change. ↩︎
- Platinum standards can be achieved with the right mindset, people and training. ↩︎
- The Social Diary hates waste, this includes money. We don’t waste money on low standards. ↩︎
- Adjunct memberships are evaluated annually based on attitude, honesty, communications and standard of care. ↩︎