The long summer months have finally passed, and now the Social Season is upon us once again. As the Butler in a billionaire’s home, this begins the time of year when we all gear up for the non-stop onslaught of parties, galas and other events, and put forth every ounce of energy we can muster to make it all a success.
I've been asked more than once what exactly is the social season, So I'll try to explain. During the summer months of June, July and August no one gives large parties simply because too many prospective guests are away on vacation. Any parties during these months are usually confined to small birthday, wedding, and anniversary gatherings.
In North America the Social Season begins in mid September and usually ends shortly after New Year’s in January, when deep winter starts to set in. This time frame not only encompasses all the holidays - Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Years—but this is also the season for Charity Balls, huge frivolous galas and those never-ending, absolutely-dreary political fund raising events.
In North America the Social Season begins in mid September and usually ends shortly after New Year’s in January, when deep winter starts to set in. This time frame not only encompasses all the holidays - Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Years—but this is also the season for Charity Balls, huge frivolous galas and those never-ending, absolutely-dreary political fund raising events.
Different countries or regions within a country might define this differently, and actually some cities claim their own specific dates for the Social Season. Here’s an article you might find amusing from "The Reliable Sources" in the Washington Post (September 27, 2010) about the parties in our nation's capitol entitled "Too Many Parties but Not Enough Fun!"
I'd just like to mention that the parties during this season are deadly serious in the world of the rich. In fact, "Save the Date” cards are sent out a few weeks or a couple of months before formal invitations are sent out. And as mentioned in a previous post entitled RSVP and Regrets social manners seriously come into play here.
As you might imagine, this is an extremely busy and important time in the lives of the rich, and they go all out. No expense is spared. The preparations for all this is amazingly detailed and absolutely exhausting. But we, the house staff, are all professionals around here and know just what to do, and how and when to do it.
I should also mention there's a brief spring social season, after the snow melts and before everyone goes away for summer vacations. But it's nothing like the fall season and all the holidays involved.
Thanks for reading stopping by this evening,
I should also mention there's a brief spring social season, after the snow melts and before everyone goes away for summer vacations. But it's nothing like the fall season and all the holidays involved.
Thanks for reading stopping by this evening,
Andrew
I've heard of the social season but never knew exactly what it meant. Had a good idea about corresponding to the cooler weather and holidays. Thanks for shedding some light. I'm enjoying your posts.
ReplyDeleteYou always enlighten us ! Thank You ! I too look forward to each and every post you do !!!! Keep up the good work ! By the way about how many outfits does the Mrs have to have for a social season ?
ReplyDeleteTo Anonymous #1 above:
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're enjoying the posts. And as for the cooler weather, you're right. For the rich, any time the temperature drops below seventy-five degrees, they all dash out and get their furs out of cold storage! Ha! Party time!
Andrew
To Anonymous #2 above:
ReplyDeleteThe Mrs has enough outfits for every day of the year, including some two-hundred cocktail dresses. But to hear her tell it, she has "nothing to wear". For many lesser events she relies upon this wardrobe. But for any of the twelve-to-fifteen major events during the social season, a new gown will arrive from her personal shopper at Neimans. Awesome to behold! Ha!
Thanks for commenting,
Andrew
How many times will the Mrs wear her cocktail dresses before she decided to do away with them ?
ReplyDeleteI don't think this is true of all rich women, but this particular employer I'm working for now only wants to wear a cocktail dress once! Ha!
ReplyDeleteIn fact, I wrote about this in the Spring of this year. In the column on the left side of this page, under "Blog Archives", just click on May. The article was published on May 8, entitled "Consignment Shops and the Rich".
Thanks for reading, and for commenting.
Andrew
That's so awesome! Once again, my imagination is running wild!!!! I would LOVE to be able hide in a corner during an event & just "people watch". I can make up my own ideas & theories about what is being discussed, the gossip, & drama... OH MY WHAT FUN!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun indeed, Luv 2 Be!
ReplyDeleteI'll have to be your "fly on the wall", and report as best I can -- without getting fired!
Ha!
Andrew