Here are a few petite evening bags. They are on top of an elegant placemat, one of a set, that was just given to me for Christmas from a precious friend, Maria Helena, a diplomat from Brazil. Oh, and the pink ribbon clutch? I designed and sold these as my first business when I was just married... always have loved pink!
When attending a formal or semi-formal dinner, where do you place your evening bag? Several ladies have asked me this question, so here is my two-part answer!
Typically, Mummy advised me that the rule of thumb for an evening bag is to place it on your lap, with the napkin placed over it, or behind the small of your back against the chair, but never hanging from the chair! All other handbags may be placed on the floor next to you.
Now, here is my exception to this rule: If you are attending a public event such as a fundraiser, museum, or even a restaurant dinner and you have a delicate “Judith Leiber” type evening bag (examples in the photograph), then it has become acceptable to place it on the table, above the place setting, so that it is not in the way of the server. These little evening bags can be quite pretty and sparkly, adding to a festive table. I usually take the cue from the hostess of the event before I place mine on the table.
For private dinner parties, evening bags, or any type of handbag, should never be placed on a dining table.
Upon entering someone’s home for a dinner party, I place my evening bag, or any size bag for that matter, on an entry hall chair or table, where it stays put for the evening, unless I go to the powder room and take it with me. The hostess has gone to great lengths to decorate her dining room table, and it does not include an evening bag, no matter how pretty it is! As a hostess, I offer a place for a lady to rest her evening bag or larger handbag.
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Millennial Tip
When attending any event, carry your purse with your left hand, like HRH The Queen does, so that you can easily shake hands with your right hand.
When dining in an elegant restaurant, quite often a small stool or bench is placed next to the ladies seated to set their evening bags or handbags upon. Oh, I adore when this happens!
Forbidden Faux Pas
No-no: To place a clutch under your arm, instead of in your hands.
A clutch is meant to be carried with your hand, or with both hands in front of you, with your fingers pointing downward, as does HRH The Duchess of Cambridge.