2024 Etiquette Workshop for The Coastal Cotillion
The Flour Bluff/Padre Island Coastal Cotillion held their Etiquette Workshop event at the lovely home of Mrs. Roberta Soward on October 20th, 2024. The topics for the meeting included introductions, manners, fine dining etiquette, resumes, and job interviews. The purpose of this workshop was to highlight the importance of first impressions, good manners, appropriate dining etiquette, and personal confidence.
Mrs. Flo East began the workshop with introductions, the basics of good manners, and presented the debutantes with a manner’s checklist. She stressed that being a lady takes self-confidence, determination, and grace, at any age. She also discussed positive and negative impact of social media and a debutante’s future. Mrs. Robeta Soward continued with dining etiquette for formal and informal social events. The Debutantes were taught the formal dinner place setting as well as the informal dinner place setting. Dining etiquette included how to fold your napkin, posture at the table, which utensil is used for certain foods, and how to use the dining China and crystal at a place setting. Table manners for a typical evening meal were discussed as well as etiquette for a dinner party with you as a hostess or a guest. The importance of writing a thank you note was reviewed and showing your hostess or host your appreciation for all their efforts.
During a short break, refreshments of various salads, dips, cheeses and a delicious array of sliced fruits and iced tea were served buffet style.
Mrs. Susan Lawson began the second session with a discussion about business situations. She discussed how to write a correct resume and job interviews. Examples of written resumes included cover letters, objectives, and resume tips were included in the packet each debutante received. Dress attire for the interview was carefully discussed. Mrs. Flo East added to this part of the workshop with different scenarios that could arise at a dinner party and the debutantes used their problem-solving skills to decide what they would do in those situations. Mrs. Flo East then conducted the business part of the meeting, starting with the information about the Fall Luncheon and dress critique. The Coastal Cotillion was established to educate and enlighten the young women in the Flour Bluff, Padre Island, and London community about the social and educational opportunities available as they complete their senior year in high school. Activities through the Coastal Cotillion support participating senior high school ladies to develop their social skills as they pursue post-graduation educational goals and professional careers.
This year was extra, extra special for the debutantes to be able to decorate a beautiful pink shell tree for the annual Christmas fundraiser for Timon’s Ministry. Mrs. Soward donated the tree and ornaments and put all in the Christmas spirit. It turned out beautiful.
As the Coastal Cotillion year progresses, the debutantes will participate in social training activities, be provided expert guidance through guest speakers, develop their social skills, and enhance their resumes as they work toward graduation. The Coastal Cotillion is open to any senior high school girl in Flour Bluff, Padre Island, and London districts. The 2022-2023 presentation ball will be held at the Corpus Christi Airport Hotel & Conference Center in February 2023.
The Coastal Cotillion Board Members for this season are Flo East, senior advisor, Mrs. Roberta Soward, Mrs. Susan Lawson.
Pictured from left to right: Miss Kaelin Lott, Miss Sophia Hatami, Miss Ireland Cowan, Miss Alaina Featherby, Miss Riley Vicha, Miss Kayliana Chapa, Miss Avery Lott. Not pictured Miss Ava Mostaghasi.
