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 "What
is a “Dining-Out?”
Originally, such events date back to the old Viking tradition of celebrating
great battles by formal ceremony. This evolved for hundreds of years through
the United States and European military services to what is now referred as
a “Dining-Out”, versus a “Dining-In” (by which spouses
would not be invited).
Naval Officers and their spouses gather for the sole purpose of an evening
of fine food, drinking, comradery/ fellowship and the honoring of feats of
individuals in a formal setting. There are a variety of instructions and protocol
that are to be followed while attending a “Dining-Out”. Firstly,
there are two “officers”: The President, who is usually the Commanding
or Executive Officer, and the Vice President, referred to as “Mr. Vice”.
The President presides over the mess throughout the evening. “Mr. Vice” is
traditionally a keen witted person who often stimulates table conversation.
Formal in nature, it is customary for officers to wear their Dinner Dress
Blue Jacket. Both service members and guests should wear medals. The guests
are
also requested to dress in formal wear.
The evening begins with the cocktail hour to socialize, greeting the Senior
Officer upon arrival, of course. Following, the cocktail hour, there will
be the “Introductions”, followed by the call to dinner, parading of
the beef, dinner service, toasts, etc. There are numerous points of protocol
that are shared wit the guests before arrival at the “Dining-Out”.
Often, “fines” will be levied for misconduct in the “mess” or
violation. These fines are at the discretion of the President and are traditionally
either in monetary payment or a drink from the grog (often, the grog is very
uniquely presented). The evening is full of formalities, with a tremendous
amount of fun, humor and increased comradery by the end of the evening.
The J.T. Daugherty Conference Center is the perfect location to hold your
next Dining Out. We understand the sequence of events associated with the
evening,
and have additional information including a sample schedule of events complete
with suggested wording for the President and Mr. Vice, as well as a listing
of the “violations” to consider in “the mess”.
There are numerous features we can provide to enhance the evening, including
the
proper cistern for the grog, providing the MIA table, head-table in view
of Mr. Vice’s table, fully stocked bars and of course a meal truly “fit
for consumption”, determined by “Mr. Vice” and prepared
by our Executive Chef and his culinary staff.
The J.T. Daugherty Conference Center is committed to working with you in
making this event a huge success. Call today for more information and the
beginning
of a great event!
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