While the British have abolished many aristocratic traditions, some remain at the more established events that comprise �The Season�- from the Oxford v. Cambridge boat race in March through to Goodwood in September.

With the �inside track� all kind of social quandary can be easily avoided, which is why the five star Renaissance Chancery Court has gathered its experts to guide the uninitiated through the maze of manners and morals which could arise�

Ivan Grondona, Barman �Pimms is a pivotal point to many a picnic and staple drink at any summer gathering. Creating the perfect Pimms- either to serve as a host, or ensure that you are not presented with an imperfect end product - is quick and simple. Just mix two parts Pimms to one part lemonade and add as much fruit as possible: orange, lemon, apple, cucumber and strawberry work well. A couple of mint sprigs look good as garnish.�

�Freeze fruit or mint leaves into ice cubes as an unusual addition to any summer drink.�

�Another tipple you�re unlikely to survive the season without is champagne. To avoid any disasters on silk skirts or freshly starched shirts on opening, turn the bottle rather than just pulling the cork � a loud bang means you have let too much of the gas escape, this method should just ensure a small �pop� and no fizzing over as long as the bottle is chilled appropriately. In the improbable event that a bottle is to be left opened but unfinished for any period of time, balance a silver teaspoon into the open neck of the bottle, handle down. As long as the spoon is solid silver, it will preserve the CO2 and ensure the next day is not spoilt by flat bubbly.�

Karina bon Buettner Ravache, Wedding Planner and Banqueting Expert

�There is an art to setting a table correctly. Never over clutter - simple layout and floristry is key to a fresh looking summer display. Dinner plates should be approximately 2 inches from the table�s edge � a salad plate should be to the left, a bread plate to the right and slightly higher than the one used for salad. If using candles, ensure they are not at guests� eye level as they can be extremely distracting rather than adding to the ambience.�

�If organising a marquee based event, it can look beautiful to provide hooks for ladies hats around the inside walls. This has a double purpose � keeping the millinery off the muddy ground as well as providing a great interior design feature!�

�Table plans are now generally seen as old fashioned, creating an unnecessary bottle neck of guests before entering a room. A much more modern way to do things is to supply guests with �Escort Cards� � a folded card handed to each guest before entering which serves as a place name, but also has their table number written discreetly on the inside.�

Barry Kemp, Doorman �It�s always awkward for a lady wearing a skirt above knee length to step out of a car in a sedate manner. Advice for the lady here is to keep her legs together at all times, but discretion on a gentleman�s part should never be underrated and diverting the eyes is the only way to avoid a potentially embarrassing situation.�

�A true gentleman should also assist a woman on entering a car. Obviously, she should enter first and I have seen many a nasty accident when the height of the car roof has been miscalculated. This can be easily avoided by the other party placing his hand against the roof ledge as the lady stoops to enter the vehicle. It makes her aware of the height, but if even this fails, it ensures her forehead does not hit metal. A simple gesture, yet always warmly received.�

�There are always lots of hats around for summer events, which can be another problem when getting into a car. I would always offer to hold a ladies hat as she enter a vehicle and then pass it to her once safely seated.�

Simon Thomas, Concierge �My advice would be to think outside and beyond the established season if visiting London. There is so much more to enjoy than events that can be overcrowded and frankly exhausting. Getting to know about the �secret� London by asking people in the know, either residents or Concierge like myself. I would recommend, for instance, the Holland Park Opera and the open air Shakespeare at Lincoln�s Inn around the corner from us.�

�If you are going to the big ones � from Glyndebourne opera to Henley Royal Regatta and Cartier Polo � PLAN EARLY. So many people are disappointed when the best tickets cannot be found come hell or high water a week before the event. Work out your schedule of events early in the year and buy ahead.�

Michael Riordan, Chef �A staple of everyone�s summer season is the traditional wicker picnic hamper. I would recommend taking two cool bags, one for drinks and one for chilled foods, so that constant reaching for drinks doesn�t mean that food gets warm and soggy. Most hotels and delis will pack a picnic for you. Very importantly, don�t forget a corkscrew!�

�A torch never fails to come in useful, especially at events like Glyndebourne as you pack up your picnic and stumble back to your car in the darkness.�

�Always remember to keep foods small and easy to eat as you don�t want to spoil the dresses for ladies or tweeds for the gents.�

Denver Jeffrey, Toastmaster �At the end of a meal, port is generally brought in with the cheese. It is vital to remember to pass port to the left � this is a small tradition that can mark you as an �outsider�.�

�It is important to make your presence felt in a room - the correct entrance is a sure way to make friends and influence people! On walking in, hold your head high with shoulders back.�

Richard Lyon, General Manager �It is sometimes difficult to know how to dress for different occasions. Some are more traditional than others, women must always remember to wear a skirt below knee length for the Henley Royal Regatta for instance, although for men it is generally safe to wear chinos but carry a blazer and tie in case required.�

Mandy Dyer, Spa Manager �There are several handbag essentials to keep you looking fresh whether poolside or at a polo match. Always carry around a purse spray of water to spritz if temperatures rise, as well as a handbag sized deodorant to keep you feeling fresh. Vaseline is a great universal � for dry lips, brittle nails or eyebrows that refuse to lie smoothly.�

�Throughout the summer months, if you can, stick to a strict regime of pedicures and all over skin exfoliation once a week to keep you glowing. These can be done either at home or a salon. Fake tan treatments (Sun FX is one of the best) can help boost confidence if you�re still feeling a bit wintry pale.�

�It�s a time old rule but do make sure you keep sipping water � necessary for plump, healthy skin.�

Mario Felice, Valet �Packing a suitcase is easy once you get into the correct habits and a suitcase well packed before departure saves a lot of time and effort on arrival. I can�t stress enough the importance of tissue paper to reduce wrinkles and protect colours on delicate garments � line the suitcase with it as well as an additional layer of tissue between each item of clothing. Stuff socks into shoes, preferably right into the toe to prevent curling and save space.�

These simple tips, if stuck to, will make your progression through the summer months that little nearer painless � and, of course, there is no better base for activity than the five star Renaissance Chancery Court.

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NOTES TO EDITORS - Enquiries and bookings can be made on 020 78299888 - The Renaissance Chancery Court is situated at 252 High Holborn

For further information, images or interviews: Caroline Parrish /Nicki Glancey The Communication Group plc Tel: 020 7630 1411 Email: cparrish@thecommunicationgroup.co.uk