Entry of the Head Table
There seems to be a number of ways the head table participants can enter the dinning area. Depending on the set-up and the circumstances of the arrival of the head table, you need to pick one of these methods. Present the options to the President and choose one.
- Have President and guest of honor enter first with the President on the left and the honored guest on his/her right. Continue with the next ranking individual on the left and next ranking official guest on his/her right-hand and so forth.
- Have head table members file in to the dining area in the order that they are to be seated at the table, far end of the platform from entrance steps first, then those seated closest to the platform steps last. This order especially makes sense when the platform the head table is placed on is narrow and does not allow members room to pass behind one another while taking their place at the table.
- Have the President and guest of honor enter the mess last after everyone is assembled.
- Once the head table is in place, "Ruffles and Flourishes" and the "General's March" are played as appropriate to the senior member. During the playing of ruffles and flourishes, all members of the mess should stand at attention.