Christmas is that time of year when everything is magnified, the tables, the gifts, the dinners… and also the mistakes. As celebrities navigate gala dinners, award ceremonies and family reunions that end up on the cover, there’s something that … It never fails as a class thermometer, knowing how to be one. This is what Janin Barboza talks about in his book “Practical Foundations of Etiquette and Protocol”, a guide for everyone: “Etiquette is not a question of social class.”
Janin Barboza, born in Maracaibo in 1985, does not consider the protocol to be something rigid or elitist. On the contrary. “Protocol is knowing how to be without losing your personality,” he explains. A phrase that takes on its full meaning when we think of red carpets, international galas or Christmas dinners where celebrities generally break protocol. “Non-verbal communication represents 90% of what we say”he emphasizes. “The way you sit, the way you look, the way you express yourself, even when someone wins an award, says more than words.” And that’s where she says many public figures go wrong.
It’s not about living in a corseted life, but about understanding the context. “Life is also meant to be lived, you can’t be so rigid, but there are times when you have to be discreet, especially when drinking at certain dinners,” he warns, recalling those headlines that arise when one drink too many spoils a perfect evening or a business dinner.
Examples to follow
Asked about the clear references of good protocol in the world of celebrity, Janin does not hesitate: “Meryl Streep”. For her, the actress is the perfect example of elegance. “He has impeccable behavior, both in his personal and professional life. “He knows how to behave at any social event.”
On the male side, his admiration is towards British actors like Tom Hiddlestonsymbol of this classic elegance which does not need artifice.
“The way you sit, look, express, even when someone wins a prize, says more than words”
But if there is one name that stands out especially when we talk about Spain, it’s good Carmen Lomana. “She manages social protocol, dress code and behavior very well,” Janin says admiringly. “The label is handling it very well. It’s fantastic”. Both met at different events and it was clear to them: “He is one of those people who know how to be, who understand the context and who don’t need to impose anything.” According to the Venezuelan, Lomana represents this elegance which cannot be explained, it must be practiced. The one that does not depend on fashions or viral trends. The one who, in moments of overexposure, continues to rely on the right gesture, the right word and an impeccable presence.
Christmas tables
At Christmas, the table becomes the main stage. And there, protocol once again comes to the forefront. “A beautiful table says ‘I love you,’” says Janin. There is no need for excessive luxury: “With what you have at home, with dedication and love, you can make a person feel welcome.”
Of course, there are rules to remember: floral centers that do not interfere with conversation, unscented candles so as not to disturb meals, and a harmonious composition that invites sharing. “A table can be very spectacular, but if it doesn’t allow you to look at each other and talk, it ceases to fulfill its function.”
Among the traditions she has incorporated into British culture are Christmas crackers, small details that break the ice and add a touch of fun without losing elegance. “They break protocol a little bit, but in a fun, familiar way.”
Ignore protocol?
Even royalty, Janin recalls, knows when to relax. “It depends on what they’re jumping. If it is to achieve something positive and close, of course it can work. The key is intention and context.
At a time when young influencers are opting for provocation and vulgarity as a form of visibility, she is clear: “For me, not everything is worth it. “There is no need to lose your personality, but there are things that deserve respect.” Because education, he insists, is learned from a very young age and is demonstrated in the simplest details: how we eat, how we thank, how we listen.
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