This week, Bravo's latest Housewives franchise, "The Real Housewives of Potomac" made its series debut with a lesson in etiquette.
Prior to the show's premiere, Potomac was described by the network as "a town where entry is granted only through class, pedigree and lineage" and the socialite ladies of the show are divided by those who follow the rules of etiquette and those who don't. Right off the bat the ladies gave viewers something to talk about as Karen Huger schooled Gizelle Bryant on the do's and don'ts of polite society.
Charisse Jackson Jordan decided to throw Karen a surprise birthday party, and all the ladies were there to celebrate her special day. However, Gizelle made a faux pas at dinner when she sat on the chair meant for the birthday girl. Rather than calling her out at the party, Karen decided to talk to Gizelle the following day. To make sure that she had her full attention, Karen printed out a copy of the five rules on how to conduct oneself when attending someone else's birthday party. She even framed it before giving it to Gizelle, who looked as if she was offended by the gift.
On her Bravo blog, Karen explained why etiquette is so important in Potomac, saying that she was taught as a child that proper etiquette would serve her well.
"If I care about you and I feel that your conduct is inappropriate, as a friend I will gently point you in the right direction," Karen said.
As for Gizelle, she appeared to be unaffected by the gift as she said on her blog that she was "unbothered" by it.
"Karen giving me a gift that was petty, unnecessary, poor etiquette, and bad judgement wasn't a problem for me," said Gizelle. "As I examined it further it turned out to be all the things that I love…pretty, shiny and a mirror. Please tell me who doesn't like to check their lipstick?!?!?!"
Next week in the episode titled "Divas, Queens, and Bubalas," the drama continues as Gizelle's reputation is questioned by Karen and Charisse. Meanwhile, tensions rise when the ladies meet fellow Housewife Ashley Darby.
Ashley is the youngest Housewife in the group, and according to her Bravo biography, she is married to Michael Darby, an Australian real-estate millionaire 29 years her senior. She is also a stepmother to Michael's 21- and 24-year-old children.
"The Real Housewives of Potomac" airs Sundays at 9/8c on Bravo.
