Holiday Party Smoking

[madox07]

Since Christmas every year, besides the classic symbolism and the religious connotation, is about family and guests one would imagine that pipe smoking goes along fine with food and drinks. I think most members here would agree, but my question is an acceptable pace for you guys? I mean, come Christmas evening, I am visiting with my in-laws, and as I am drinking and chatting into the night with my father-in-law I find myself smoking a bowl every hour or so. It was not until 3 bowls down the road it occurred to me that I be needing to slow down a tad. Lucky me, I was having an English Blend - as aromatics are very unforgiving on my tongue. So do you guys have a rule of thumb, how much do you smoke when enjoying a social call or party? Are there consequences ... wife upset, tongue on fire, firefighters being called to fight the heavy smoke, etc etc ?

 

[aldecaker]

Overindulgence will give me a tender tongue, but as I am primarily an outside smoker, that's the only consequence I suffer.

 

[randelli]

My son and I spent over an hour outside with fine Dominican viejo cigars. It was great!
Wife and daughter on the otherhand were not as pleased...

 

[mso489]

Boy, especially today, this is a question of subtle family diplomacy. Unless you know the crowd really well, and know they are accepting, I'd assume you have to take the pipe outside. Then it becomes a question, how long a smoke break is allowed before it feels rude. You can't just leave your date inside for long. Nor your wife if you're friends. Still, often a pipe is a good rest and respite from too tight a crowd in too noisy a space, and a reward for putting up with more sociability than feels good. I'd say, a ten minute smoke break every hour shouldn't be too long, especially if you otherwise keep up conversation and smile as if you are enjoying yourself. You'll probably be a far better guest than otherwise. Flatter your wife in front of others. Be pleasant to your hosts. This might actually end up making the pipe smoking somewhat appealing to others. I'm being cheerful and optimistic here. If it rankles too much, don't smoke or stay home. Most social life is a negotiation. As a practical note, leave your pipe on a brick ledge or other fireproof zone, and you'll be able to slowly finish the bowl over several breaks, and don't forget it when you leave.

 

[crashthegrey]

For special occasions, forgetting the family diplomacy as that is different for everyone, I find past three bowls in a day, my tongue does not feel great the next day. It's not a terrible thing, I tend to just skip the pipe for a day or a few days. At pipe shows where we can still smoke inside, I find I don't want a pipe for nearly a week.

 

[simong]

I never 'party with my pipe' so to speak, it doesn't look good. If I'm in the company of girls I want to endear myself to then out come the cigars. Suited & booted, never fails! Well, almost never.

 

[akfilm]

I always travel with a pipe kit....that being said during holiday parties I rarely excuse myself. During my own hosted parties though, I do all the time, usually inviting whoever I'm talking to join me (if they themselves are pipe smokers), or offer small cigars to those who are so inclined, so we can continue conversing...usually away from the women. I've escaped especially long visits at inlaws or parents by going lunting.

 

[voorhees]

I always travel with a pipe kit....that being said during holiday parties I rarely excuse myself. During my own hosted parties though, I do all the time, usually inviting whoever I'm talking to join me (if they themselves are pipe smokers), or offer small cigars to those who are so inclined, so we can continue conversing...usually away from the women. I've escaped especially long visits at inlaws or parents by going lunting.

I do this as well. I will excuse myself and smoke a bowl or cigar at my own hosted events. Keeping a pipe with you will always allow the possibility.

 

[seagullplayer]

Where our "main" holiday party is had they have a very large covered back porch.
There are several sig smokers in the group. I just find myself a place with them when I need to.
I always bring a couple extra pipes for anyone having an interest. And someone always does.
Even at that it is rarely more than two bowls for me.