The Real Housewives of Potomac Are Here, and They Don't Take Birthday Party Etiquette Lightly

The quickest way to irritate The Real Housewives of Potomac's Karen Huger is to not abide by the rules of etiquette. Luckily, in the series premiere, the grand dame of this prestigious Maryland community is here to teach castmate Gizelle Bryant — and you — a thing or two.

In this sneak peek from the first episode, Karen schools Gizelle on the do's and don'ts of attending a birthday party. Not letting the birthday girl sit in the center of the table is a big no-no, especially when it's Karen's special day. "You're not the honoree. I'm the birthday girl. You were in the center of my table, sitting there like, 'OK, it's my birhtday!'" Karen points out to Gizelle.

But in case she doesn't get the message, Karen gives her "a lovely gift" of the five rules of etiquette when attending a birthday party, framed and all. "I don't have a problem with Gizelle. I actually like her, but she's irritating," Karen explains. "As her friend, it's my responsibility if she doesn't know any better to teach her better."

Included in Karen's golden nuggets of wisdom are the commandments that the host should always be in charge and to never order your food before the birthday honoree arrives. "Karen, you don't have to school me on etiquette," Gizelle says in her defense. "I didn't come from the cabbage patch. I have a legacy and a pedigree. You grew up on a farm."

And so it begins. See how this tense moment pans out during RHOP's series premiere on Sunday, January 17 at 9/8c.

Check out what other drama is bound to go down this season of RHOP, below.

Introducing the Real Housewives of Potomac