First of all, as a host you are to arrive before your guests unless a co-host has been designated. Being completely prepared for guests to arrive is sometimes challenging. Organization is the key. A suggestion is to hire extra help or have friends assist. As the guest, NEVER arrive earlier than the designated time of [...]
Archive for October, 2009
26Oct
Last year I sent quite a few graduation cards to kids, enclosing $20 in each. I only received 2 thank you notes. Then I felt that possibly the $20 was not worthy enough for the ones who did not acknowledge it. This year my child is graduating, so I plan to send many more cards. How much is enough? I do not want to look cheap by not sending enough.
Posted in Tips
The problem is not the money. Twenty dollars enclosed in a nice card is definitely sufficient for a high school and/or college graduation for a friend. The problem in your situation is the lack of manners by the people who have not acknowledged your card and gift. It does not take much time or effort [...]
19Oct
I read somewhere that you are supposed to tip everyone that does you a service. If this were true, that would mean tipping the person who slices your cold cuts, the salesperson who leads you half way through the store to help you find an item, the person who bags your groceries, etc. Does that mean I would have to tip the boy who mows my lawn, my cleaning lady, and the mail carrier? Are you supposed to tip the carpet cleaners, any service repairman, or the men who deliver your furniture? We live in a small town, so does tipping apply to a small town the way it does to a larger one? Please tell me exactly who is supposed to be tipped and exactly how much. Wouldn’t this mean that we would have to carry a lot of dollars around?
Posted in Tips
If taken literally, “everyone that does you a service” would mean everyone and anyone in business. Tipping originated in the 18th century. The acronym for TIPS is “to insure proper service.” Today there are two kinds of tipping. Influential tipping is given to show your appreciation for extra service or for a favor. This would [...]
15Oct
I was born on February 29th, 1976. Throughout my life I have felt discounted for not having a birthdate to celebrate except for every four year. People tell me that I should look at it as if I am “younger” than my friends. But I feel deprived.
Posted in Tips
Every leap year date is as unique as you. Not only are you a leap-year child, you are also under the etiquette jurisdiction to celebrate your phantom birthday between February 28th and March 1st. Think about it: this entails 48 hours for three consecutive years and 72 hours on every fourth year! Be unique and [...]
12Oct
The etiquette is to RSVP your regrets for the party. Sending a card would reflect good manners. A $10-$25 restaurant gift certificate enclosed in the card would reflect your style. The level of friendship or professional relationship is the gauge. Otherwise, a gift is not necessary.
08Oct
The etiquette books say no. My take on this is discretion. AFTER the meal, very discreetly put it on. No mirrors, lipstick brushes and all the hoopla. Just a zip across the lip.
05Oct
While I was outside last week, I was introduced to a man. I removed my right glove to shake his hand, however, he did not remove his glove. Who was correct?
Posted in Tips
You were correct. Only the Queen may wear gloves while shaking hands.
01Oct
I am recently engaged and my fiancé wants me to meet all of his friends, of course. My dilemma is when he gets around his old buddies because he forgets that I am there. How can I adjust?
Posted in Tips
This would be a good one for Dr. Phil. But I will assure you that it is not that he forgets you. He just gets pre-occupied when he is excited about being around his old pals. Remember, although you are very important, his pals played an important part of his life as well. It will [...]
