Etiquette Plus

Archive for October, 2011

I think I need more information here. You hand over money. The sales clerk gives you a receipt and any change. Count your change before you leave the counter. If there is a discrepancy, simply state your case.

If the celebration is held at a restaurant, absolutely yes. If the invitation states “no gifts, please”, a card is sufficient with or without a gift card, depending on your relationship with the person having the birthday. Present the card at the beginning of the event or just before you leave. If in doubt, simply [...]

A gift would not be expected or required, but gifts are always appreciated. Things like a clock with an inscription, a memento from a former chapter house, or a nice check to help the new members or the house corporation are all good ideas. As for the mechanics, check with the fraternity president and/or chapter [...]

Only if they seem to need help. It is always good manners to help anyone who is putting on an overcoat, which can be especially difficult over a suit.

I am a firm believer that one cannot fix a problem unless he/she KNOWS the problem. You will help him if you be honest and let him know the truth. If his ego is bruised, that is his problem, not yours. “Protecting” him is not good business. He will thank you in the end.

Placing the card on the outside is fine, however, make sure it is secure. Tape it down on all four corners. Better yet, have the gift delivered to the bride way before the wedding. Years ago it was a tradition to have the couple open gifts at a wedding. Today there is limited time. Possibly [...]

There used to be two rules about colors to not wear at a wedding in America: white, which is in conflict with the bride’s dress, and black, which is the color of mourning. Today I see both, however, I encourage guests to not wear white or black. Flower girls many times wear white dresses with [...]

Be careful not to read too much in to this situation. Possibly there is noise with other people around, and he wants to hear what she has to say. Holding the hand, holds attention. Now if it is uncomfortable for a woman, simply place your free hand over his hand and step slightly to the [...]

Tipping is always appreciated, but should never be expected [by the contractor]. There are different ways to tip: offering beverages and/or food during the project. Giving appreciation by expressing how much you value their good work. Saying thank you. Depending on the cost of the project and your budget, a cash tip is a sign [...]

When having a party, it is proper to say [or write on the invitation] that it is BYOB, which is an acronym for “bring your own bottle”. The host supplies an array of soft drinks, juice and water for mixers. “We are having people over for hors d’oeuvres and we will have soft drinks. You [...]

Nonnie Cameron Owens retired in 1996 from a 32-year career in the airline industry. Among her other careers, she served 12 years as a fraternity housemother at SMU in Dallas and Purdue University in West Lafayette, 7 years as a columnist for the Journal and Courier in Lafayette, Indiana, and 7 years as a college speaker for CAMPUSPEAK, Inc in Denver.

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