Anyone who performs personal service for you. Your barber, hairdresser, garbage collector, mailman, paperboy, pool boy, housekeeper, or concierge are among those on the list. As for whom and how much, that is up to you. Newspapers have articles about this during the holidays to help you with this decision. Give from your heart, joyously [...]
Archive for the ‘Tips’ Category
28Nov
How is the napkin placed after dining?
Posted in Tips
There are two schools of thought here, so let me clarify: When finished dining and before leaving the table, one school teaches that the napkin goes to the right of the place setting. The other school says to the left. I say either side is correct. Do not wad it up, simply hold the center [...]
22Nov
Normally the answer would be no. If it is a party before another event [more formal] then I would say yes. It is better to be over dressed than under dressed,and it is always proper to call the host if in doubt. Don’t do it 30 minutes before the party however!
22Nov
There are two important things to clarify before a party to assist your guests: 1) Requested attire and 2) food that will be offered. It appears that you may think formal dress and a formal dinner are synonymous. “Finger foods” means either light or heavy hors d’oeuvres. My recommendation for your party would be either [...]
15Nov
I have an overweight friend who keeps breaking my folding chairs. How do I handle this?
Posted in Tips
I once had a friend who broke crystal wine glasses. He felt horribly about this. From that day forward, at his request, I have served him wine out of a plastic wine glass. This is in no way disrespectful. We laugh about it. Could you offer your friend a more stable chair? Check out www.heavydutyfoldingchair.com [...]
15Nov
When is the appropriate time to make a birthday toast at a sit down dinner? Before dinner, or before the cake?
Posted in Tips
If the timing feels right, that will be your gauge. The host could make a welcome toast [for the occasion] before dinner, and then before the cake a personalized toast to honor the birthday guest. Possibly several people would like to make a toast, in which case it would be appropriate before the cake.
25Oct
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.
25Oct
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 [...]
25Oct
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 [...]
25Oct
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.
