Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Entertaining Etiquette for the Host & Guest - Share your Pet Peeve

Just a few notes from Lisa about regarding social etiquette and graces...
 
In the “olden days,” using proper etiquette in everyday life and special occasions seemed like more of a social must than a matter of personal choice.

But oh, how times have changed.

However, just as chivalry isn’t dead, proper etiquette isn’t either.

If you’re already employing these etiquette tips in your life, congratulations – Miss Manners would be proud.

if you’re slacking on your socially savvy abilities, a little refresher course never hurt anyone. 

Parties and Gifts
1. Always RSVP to a party in a timely fashion, even if you won’t be attending. The host needs a accurate headcount.

Holding off on a response makes the host feel like you’re waiting for a better offer to come along.

2. Don’t ask the host of a party for a tour of their house unless it’s a housewarming. Let them offer one if they want to.

3. If a wedding invitation specifies you and a guest, don’t call to ask if you can bring your children, too.
Most brides and grooms are being cost conscious and having children at their wedding reception is an added expense.

4. You can bring a gift for the hostess, but just make sure that it isn’t something that would preoccupy them before or during the party.  Most host of dinner parties already have a pre-planned meal to include desert. If you bring a food item as a gift, please let the host know that it is for them to enjoy at a later date.
In addition, do not ask for a "to-go" box of the host left-over food.!
5. If you've been invited to a wedding but can’t go, you should still send a wedding gift.
If an invitation says no gifts, don’t bring them, or else you might embarrass other gift-less guests.


6. Don’t ask for cash gifts as wedding gifts, baby shower gift or birthday party gift. 

7. Thank you notes are a must after receiving a gift. Make sure the thank you note gets to the person within two weeks of receiving the gift.

However, an exception might be wedding gifts, since you might be busy honeymooning.

Dining
8. After sitting down at the table and waiting for everyone else to sit down, unfold your napkin and place it in your lap.
If you briefly leave the table, place it on the chair, and when you’re done, place it on the left side of the plate.

9. To choose the right silverware at a gourmet meal, always work from the outside in (your appetizer utensils like spoon soup and salad fork are on the end).

10. No personal grooming at the dinner table! I was once having Sunday brunch at a local eatery and a woman at the next table proceeded to floss her teeth and scrape her tongue.  Needless to say, I quickly lost my appetite!  Please share with me your number one pet peeve when it comes to social graces and etiquette   


 

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