From the category archives:
Q: I RSVP’d yes to a party, but the night of the soiree something came up at the last minute. I didn’t call the hostess because I didn’t want to interrupt her preparations. Right or Wrong move? A: Wrong. Let your hostess know you won’t be there with a quick phone call–not a text or [...]
{ 2 comments }
Q: My husband’s friends always leave empty beer cans and chip bags around after watching the game. Can I ask guests to help clean up? A: Talk to your husband. As the host, he’s responsible for cleaning up after his guests. At a casual gathering, you could encourage him to say, “Hey, guys, how about [...]
{ 0 comments }
Q: After I hosted a summer brunch, a guest sent flowers to me as a thank you. Should I call to thank her or write her a note or do nothing? A: Definitely thank her! How else will she know you’ve received her thoughtful gift? The warmest “thanks!” is still the handwritten note, but you [...]
{ 0 comments }
Q: As a vegetarian, I hate it when people don’t stock veggie burgers at barbeques. Is it rude to bring my own? A: A host can’t cater to every guest’s preferences. That said, if the party giver is a good friend, you can provide for yourself while also helping out. Say: “Can I bring some [...]
{ 7 comments }
Q: My friend constantly sends me personal emails at work. I love hearing from her, but I can’t reply and get my job done. How can I kindly ask her to cool it? A: It’s time for some polite honesty. Say, “I enjoy your emails, but I just don’t have time to read and respond [...]
{ 14 comments }
This post originally appeared at my parenting blog The Gift of Good Manners. I will be cross posting some of my favorite content from that blog here at the Etiquette Daily periodically. I hope you enjoy these posts as much as I enjoyed writing them. Summer is a time for entertaining – even for kids. [...]
{ 2 comments }
Q: Every time we throw a party, one of my husband’s single friends sticks around after all the other guests have left, when we’re in cleanup mode. Is there a polite way to ask him to leave? A: Dropping hints to a guest who won’t leave usually doesn’t work, so you’ll have to be direct: [...]
{ 2 comments }
Q: My husband and I will be attending a dinner part hosted by a couple who don’t drink alcohol. Usually, I’d bring a bottle of wine as a preset-what’s a good alternative? A: Hostess gifts should always be matched to their recipients. Though wine’s out, the options are endless: a potted plant, homemade blueberry muffins, [...]
{ 8 comments }
Q: My sister-in law wants to be a good house guest, but that means she “tidies up” my home by throwing out things I need. What can I do? A: Kudos for recognizing that her actions are well intended. Now the key is to channel her enthusiasm in a different direction. Be prepared for her [...]
{ 2 comments }
Q: Whenever a family invites us over for dinner, they leave the TV on the whole time, which I think is rude. Is it OK to object? A: When you’re a guest in someone’s home, generally you’re expected to go with the flow. While you find this behavior impolite (and I would too), it’s clearly [...]
{ 1 comment }
Emily's Tweets
The Gift of Good Manners
Loading ...
