Tuesday, November 25, 2008

5 Thanksgiving Etiquette Tips

Whether you're going to someone's home to celebrate the holiday or having a gaggle of people around your table, it doesn't hurt to have some etiquette tips handy ~

1. Whether you're the host or the guest, remember to dress the part ~ even though there's football on tv, it's not a frat party. For men, a buttoned down shirt with a sweater and a jacket and dress slacks is appropriate. After dinner, the jacket can always be removed. For you gals, a nice skirt and sweater set with tights is a comfy way to spend the day while looking chic.

2. Guests should always remember to take a hostess gift ~ a bouquet of flowers or potted plant, a bottle of wine (if the host drinks alcohol), mulling spices, homemade cookies, or a little book are always nice gifts. Remember, it's the thought that counts.

3. Conversation starters ~ not quite sure how to handle all those people around the table who you don't know? Never fear, just ask questions! Everyone loves to talk about themselves if given the opportunity. E.g., "I understand you live in Akron. I know someone who went to college there ~ do you live near the campus or in the suburbs?" Find some way to make a connection, and you're off and chatting!

4. Clean-up ... well, lucky you, if you weren't the one in the kitchen for two days. If you were, go ahead and allow your guests to help you clean up. Spending that time in the kitchen is great bonding time, and the nasty task of cleaning up the kitchen is done in half the time and you've burned off a few calories in the process. If you're a guest, you get the message.

5. Family and friends are a real blessing ~ please don't take them for granted. Send a thank you note to your gracious hosts for a lovely Thanksgiving Day. They will love you even more to know that you enjoyed yourself so much.

Thanksgiving blessings to one and all!

Victoria

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

A Splash of Elegance

Splash! Here we are, ready to blog our way into the world of weddings, events and etiquette. We'll be blogging for brides or anyone planning an event and might have a question from advice on what to do with four sets of parents on the wedding day to zebras (ok, maybe not zebras!), but you get the point.
We love to have "blue sky dialogues" (that's dreaming like the sky's the limit), so let's blue sky your next event! Stay tuned ~