Memorial Day Manners

 Memorial Day Manners
a.k.a ... BBQ Etiquette

For Host:

• Be prepared – weather can change in a flash. Be prepared to head indoors.
• Have supplies you need ready – don’t be running out for charcoal when guests arrive.
• If cookout starts at 6pm – have some BBQ ready for tasting. Your guest will arrive hungry.
• A successful BBQ must have real side dishes – potato chips do not count!
• Use real plates or sturdy paper plates. Have plenty of napkins available.
• The cook is king: Do try to tell the cook how to BBQ – you will not be invited back!

For Guest:

• A hostess gift is still expected.
• Wear jeans, shorts or something comfortable.
• Put away your phone/text toy – free yourself for a few hours!
• Include children only if they are invited. If so, prepare them before hand on rules of outdoor (swimming pool & playing) behavior.
• If you are asked to bring a side-dish, make sure it is homemade or at least semi-homemade.
• Be on time and go home at designated time.
• Ask to assist with duties – don’t insist.
• Leave the food your brought (or at least offer)
• Don’t ask to pack up leftovers for your entire family.
• Write a thank-you note to your host/hostess.

Bonus tip:
Refrain from using toothpicks - they are still not acceptable, even at a BBQ.


Memorial Day weekend is coming up - so, what are your plans?
xoJoy

Do What Your Mama Says!

Our mother's gave us the best advice - 

what advice did your mother give you?

xoJoy

Wedding Etiquette

Every month is wedding month, but we are in full swing of the heights of wedding season. We must be at our best during this very special event in the lives of our friends and family.

Faux Pas for Bride and Groom:

Proposal should not be made by text!

 Facebook:

• Announcement of engagement should not be posted on Facebook before both family and close friends know about it.
• Photo of engagement ring can be posted but not details of carat, cut, & clarity.
• Do not ask friends to be in wedding on Facebook.
• Do not announce wedding party on Facebook.
• Photos of wedding are fine.
• Link to your wedding website is not okay.
• Posting the date of your wedding is fine.
• Do not post the details unless you intend on inviting all your friends on Facebook.
• Do not make your wedding a "Facebook" event for people to RSVP
• Do not use Facebook to vent about those involved with the wedding
• Do not update your status in the middle of your ceremony 
• Do not put registry info up on your profile (or on your  shower or wedding invitation.

Other faux pas:

• Not greeting guest. If you do not have a receiving line, try to speak to each guest. Do not plunge into a lengthy conversation – this is not the time.
• Not sending thank-you notes for gifts. Believe it or not there are people who do not take the time to send a thank-you note to those who send gifts to honor their marriage. It is unacceptable to overlook sending a thank-you note as soon as you receive the gift.
• Not sending the gift back to the giver if the wedding is canceled. Send a simple note stating that the wedding has been canceled, and along with the note, return any gifts you may have received. No explanation is necessary.

Faux Pas for guests:

• Not sending in the RSVP card ASAP. It is crucial to send the response card immediately in order for the bride to plan the details of her wedding.
• Being Late! "Better late then never" does not apply at weddings. Walking in while the wedding ceremony is being held is an absolute embarrassment to everyone.
• Bringing babies or small children to a wedding. Crying babies and rambunctious children do not want to be at the event, nor do the bride and groom want them to destroy the romance of their wedding.
• Dressing in solid white. Any way you look at it—it is still a faux pas to dress in solid white, even if the bride is not in white. It still sends a signal that you are competing with the bride. It is her day in the spotlight and white is reserved for the bride, whether she chooses to wear it or not.
• Allowing your cell phone to ring. Turn your cell phone and pager off!
• Leaving too early – Always stay to eat cake. This is considered a well wish and a blessing to the couple.
• Not respecting cultural differences. If you attend a wedding not of your own culture, you must respect their customs.
• Making wrong acknowledgements. Telling the bride “congratulations” is like saying to her, “You finally found a husband!” It is appropriate to greet the bride with “best wishes” and the groom with “congratulations.”

A Wedding to Remember:

Give your guest something to remember. At a minimum, your minister can add much inspiration to the ceremony.
Here are other ideas:
1. Take private dance lessons and dazzle your guest with a stunning first dance or even the entire wedding party can participate.
2. Don’t make your guest wait extensively while taking photos. Make sure to have great food and entertainment.
3. Provide a take small take-home treat.