Stay Classy is a monthly blog feature with a modern spin on minding your manners.
Cold and flu season is in full swing. With the added fear of the H1N1 flu in recent years, proper etiquette for illness and prevention looks more like germaphobia than common courtesy. In the past, companies may have indirectly communicated the expectation to report to work while under the weather. Now, many are encouraging employees to either work from home or take time off until they feel better. In fact, many health care companies have released reports showing the cost of presenteeism is far greater than absenteeism. (In other words, it’s cheaper to your employer if you stay home instead of suffering at work.)
Stay Classy is a monthly blog feature with a modern spin on minding your manners.
Now that the leaves are turning, the morning fog has rolled in, and the air is crisp, it’s evident that a new season is upon us. I’m not referring to fall; I’m talking about hibernation season. The time where an active city full of outdoor enthusiasts turn their pastimes indoors. Instead of hikes, boating, and weekend getaways to the San Juans, schedules will be filled with wine tastings, Sunday football, and holiday parties.
While I personally love this time of year, I have to remind myself before going into the season, of a few social cues that may have been forgotten over the not-so-long and not-so-hot summer.
Arguably the most important of these is the hostess gift. Since most hibernation activities occur at another’s home, it’s good practice to bring a token of thanks to the hosts for opening their humble abode for the evening.
The gifts don’t need to be grand. It’s preferable to choose something that is useful to the hosts. I typically ask ahead of time if there is anything I can bring. Their response can serve as your “gift” or provide an idea of what may be appropriate.
French macaron cookies from La Panier (Pike Place) or Le Reve (Upper Queen Anne) are a perfect hostess gift in any season.
Stay Classy is a monthly blog feature with a modern spin on minding your manners.
Texting is something that has become a main part of our daily communication. I probably text my friends and family more than I actually speak with them on the phone. These days, I really only place a call when I need an immediate answer from someone or the explanation of what I’m trying to communicate will simply take too long over text.
Texts are expedient, unlimited, (unfortunately addicting), and a nice way to reach out to someone without feeling like you may be reaching them at a bad time. The recipient can always get back to you when it’s convenient for them…. (which will most likely be within five minutes).
Stay Classy is a monthly blog feature with a modern spin on minding your manners.
Last night’s Oscars were filled with joy and gratitude from Hollywood’s brightest stars. On top of the gorgeous display of couture and jewels, my favorite part of the Academy Awards is hearing the heartfelt speeches from winners who are caught so off guard by their win and overcome with gratefulness.
It got me thinking about my life and how often I take the time to really say or send a “Thank you” to the people who have helped me get to where I am today. Sure, it’s easy to give a quick thanks for favors, but the art of the ”Thank you” is sadly losing its place in our culture.
Being the traditional gal that I am, my personal preference for the gesture is through a handwritten note sent via snail mail (cards are always a welcomed break from the bills and promotional offers people usually receive). In sending my “Thank you,” I try to make the message as personal to the recipient as possible.
Here are some of the occasions where it’s appropriate to send your thanks:
Stay Classy is a monthly blog feature with a modern spin on minding your manners.
A new year, a new you, right? If you find yourself on the back half of January, still looking for ways to better yourself this year, skip the diet. Instead work to trim down your bad habits and stock up on some positive new ones.
Here are some easy ways to polish your way to better etiquette in 2011:
Stay Classy is a monthly blog feature with a modern spin on minding your manners.
Hello Girl Power Hour! Allow me make a proper introduction. I am the newest monthly guest blogger bringing you tips and insight into the captivating world of modern etiquette. Now before you excuse yourself from reading further and decide that getting a root canal at a Michael Bolton concert sounds more appealing than brushing up your table manners; I assure you this will not be the stuffy and boring etiquette lessons your grandmother tried to teach you.
From online dating, to tipping the Starbucks barista, and tricky questions like “Do I still have to wait until Memorial Day to wear white?” (my mom would argue yes), these posts are meant to address contemporary issues that could stand some clarity and class.
The context to good manners may have changed, but the content remains relevant. Modern etiquette should be thought of as a guide to living with class, instead of a set of rigid rules. And these guidelines can apply to every part of your daily life. To start things off, I thought I would focus this month’s post on some fundamentals.
Here are a few golden “guidelines” for etiquette today:
In its most simple form, modern etiquette means considering others before yourself and putting your best foot forward at all times.
“As liberated as we’ve become in our dress and in our lifestyles, good manners are still essential.” -Kate Spade
