Greetings, Traveler Weekly Readers!
I’m Sherry Gordon-Harris, Certified Etiquette Consultant, owner and instructor of Royal Purpose School of Etiquette. Our purpose is to assist with the Total Refinement of You, including children and adults, by offering classes and workshops on Etiquette and Proper Manners.
As we learned in the previous articles, Etiquette is the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group. Manners are a person’s outward bearing or way of behaving toward others. It’s a way in which a thing is done or happens. In general, Etiquette is simply respecting others and not causing an offense to others.
Everybody likes good hospitality when visiting or staying with relatives or friends. Often hosts/hostesses go to great lengths to prepare for guests. Whether it was tidying up, fixing up a spare bedroom, or grocery shopping for extra items, including those for special dietary needs or preferences. These are all extra efforts. As we all know, saying “Thank you” is always Proper Politesse. But these types of efforts deserve special thanks, a host/hostess gift.
A host/hostess gift is a great way to say thank you to a host/hostess for their hospitality. But what is an appropriate gift? Good host/hostess gifts can include a high-end beverage, flowers, specialty food items, or even a small domestic item.
When bringing flowers, it is customary to bring them already in a vase. Or offer to put them in water yourself, so the recipient does not have to arrange them. If bringing a beverage or a food item, don’t be offended if they are not consumed immediately or served with the next meal. The menu may have already been set. And if giving a small domestic item, let it be in alignment with their current décor or taste.
Whatever you bring, let it be thoughtful and with the host/hostess in mind. First, greet the host/hostess. Then present the gift in a personal way, not loud and boisterous, so that other guests may hear. Be humble and appreciative. It may be the ticket to getting invited back in the future.
Whether they are the host/hostess with the “most/mostess” or the host/hostess with a humble abode, be appreciative for their hospitality. Appreciation is key.
Hopefully, these articles are helping you to learn additional Proper Politesse.
Once again, it has been my pleasure sharing this Etiquette tip with the Traveler Weekly Readers. There’s more to come. Well wishes to you and your family. I encourage everyone to “Live your life with Purpose in a Royal Manner.”
If you, your family, or group want to learn Etiquette for the first time or just want to brush up on your skills, consider enrolling in a scheduled class or book a private class with Royal Purpose School of Etiquette LLC. We can help with the Total Refinement of You. Contact Sherry Gordon-Harris at (309) 585-6145 or e-mail RoyalPurposeSOE@gmail.com or visit http://www.RoyalPurposeSOE.com. Thank you.
The Traveler Weekly 