Preparing for a Successful Thanksgiving

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on October 30th, 2024
Thanksgiving table with hands

Creating and observing traditions are an important part of creating shared values within a family group. Through Thanksgiving in Canada (October) and the United States (November), families and friends have an opportunity to reconnect, share thanks and celebrate being together.

Thanksgiving etiquette ensures a warm and harmonious celebration. Guests should RSVP promptly, bring a small gift or approved dish, and arrive on time. Showing gratitude to the host and offering to help with set-up or clean-up are thoughtful gestures. For hosts, creating a welcoming environment is key—provide diverse dishes to accommodate dietary needs and ensure seating is comfortable for everyone. Keep the atmosphere positive by steering clear of divisive topics and expressing appreciation for guests’ presence and contributions.

Whether you’re hosting or attending, thoughtfulness and gratitude are essential to making Thanksgiving a joyful and memorable occasion for everyone involved. Here are some more thoughts on preparing for a smooth and successful Thanksgiving celebration.

Observe Dining Etiquette

When attending a Thanksgiving celebration, the host/hostess sets the tone and which traditions are observed. Follow their lead. If they start their meals with Grace, follow along and respect their direction.

Read more »

Halloween Etiquette Tips

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on October 24th, 2024
Halloween trick or treaters

Etiquette is important at Halloween because it fosters a sense of respect and community among participants, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the festivities. Following proper Halloween etiquette, such as only visiting homes with lights on for trick-or-treating, being polite and saying “thank you” for candy, and respecting people’s property, helps maintain a fun and safe atmosphere. This is particularly important in neighborhoods where large groups of children are out and about, and mutual respect ensures that people of all ages can participate in the holiday without feeling uncomfortable or unsafe.

Additionally, Halloween etiquette promotes inclusivity by being mindful of costumes, decorations, and behavior. Dressing appropriately and avoiding offensive or culturally insensitive costumes shows respect for others’ identities and cultures. It also extends to being considerate with decorations, ensuring that they are not overly frightening or inappropriate for children. Proper etiquette helps create a positive experience for everyone, maintaining the playful and festive spirit of Halloween while being considerate of others’ feelings and boundaries.

There are two sets of etiquette rules:

  1. For those costumed trick-or-treaters; and
  2. For people distributing the treats.

Our tips provide some guidelines for all those little ghouls and goblins as they parade from house to house, as well as for the people at the houses handing out treats.

Read my interview on News 1130 » (from 2017)

Halloween handing out candy

Halloween Etiquette for Trick-or-Treaters

  • Respect the lights on/off rule. If the lights are off at the front of the house, skip that house. The people are not home, have no candy left, or are not participating in the event.
  • If you want to receive treats, wear a costume or be prepared to perform a silly dance or song for your treat.
  • Use sidewalks and pathways. Do not take shortcuts across lawns or through gardens.
  • Ring the doorbell or knock on the door only once and wait patiently for a response. If no one answers the door after a few minutes, move on to the next house.
  • Accept whatever is offered as a treat. Do not complain about the type of candy or non-candy treat. However, if you are allergic to nuts, you may ask if a nut -free alternative is available.
  • Don’t be greedy. When offered to choose candy, take one piece so there will be plenty left for others.
  • Say “Thank you”.
  • Respect the ending time set by the neighbourhood. If an end time is not specified, stop going to houses by 8:00 or 9:00 pm and remember the lights on/off rule.

Etiquette When Distributing Treats

  • Respect the lights on/off rule. If you are participating, turn on a light at the front of your house and put out Halloween decorations to indicate that you are open for business. If you aren’t participating or run out of treats, turn off the lights to alert trick-or-treaters to move on to the next house.
  • Give out store-bought, individually-wrapped and sealed treats. Save homemade goodies for kids you know well.
  • If you want to let out your inner ghoul for some friendly spooking of your own, be sure to keep it age appropriate. Many young children don’t enjoy that type of fright, so save it for those old enough to appreciate a good scare.
  • Be respectful of the children who come to the door. Do not make assumptions about age. Some children appear older than they are. Even if some children are older than you think is appropriate, indulge them for one night. Leaving behind cherished childhood traditions can be difficult. If they are wearing a costume, they deserve a treat. However, if someone shows up at your door without a costume, you have the right to deny them a treat or make them work for it – a song perhaps.

Halloween Parties

For Halloween parties, here are some etiquette reminders:

  • Costume dress appropriately for the party (school/work party vs. friends gathering)
  • If attending a home gathering, take a little something for a host/hostess gift, such as a quaint flower arrangement
  • If hosting a party, be clear with your invitation on whether or not it is a family, adult, or a gathering

Above all, we hope you had a great time!

. . . .

Photos from Adobe Stock.

Proper Etiquette for Students – USA

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on June 1st, 2024
Lexington Community Education

Lexington Community Education is based in Massachusetts, USA, and is offering several online classes for children from grades 2 to 9. A thorough introduction to good etiquette and proper manners for elementary students.  In this two-session class, Elizabeth Etiquette will begin by introducing the proper way to manage introductions and greetings, appropriate hygiene and grooming, deportment, posture and sitting correctly.

Proper Etiquette for Students in Grades 2-5

  • Start date: TBA

Proper Etiquette for Students in Grades 6-9

  • Start date: TBA

. . . .

See all classes »

The Perfect Wedding Shower

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on May 5th, 2024
Wedding shower

As you begin your wedding plans you will discover that there are a number of special events that take place prior to the actual wedding. The wedding shower is one of these exciting events.

Traditionally, the Maid of Honour and Bridesmaids are responsible for planning and hosting the bridal shower.

Some people consider it improper for a relative of the bride to host the shower because attendees usually bring gifts; however, traditions have changed and relative-hosted showers are a common and accepted occurrence today. If the maid of honour or bridesmaids are unable to host the shower, other close friends are, quite often, delighted to step in.

Selecting a date for the wedding shower can be tricky.

Showers are generally held between four and six weeks prior to the wedding; however, the timing will depend on the bride’s schedule and the distance guests are travelling for the wedding. Be careful not to choose a date too close to the wedding day or the shower may interfere with other wedding plans and cause undue stress for the bride.

Read more »

Easter Dinner Celebrations

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on March 26th, 2024
Easter dinner

Whether you are eating with people you have known your entire life or are a guest at a table with people you are meeting for the first time, good table manners lead to a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere that is enjoyed by everyone present.

This Easter, as you gather with friends and family members to celebrate and feast, follow these dinner party tips to foster friendly, cheerful interactions.

Read more »

Keeping Your Spirit while Holiday Shopping

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on December 1st, 2023
Old shoppe

As the Canadian and US Thanksgiving celebrations comes to an end, we all turn our attention to the coming Christmas holidays.

With the best of intentions, we set out to fill our homes with cheer, buy gifts to show our loved ones how much we care, and make plans to connect with friends and family. But, all too often, our good intentions get lost in the frenzy of the season, and we are left with frustration, bad-tempers, and rudeness.

Help keep and spread the joy this holiday season with these tips for holiday shopping.

Read more »

Canada Day Etiquette

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on June 25th, 2023
Canadian flag

Start Canada Day – and Every Day – with a Good Deed

On July 1st, 1867, the nation was officially born when the Constitution Act joined three provinces into one country: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Canada province, which then split into Ontario and Quebec.

Although Canada existed prior to 1867, Canada Day is often informally referred to as “Canada’s birthday”. Most communities across the country will host organized celebrations for Canada Day, typically outdoor public events, such as parades, carnivals, festivals, barbecues, air and maritime shows, fireworks, and free musical concerts, as well as citizenship ceremonies.

Did you know that Canada welcomed over 13,500 new Canadian citizens during the citizenship week of 2023 in 105 citizenship ceremonies?

Canadian citizenship ceremony

However, given the federal nature of the anniversary, celebrating Canada Day can be a cause of friction by some indigenous peoples and in the province of Quebec so it’s good etiquette to respect everyone’s opinion.

What Does it Mean to Canadians around the World?

Canadian expatriates will often organize Canada Day activities in their local area on or near the date of the holiday.

What Does it Mean to You?

Being Canadian is truly unique, whether you are an immigrant who has become a citizen or someone born in Canada.

So if you see someone carrying a heavy bag or struggling with something, regardless of age or gender, give them a helping hand. Hold the door open, offer your seat on the bus – not for a reason… just because it is a thoughtful and courteous gesture. And because it’s a Canadian thing to do!

Add a smile and you will make someone’s day!

“Have a good Canada Day!”

Canada Day on shoulders

Mother’s Day Etiquette

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on May 11th, 2023
Happy Mother's Day

Spring is in the air, the days are getting longer, children are spending more time playing outside, and Mother’s Day is right around the corner. At Elizabeth Etiquette, we have been thinking about etiquette in the home and treating Mum royally on Mother’s Day.

A day without chores and time to relax is certainly a sure way to make Mum happy. Handmade cards and drawings from the younger children are wonderful keepsakes. Definitely start the day with a cup of tea or coffee and breakfast in bed with something to read.

As an adult, finding an appropriate Mother’s Day gift can be a challenge. As with all gifts, we want them to be thoughtful and considerate of the recipient’s interests and preferences. But older adults have often already accumulated everything they need and may even want to reduce the amount of “stuff” they have around.

Love you, Mum

Make sure you plan ahead, do not wing it on the day.

Flowers are commonly given for Mother’s Day and are often enjoyed and appreciated. But, if you are looking for something less typical, consider the following ideas:

  • A gift certificate for a favourite restaurant. You could also accompany her to the restaurant and treat her to breakfast or lunch, or order takeout and enjoy in the comfort of home on the patio!
  • A gift certificate for a salon to have her hair done or get a manicure or pedicure. Again, you could accompany her for some quality time together.
  • If you are unable to accompany your mother, consider including transportation to the salon or restaurant. Arrange for a taxi service or even a limousine to pick her up and take her to the location for the appointment and return her to her home after the event – making her feel really royal!
  • Another option is to arrange to have a hairstylist or aesthetician visit her in her home if she is unable to travel to the salon or spa.

Magazines

Not everyone has an iPhone, iPad, or Kindle. A subscription to Mum’s favourite magazine would be most appreciated. There is simply nothing quite like settling down with a nice cup of tea and a good read! A year-long, “Something to look forward to.”

And remember that you may have other women in your family or friends who are mothers so wish them a happy Mother’s Day as well.

Get in touch if you have any questions or need ideas for your Mother’s Day etiquette.

Handshakes and Etiquette

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on February 13th, 2023
Trudeau handshake

Ben O’Hara-Byrne hosts the national evening show on the Corus/Global News Radio Network.

There was quite a terrible looking handshake between Alberta’s premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the afternoon in Ottawa that got him talking about handshakes and etiquette so he engaged Elizabeth in an interview on his podcast.

A handshake is a greeting or used in a formal agreement. Good handshake technique includes several small techniques worth noting as it can leave a lasting impression:

  • Make eye contact first
  • Focus on the other person
  • Don’t pull the other hand towards you (a “controller” handshake)
  • Don’t hold on too long
  • Don’t offer a “limp fish” for a hand, grip gently but firmly
  • Don’t hurt the other person and leave a mark!

Listen to the podcast above in “The handshake heard across Canada” or here (the interview with Elizabeth is from 20:20 to 30:40).

Honouring Remembrance Day

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on November 8th, 2022
Remembrance Day

In Canada, as in most Commonwealth countries, November 11th is a day set aside to acknowledge the sacrifices made by the many men and women who have fought in wars for our freedom and way of life, as well as to reflect on the disastrous effects of war on civilians animals, and the land itself. Known as Remembrance Day in Canada, Veterans Day in the USA, and Armistice Day in England, this day was chosen as a reminder of the end to major hostilities of the First World War and the signing of the Armistice “at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month”.

In most Canadian provinces, Remembrance Day is a statutory holiday. Children have the day off school and many businesses are closed to allow people to attend ceremonies, remember, and reflect. This November 11th, what can you do to honour the significance of this day? Read more »

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