Hostess Gift Giving with Grace

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on December 1st, 2014

Struggling for some gift ideas? Keep it simple. Hostess gifts do not need to be extravagant or unique. Generally, expect to spend between $20 and $30 for a hostess gift.

Here are some of the top gifts to consider:

  • Fine Wine or other spirits
  • Chocolates or candy
  • Seasonal ornament or a CD of Festive Music
  • Small plant in an attractive pot
  • Flower Arrangement (in a vase)
  • Soaps or Candles
  • Homemade Baking or Preserves
  • Books based on your hosts preferred reading genre
  • Kitchen ideas like cocktail napkins, a wine aerator, wine charms or a cast iron teapot
  • Gift Cards

Offering Your Gift

When’s the right time to give your gift?

  • Offer your gift as soon as you arrive.
  • Be gracious and do not create a fuss.  If it is a larger event, your hosts may have to acknowledge your thoughtfulness, but not have the time to express their full fondness of it.
  • Do not expect your gift to be served or put on display that evening and do not take it back at the end of the event.
  • If the hostess is busy with other guests, leave the gift in an area that is out of the way and indicate to your host the location of your small gift.

Consider Wedding Traditions When Planning that “Special Day”

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on June 5th, 2014

Traditionally, weddings have many customs and rules but, today, it is commonly accepted that weddings are primarily about the bride and groom. If you are planning your wedding, you have a right to do it in a way that makes you happy. However, this does not condone being selfish or disrespectful to others. Weddings are an occasion to show thoughtfulness, grace, kindness, and hospitality.As you plan your wedding, consider these traditions to determine what is most comfortable to you and considerate of your family and other guests:

  1. Asking permission.
    If possible, asking for permission to marry is a nice gesture to the bride’s father or parents, although it is no longer compulsory in many cultures. Regardless of whether you decide to ask for permission, it is respectful to inform the parents of both the bride and the groom of your intent to marry before announcing it to others. Read more »

High Tea Social with Elizabeth Etiquette

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on May 6th, 2014

Last month I had the opportunity to be a guest speaker at the High Tea Social put on by Young Women in Business. It was my pleasure to speak about the importance of table etiquette and manners for young women in the business world. I also had an opportunity to enjoy some tea with the ladies and speak with them about their future business goals.

Elizabeth Etiquette speaking event

I want to thank Young Women in Business for having me as a guest speaker, and I wish all the young ladies luck with their future careers.

Interested in having me speak at one of your upcoming events? Get in touch »

5 Ways To Spend Quality Family Time

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on May 1st, 2014

Having a family with children can often leave you feeling rushed and stressed day to day. Our days are likely filled with some nagging, cajoling, and running from place to place. We try to de-stress by watching TV or taking a soothing bubble bath. The problem? We aren’t eliminating the stress but ignoring it. We are also forgetting the bigger picture: of spending quality time with family.

Children are children for only a short while. After a few years, they will quickly outgrow our company. Once a certain age hits, our children will grow up and leave home. The result is bittersweet. While we’re proud to have children grow into well-mannered and educated adults, we suddenly lose the precious time we once had with them.

To build a tight-knit bond with your children and spouse, it is crucial to spend quality time together. While it may sound easy, the reality is work and life stress tend to get in the way.  If your time and mind isn’t 100% dedicated to the other person, it will ruin your quality time together.

Read more »

Children’s Etiquette Class at The Vancouver Club

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on April 30th, 2014

The Vancouver Club

I had a wonderful time teaching my Children’s Etiquette class at the Vancouver Club this past weekend. The children were an absolute delight, participating in all the fun activities and role-play; making them all the perfect diners! I would like to extend my special thanks to all the members of the Vancouver Club, who registered their children for the class, and a sincere thank you to Katie, and all the staff, at the Vancouver Club for their help and support during the event.

The Vancouver Club

Manners Matter – Even For Spring Break

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on March 1st, 2014

If you and your family are planning a getaway for Spring Break, it is worth brushing up on your etiquette before you go! Proper etiquette will ensure an enjoyable time for you and your family. Just because you are
leaving your home for a while, doesn’t mean your manners can’t come along. In fact, make sure you do not leave your manners at the door! Proper etiquette is essential anywhere you go, even on your upcoming trip for Spring Break.

Below are my etiquette guidelines that will help you start Spring Break on the right foot:

Going Skiing? Follow The Rules!

Respect the rules set up by the Ski Hill. If there are any closed runs or out of bound areas, do not ignore the warnings. It is unwise and dangerous to do so. If you don’t follow the rules you may even get banned from the Ski Hill. Best advice: be aware of the rules before heading out to the slopes to avoid any problems!

Be Courteous in Lines

If you and your family end up visiting an attraction that has line ups (for ex. a theme park) please be courteous and respectful of others. We all hate waiting in line, and there is no need to make the experience worse. Do not push others or cut in line. Keep conversations with your friends and family suitable, as those waiting in line may likely hear your conversations. Best advice: don’t use foul language, and keep volume at a conversational level.

Read more »

Successful Dating at University and College

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on February 1st, 2014

With Valentine’s Day approaching, many people’s thoughts turn to love and romance.That is equally true for young adults attending university or college. Even though there is a lot of work, everyone needs a break and it can be nice to share those times with someone special. Universities are filled with potential partners and it is a great opportunity to meet new people.

Whether at university or anywhere else, following the rules of etiquette for dating shows respect and consideration for others — and that is attractive. If you pay attention to these simple rules and conventions, you will be more successful and confident dating both on and off the university campus.

Watch your distance.
Everyone has an area around them that is their personal space and if other people get too close, the person will feel uncomfortable and not even know why.  The specific size of the space varies between cultures and individuals, but In North America, most people require about two feet of personal space. When you are talking to someone, keep a comfortable distance between you. If you move closer and the person steps away or looks uncomfortable, take a step backward to allow them more personal space. When you allow people the space they need, they tend to feel more comfortable spending time with you.

Read more »

Back to School Bus Etiquette

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on September 2nd, 2013

If your children take a school bus or public transit to school, make bus etiquette part of your back to school preparations. After relaxing throughout the summer, your children have probably fallen out of their school routines including their bus etiquette. Start by waking them a little earlier each day to practice for those early mornings and to ensure they will be on time for the bus. Read more »

Tips for Making Family Time Fun

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on April 26th, 2013

If you have children, it can be easy to fall into a pattern of rushing from place to place, nagging and cajoling them to do chores and homework, or zoning out into your own world to de-stress in front of the TV or behind a newspaper. When we are rushed and under stress, we often forget about the big picture. Children are not young forever. They quickly outgrow our company and want to spend more time with their own friends, and eventually they grow up and leave home.

To build a close relationship with your children and spouse, it is important to spend quality time together. Don’t let work and life stresses take over and ruin your most important relationships. Read more »

What Is a Good Age to Start Teaching Manners?

Posted by Elizabeth Etiquette on February 26th, 2013

Any age is a good age. One is never too young or too old to learn good manners. Start how you mean to go on and start today!

I was recently on an international flight from Europe to Vancouver. A relatively long haul even for the best seasoned traveller. In the row in front of me sat a young couple and their adorable 18 month old son whom, unfortunately, had the most awful cough and cold. While my heart went out to the poor little chap who was coughing and sneezing away into thin air I also felt sorry for my fellow travellers, especially those prone to respiratory infections. Read more »

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