Look at this… 👀 https://pin.it/67AZRfylD
This title hit me like a volt of lightning. Then I read through it and inspiration for a new segment for this blog came to life. Fancy Friday. Reviewing everything from tablescapes, to setting up a room for a luncheon or guest, presenting ourselves, and how we carry ourselves.
This article that sparked the inspiration was by Lauren Schumacker written on September 13, 2017. The tips Mrs. Schumacker had here were some that I was taught growing up, and some that were new. I will indicate if something was new with the following sign (n).
1. KEEP YOUR PLATE YOUR PLATE SO YOUR COMPANIONS WON’T FEEL RUSHED (n): As you see this one is new to me. We live in a day when most people eat out more than they eat at home. So while it should be common sense, I hadn’t thought about it. Things like place your silverware down between bites is something I was taught.
2. CHEW WITH YOUR MOUTH CLOSED: As someone who often has issues with sinus, I can tell you this is a tough one. No one wants to watch you chewing food. If you struggle woth this practice at home alone. Or dine with a pet with a mirror close by. Every time you catch yourself chewing with your mouth open, apologize to your pet for being rude. That part is important. You’re acknowledge that chewing with your mouth open is rude making yourself conscientious about it. Pretty soon it won’t be an issue. I know that sounds crazy, but whatever works. Main point is to hreak that habit.
3. A STANDARD TIP IS 20 PERCENT: I have, in the past tipped according to the service I received. Meaning if the server was polite, brought our drinks, appetizers, and meal out at a reasonable time, I tip more than the standard percent. But hit with an attitude, your going to be lucky to get anything. I am talking all out snotty attitude with no one else in the place.
4. DON’T INSIST ON DINNER PLANS AT A RESTAURANT FRIENDS CAN’T AFFORD (n): This is huge. Once again it should be common sense, it is something you don’t think about. Unless every one is at the same point in life. Here’s a simple fix for this problem, suggest dinner in. Host a simple but beautiful dinner in. You don’t have to bare the cost alone. If you have a friend with access to flowers and knows how to arrange them, ask them to pick a vase you have and pick some flowers according to a color theme according to the menu. Example; if you’re going to do a French Bistro style dinner then provide your friend with pictures of the area which the meal will be inspired by. Trust their taste. You have another friend who can stage a beautiful room, ask if they will do this. I think you get the general idea.
5. IF SOMEONE GIVES THEIR FULL ATTENTION, GIVE THEM YOURS: Once again we live in an age where people have the attention span of a fly’s life. I am not talking about people like myself who has ADHD. I am talking about the average person who can’t put their damn phone down. Yeah! I said it. Put your phone down. Put it in your pocket for gentlemen and purse for ladies.
6. INTRODUCE YOURSELF WITH FIRST NAME AND LAST NAME: This is common sense. Or at least it should be. So often I see people today who only give a first name if that. I am not saying every casual conversation warrants an introduction. I did laundry today and there was a lady I recognized. I saw her Tim Horton’s apron and it hit me. We had brief polite conversation. Introductions weren’t really neccessary. We just acknowledged each other.
7. GRACIOUSLY ACCEPT KIND GESTURES: To often, we see a young lady who gets huffy when a gentleman opens a door for her. Look shut up and let him do what he was raised to do, behave like a gentleman in public. He’s not insulting you, but I am sure he’s capable of it.
8. DRESS FOR THE OCCASION: This is another spot where I am going to rant real quick. Everything I see someone in public wearing their pajamas, I just have to wonder if the act of getting dressed was that difficult. I have no idea of who started this but it’s part of the reason people across the world don’t take us seriously.
9. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE INVITATION: I know this is difficult for some people here in America. It’s important. For instance, you receive an invitation with a postage paid RSVP card. Take a minute fill the card out and drop in in the mail. Or respond via text. Yes, these days people send invitations by text or email. I get the appeal. It’s quicker and better for the environment. No trees are being cut down. Not everyone does this. Regardless if you can attend or not, just reply accordingly. A simple, I regret to say I can’t is enough. No one needs to know your getting botex injections in your butt checks.
10. SAY “PLEASE” AND “THANK YOU”: This was ingrained in my brain from childhood. Yet, so few say it. Go to the grocery store, and you rarely hear it. It’s ‘I ordered’ or ‘my child’ as if the rest of soceity are supposed to care. Look when someone does something for you, even if it’s with in their job description, be polite. And know that the courtesy clerk isn’t paid enough to get a nasty attitude from people.
11. SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION: I was raised when someone invited you to an event be polite and thank them. They didn’t have to invite you.
That’s it. A lot of these were common sense. Over the next few weeks we will look at more things like this. I hope you will enjoy it.
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