Latest news with #etiquette
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Guest Outraged After Being Charged for Water at Couple's Outdoor Wedding on a Humid, Sunny 95-Degree Day
To make matters worse, the bar was cash-only. There's no denying that a wedding is all about the couple of honor, but that doesn't mean their guests should be ignored: As a bride or groom, part of your responsibility on the wedding day is being a great host. That means you should greet your attendees, ensure they're well taken care of, and provide food and drinks for them—at a minimum. While not every wedding has a full open bar, etiquette rules generally state that there should be a selection of free beverages, both alcohol and non-alcoholic. At a recent wedding, though, that wasn't the case. According to a Reddit post on the website's /weddingshaming thread, guests showed up for a couple's outdoor ceremony and reception and learned that anything from the bar—including water—would need to be paid for by the attendees. That wasn't even where the communication breakdown began. "I knew nothing coming into this wedding aside from the time and place. That was the only information given on the invitation, and there was no wedding website to get more information," the original poster explained. "Turns out, it was an outdoor wedding on a humid 95° and sunny afternoon (thought it was indoor because I looked up the venue). People were in shorts, tees, and slip-ons, and others were in floor-length gowns. One lady was in a full white dress." Related: Bride Called "Manipulative and Selfish" for Secretly Selling Alcohol to Guests at Dry Wedding The ceremony itself went fairly well, the OP noted. Other than the heat and crying kids, everything went as planned and was relatively quick. As guests moved to cocktail hour, there was "no direction on what to do." "I follow the herd to the bar line. At this point, I am drowning in my own sweat, and all I want is water," the original poster wrote. "I'm not paying attention to the people in front of me because I'm busy trying to fight off flies. My turn in line and I ask for water. 'You got it, $2.' I look up and I see the sign. No free beverages- period. Not even water." Too hot to argue, the guest handed the bartender their credit card before learning that it was a cash-only bar. Luckily, they had some money in their purse. The guest went on to note that they "felt sick from the heat" by dinner and had "little interest in socializing." Dinner was a buffet, which the OP noted looked "homey"—"No problem," they wrote. "Who doesn't love a home cooked meal?" Unfortunately, by the time it was their turn to grab dinner, everything was covered in flies. Dessert was also covered in bugs, the poster explained, but that wasn't a problem since there were no plates or forks for the cake. "I truly don't feel like this was real life," the guest wrote. "Like this had to be a practical joke, right?" Other Reddit users agreed that the wedding sounded like a mess, and they all took issue with the lack of free water for attendees. "I truly am an easy going guest. I have zero issue with cash bars, I will very rarely complain about the choices a couple made to celebrate their big day. But at a wedding in the dead of summer, you gotta provide some kind of beverage to your guests," one user wrote. Another added, "I have no issue with a dry wedding in the traditional sense. It's totally fine with me if there's no alcohol BUT dry does NOT mean literally dry where you can't even get water! In this instance, a cash bar is beyond shame worthy." Up Next: A Bride-to-Be Was Furious After Her Future In-Laws Booked a Sports Bar With "Bad" Reviews for the Rehearsal Dinner Read the original article on Brides Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
6 Unspoken Trader Joe's Rules Every Shopper Should Follow, According to Etiquette Experts
Follow these simple guidelines to keep grocery shopping frustration-free. Whether you're dashing in for Everything but the Bagel seasoning or strolling the aisles for your weekly grocery trip, shopping at Trader Joe's can be an experience. Known for its quirky charm, friendly cashiers, and fan-favorite products, it's easy to get swept up in the fun. But even at a laid-back store like TJ's, good manners matter. We chatted with Jo Hayes, etiquette expert and founder of for tips on being a courteous customer. Whether you're sampling a snack or navigating a packed parking lot, here's how to shop Trader Joe's with civility. Related: 4 Shopping Mistakes You're Making at ALDI, According to Etiquette Experts 1. Know Your Sample Limits TJ's is famous for its free samples, and according to Hayes, it's totally fine to accept one, especially if you're feeling a bit peckish. But know your limits. 'If you like the new corn chips on offer and are hungry from skipping lunch, going back for 10 free samples is not the right thing,' Hayes says. A sample is just a sample. Taking too many is poor etiquette and inconsiderate to other shoppers. And if you're not interested, a simple 'no thanks' and polite smile does the trick. 2. Don't Feel Pressured to Chat at Checkout One of Trader Joe's signature traits is its famously friendly staff. But if you're just not in the mood to make conversation, here's what Hayes says. 'Some people love chatting with a chatty cashier; others don't,' Hayes says. 'One can still be polite and civil without engaging in small talk.' Greet the cashier with a quick hello, but feel free to keep your answers short and avoid eye contact if you're trying to signal that you're in a rush. 3. Return Items the Right Way Trader Joe's has a generous return policy, even on opened food. But there's a right way to handle it. Deliver your message with politeness and clarity to ensure a smooth interaction for everyone involved. 'Kind, calm, clear is the MO,' Hayes advises. 4. Be a Parking Lot Pro If you've ever pulled into a Trader Joe's lot and immediately regretted it, you're not alone. Many locations are notorious for tight spaces and traffic jams. Hayes has one firm rule: slow down. 'Fifteen miles per hour is usually the signed limit, but many motorists go well above this. This is dangerous for all concerned,' she says. Keep your phone down, use your blinkers, wave when someone lets you go first, and don't swoop in to steal a spot someone else was clearly waiting for. If you're on foot, return your cart to the proper corral and stay aware of your surroundings. 5. Don't Hoard the Viral Items Trader Joe's launches limited-edition items all the time, but they tend to sell out quickly. If you're lucky enough to spot a restock, pause before grabbing six jars of the latest cookie butter creation. 'Moderation, restraint, and consideration for others is the MO here,' Hayes says. 6. Mind Your Bags If the cashier leaves you to bag your groceries, don't let your system slow down the entire checkout lane. 'If you've only got a few things, bag them quickly. If you've got a large haul, load it into your cart and bag it outside,' Hayes says. It's an easy way to keep the line moving and keep fellow shoppers happy. And at the end of the day, a good Trader Joe's trip is not just about grabbing your necessities. To make the experience enjoyable for yourself and others, be aware of your surroundings and considerate of the people around you. Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
11 Vintage Hosting Tips That Are Worth Stealing From Grandma
When it comes to hosting, no one does it better than grandma. From formal invitations to name cards to take-home goodies, she always finds a way to make every guest feel special. And although not every get-together has to be formal, there are still plenty of occasions where applying a few of grandma's best vintage hosting tips can make a huge difference. "In a fast-paced world that's grown more casual with each passing decade, some social graces still shine like silver. Civility is timeless. Courtesy is unforgettable. And manners? They're never out of season," says Lisa Grotts, an etiquette consultant known as the Golden Rules Gal. Read on for grandma-approved vintage hosting tips that are still applicable today — plus learn how to execute them perfectly, according to etiquette Invitations Ditch the last-minute text message and give guests more of a heads up with formal invitations. "Letting people know well in advance shows thoughtfulness. It respects the busy rhythm of life and allows guests time to make arrangements. A well-timed invite is the first gesture of hospitality," says Juliet Mitchell, CEO of Life Etiquette Guests at the Door Can you remember a time grandma didn't personally greet you or another guest at the door? We didn't think so. "There's something so classic and charming about being welcomed personally as you arrive. Whether it's a hug, a handshake or simply opening the door with a smile and eye contact, this small gesture instantly makes guests feel appreciated and seen. It sets the tone for the entire event," says etiquette trainer Myka Let a Guest Go Empty-Handed Show your guests around and immediately offer them a quick bite or cocktail so they feel comfortable from the jump. "Never let a guest stand around empty-handed. Offer a drink, point them to the restroom and introduce them to others. These simple acts are the cornerstones of hospitality — and perfect icebreakers," says Forget Table Manners Grandma might have been the one to teach you table manners in the first place, so it only makes sense that she'd want you to keep them in mind when hosting. "Today, dining skills are one of the most important skills to have because it shows you have taken the time to invest in yourself and make other guests feel comfortable," says Diane Gottsman, national etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Name Cards "Personal touches — like a handwritten place card or a small token — go a long way. They show that each person matters and offer something meaningful for them to remember the moment by," says Mitchell. Plus, organized seating arrangements might even make guests more comfortable if they know they're seated next to someone they're more familiar the Senses Forget the television — go with ambient music instead. "It sets the tone of the day or event, and unless it's a sports viewing party, keeps everyone glued to conversation and nothing more," says Meier. She also suggests choosing a signature scent, whether it's a candle or a dessert baking in the oven. RELATED: 25 Best-Smelling Candles for a Luxurious HomeIntroduce Unfamiliar Guests There's nothing more awkward than going the whole party without being introduced to someone you don't know — even if the gathering is super casual. As the host, it's your job to take on that role. "Giving a bit of information about each guest was an art that grandma had down to a science and it's still important today for a host to make proper introductions," says a Signature Cocktail Remember that one snack or dessert you always knew grandma would have ready for you? Invent your own. And remember, it doesn't have to be complicated — simply whip up your favorite (or simplest) drink or appetizer for a signature menu item everyone will look forward to come future gatherings. "A signature cocktail or favorite recipe always makes the host shine," says Gottsman. RELATED: Signature Wedding Cocktail IdeasSet the Table Early Set the table the night before so you're not scrambling minutes before guests show up. "It's something many of our mothers and grandmothers did, and it's still brilliant advice. Setting the table in advance gives you time to focus on cooking, getting ready or enjoying a few quiet minutes before guests arrive. It also helps you visualize the ambiance and add those special little touches, like candles or flowers," says for the Occasion While it certainly depends on the occasion, dressing up can set the tone. Regardless of what you decide dress-code wise, make sure you let everyone know beforehand. "Even an informal affair requires guests and the host to dress for a party and not for a trip to the grocery store," says a Thank-You Note Thanking guests for taking the time to attend your celebration or event is an old-fashioned gesture grandma would never skip. "In grandma's time, she reached for her monogrammed stationery, penned a heartfelt thank you and had it in the mail within 24 hours. It's a small gesture, but one with enormous meaning. In today's world of likes and emojis, a handwritten note is a standout act of appreciation," says Grotts. RELATED: Thoughtful "Thank You" Messages for Any Occasion You Might Also Like 67 Best Gifts for Women That'll Make Her Smile The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper Solve the daily Crossword
News.com.au
2 days ago
- General
- News.com.au
‘I would cry': Dating clip sparks etiquette debate
Gen Z is a different breed from their elders, but they're also still pretty big on one type of etiquette. A London local, who goes by the username MissingDevon, posted a video of a group of people recently dining out at a restaurant. The dining layout was a classic booth arrangement, where one person sat on a comfortable, lounge-like chair and the other sat on an ordinary dining chair. If you're the person who gets the regular dining chair, you're also the one who has their back to the comings and goings of a restaurant. So waiters and people are constantly strolling past you. The clip showed a group of couples sitting down to eat, and while two of the men sat in the normal dining chairs, giving the women the more comfortable booths, one woman was sitting in a dining chair with her back to the ongoing bustle of a busy restaurant. MissingDevon posted the video with the caption, 'only a girl could tell you what is wrong in this video', and she seems to have been right. The clip amassed 5 million views and the comment section was filled with young women arguing that the woman should be sitting in a comfortable booth. 'Why is she sitting on the chair?' One asked. 'The princess should be on the couch,' someone else argued. 'I would cry if he made me sit on the chair and he took the booth,' another confessed. 'He has taken the comfy cushion seat, making her sit on the wooden chair, and all the other guys are on chairs,' someone else observed. 'Wrong seat, fella,' another criticised. Interestingly, though, it wasn't unanimous, with others arguing men should sit themselves facing the exits. 'It's common etiquette for the man to always be facing the door,' one argued. 'I think that's correct, so the man can see any danger entering the building first,' one argued. While someone else argued the man in the booth was in the right position because he could observe the entire restaurant and 'protect' his date. 'A man wants to see the entry. It's to see potential danger,' another man argued, but a woman replied and said 'there's no danger' in a cocktail bar. 'Why can't a man be comfy?' Another asked. Others argued it isn't 'that deep' and that no one knows their situation and perhaps the woman prefers the wooden chair. Relationship expert Elizabeth Jane told said that there's actually no wrong or right move in terms of who gets what seat in dating etiquette. 'I think that Gen Z men tend to be more emotionally expressive and are more comfortable with fluidity in gender roles, so taking the booth may not be viewed as ill-mannered, as both may view themselves as equals, and who takes the booth becomes quite irrelevant to them,' she said. 'It may come down to more practical considerations as to who takes the booth. The larger person may feel more comfortable in the booth, which may be larger or more sturdy.' Ms Jane argued that Millennial men may still be 'emotionally evolving,' so they are more keen to stick to traditional gender roles. The relationship expert argued that etiquette norms are still a big part of dating for Gen Z but the standards are shifting. 'I wouldn't say that etiquette norms are dying but rather they are transforming or at least adjusting to more relaxed rules on how a man and a woman should behave, gender roles are beginning to merge,' she said. 'They tend not to get lost in gender roles where they are seeking approval from older generations as to how they should act and what they should say'.
Washington Post
2 days ago
- Washington Post
Miss Manners: Wonderful hostess makes very poor guest
Dear Miss Manners: I have visited a dear friend a few times over the years, and each time, I am greeted with a lovely guest room: comfortable bedding, fresh flowers and fluffy towels, all of which made my stay extra special. When she visited me for the first time, I was excited to put together a similar experience for her. But I was rather shocked to discover that she arrived with a sleeping bag and her own towels, saying she didn't want to inconvenience me.
