Dec
14
Before I begin to answer this question, let me introduce myself. For the past 5 years I have been the “go to etiquette gal” for American Stationery and The American Wedding. I decided that it might be helpful to share with you the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. Having spent the last 25 years in the stationery and wedding business – from stationery and invitation shop owner to etiquette consultant – I have found it a real challenge to take years of traditionally accepted etiquette principles and make it work in today’s world. I LOVE a challenge!!!!So what is etiquette and why is it so important???? Let me share some of my views on this question. The one thing for sure is that etiquette is NOT a list of rigid, stogy, out of date rules. Etiquette is a collection of guidelines for proper social behavior. If we have no guidelines, our society would not know how to interact in a civil way. In a nutshell etiquette equals good manners. Yes, life today is much more casual seasoned with a touch of “anything goes”, but manners serve as a guide for successfully maneuvering through daily life with...Read More
Oct
28
Our current job market is tougher than ever. There are so many young, eager and qualified persons out there that are out of work and looking for a job.With such a competitive job market it is an absolute necessity that you find an edge. Something that will set you apart from all of those other mid-twenty somethings vying for the same job. Many of whom have a resume that looks very similar to your own. One of the ways to set yourself out from the rest is by having your own supply of personalized stationery and using it. Once you have finished your job interview, you know that it is proper etiquette to follow up with your interviewer by thanking them for their time and for considering you as a candidate for the position. Why not follow up with a note jotted down on a correspondence card that bears your name at the top. This formal yet, understated piece of stationery tells your possible future employer that you are gracious and are willing to spend those few extra moments to write an honest and personal thank you. Unfortunately in these times our world insists that faster is better, and is...Read More
Feb
1
Question: For return address mailing labels, what is the correct etiquette for the order in the first name? Does the husband or the wife’s name come first?e.g. John and Jane Doe or Jane and John Doe? Martha The Everyday Etiquette Answer: Martha, This is a very popular question. I know that there are differing opinions out there among etiquette experts. Personally, I have always believed that it is "ladies first" and that the gentleman’s first and last name should not be separated unless children’s names are being included in a signature (i.e. a Christmas card). My recommendation would be:Jane and John Doe I hope this helps you out. Thank you for asking Everyday Etiquette. Ms. Carey Ask your own Everyday Etiquette questions
Nov
13
Question: Is it still appropriate to put the dress attire on invitations such as "Business Casual/Holiday Attire." I still see it on black tie events, but have not noticed attire being mentioned on most. Thank you,Debra The Everyday Etiquette Answer: Debra, Thanks for the question. It is definitely appropriate to add the attire wording to the invitation. When I had my store, we put attire wording on many of our invitations. Since this is a holiday party, some of my favorites are: Holiday CasualHoliday AttireFestive Attire I hope your holiday party is a huge success. Ms. Carey Ask your own Everyday Etiquette questions
Oct
30
Question: I have been invited to a costume party that is by invitation only. It is being hosted by a very affluent acquaintance. I am much honored to have been invited. Should I bring a gift, or thank you trinket? I was taught you always bring a thank you gift. Wine seems a bit trite. Brownies do not seem to be a good idea either. Mareshah The Everyday Etiquette Answer: Mareshah, A small gift is always appropriate to bring to your hosts. It is a very thoughtful and gracious gesture. If your hosts enjoy wine, then a nice bottle of wine would not be considered trite. Cocktail napkins and wine glass charms are a fun gift also. Fresh flowers or a plant is another good hostess gift idea. If you know them well, something for their home (candle, small decorative accessory, etc.) is also very appropriate. Please remember it is not the gift but the thought behind the gift that says thank you for the invitation. It is also very proper to send a brief thank you note after the party. This is not mandatory, but a very nice thing to do. Have a great time at the party. Ms....Read More
Oct
30
Question: Is there a monogram for note cards that could be used by both husband and wife ie, just S or RSS for Ryan and Susan or can a three letter monogram be just used by one or the other? Barbara The Everyday Etiquette Answer: Barbara, Yes, there is a monogram that you can have put on a folded note or a correspond card. Of course, you can just put your last initial S or a joint monogram. In your case, it would as follow: SSR The first initial is Susan’s S The second initial is the last name and a larger size than the 1st and 3rd initials S The third initial is the husband’s R I hope this helps you out. Ms. Carey Ask your own Everyday Etiquette questions
Oct
16
Question: As the holidays approach, what is your opinion of the Christmas family newsletter? Should you send one & what should be in it? I struggle with this each year. Thank you,Elaine The Everyday Etiquette Answer: Elaine, I also struggle with the family Christmas newsletter. Each year, we get one that is in iambic pentameter and is multi-generational. Believe me, it is a chore to wade through, but I know it is sent with love from good friends. I think these letters can be great if you stick to relevant news about immediate family. They should be upbeat; but if there has been bad news (death, divorce, severe illness or other tragedies), your good friends will want to know this also. I firmly believe that these newsletters should only be sent to people who know your family well. When writing your letter, remember that your son’s winning goal on the 5 year old soccer team and your 4 year old daughter’s dance recital are special moments to you and your husband, but may not be of great interest to the recipients of your holiday greeting. One of my favorite annual letters is filled with very few words and lots of...Read More