Etiquette can be especially tricky at holiday time. There can be so much confusion over the right thing to do when it comes to gift buying, for everything from gifts for your boss to hostess gift dilemmas. Whether your event is business or social, follow these tips to ensure your holidays are stress free. Enjoy the season!
- Don’t Bring Uninvited Guests – Unless you ask the host ahead of time, do not bring anf uninvited guest. Be especially sensitive if you want to bring your children. If children are not included on the invitation, the host probably wants to enjoy an adult only affair.
- Do Bring a Hostess Gift – Although it is not required by modern etiquette, it is always a nice gesture to bring a little something for the hostess (or host). Your gift can be anything from a bottle of wine, a candle, a box of note cards, or flowers (Note: Do not bring flowers that need to be arranged, the hostess has enough to do without playing florist).
- Buy A Gift For Your Boss: It Depends – The majority of the time, it is not expected or appropriate to buy a gift for your boss. It can appear as “kissing up”. Organizing a group gift with other workers is nice, as long as it is not too expensive.
- Buy Gifts for Your Staff: It Depends – This is entirely up to you, and the status of your company’s success. If you just laid off workers or did not give traditional bonuses, it would not be appropriate to spend money on gifts for your staff. If the company is doing well, gifts are a great way to show your appreciation. Be consistent and give the same gift to everyone. Know your staff - most prefer gift certificates or money. Giving a gift they view as a waste of money (clock with the company logo), will not win you any favors.
- Do Cut Back – If your job and/or budget situation has changed, you can definitely feel comfortable cutting back. It is best to let people know ahead of time. There are other creative options that will still let your friends and family know you care about them. You can plan an outdoor activity, frame a special photograph, make them a dinner, or bake and package up their favorite cookies.
- Don’t Apologize All Over Yourself – If someone gives you a gift and you do not have one for them in return, the situation is uncomfortable. But, it does happen (more often than any of us would like!). Simply thank the person and do not spend time making ridiculous excuses – and remember next year not to create the same mishap.
- Do Ask About Food Allergies – When you are hosting a party, always ask your guests if they have any food allergies or special dietary restrictions. Since I am allergic to gluten, this tip is especially important to me. You do not have to change your entire menu, simply prepare at least one dish they will be able to eat. If you are the guest, always offer to bring something. This is not only polite, but you can bring a yummy dish you can eat.
- Don’t Drink Too Much – If you are the host, you have a lot of responsibilities to keep the party on track. This means you need to count your drinks, and don’t allow your drink to be topped off every 10 minutes – you’ll think you only had one drink! If you are a guest it is never in good taste to drink too much, and take the chance of getting loud and sloppy. Make sure you are invited back - drink in moderation.
- Do Have A Great Time – It is always a special time when you gather together family, friends, and/or coworkers. Enjoy every minute, and do not cry or create a scene about slight mishaps that will happen. Everything can be cleaned up in the morning!
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Kay Hunter is a personal image coach and corporate trainer, specializing in complete makeovers, business and dining etiquette, and is the president of Imagine…The Possibilities in Orange County. She has transformed hundreds of clients into more successful and confident professionals. Kay can be contacted at (714) 665-8866, kay@kayhunter.info www.kayhunter.info.
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