Labor Day Manners

Well, the end of summer is upon us.  Can you believe that it is already September?  I'm actually looking forward to this time of year, the only part I dislike is knowing that winter comes after fall!  I'm looking forward to the cooler days (so I can go running more frequently without trying to breathe through the humidity), the colorful scarves and bringing out a fun new wardrobe!  With Labor Day as the last big part before the end of summer, we figured it was appropriate to go over a few etiquette tips while spending this relaxing day with family and friends.

Olivia Palermo

• Never attend a Labor Day party, whether it's a picnic, dinner party, cocktail party, bbq without bringing a dish to pass or a bottle of wine.  The hostess will always remember the guests who arrive empty handed.
• Please don't overstay your welcome.  Never come too early (unless you are willing to help prepare food and clean the house) and never stay too late.  When you notice the hostess cleaning up dishes or yawning as your talk, then you need to take those signals and go home.
• Take the Labor Day celebration as a perfect time to wear your favorite white dress, the autumn trends are on the way!
• If you are attending a party, make sure you RSVP'd.  No one likes having unexpected guests and responding an hour before the party is not acceptable.
• Since it is a holiday away from work, spend that time with family and friends.  Try to stay away from your phone and computer.  Family time is more important!

Overstaying Your Welcome

We all love to entertain, right?  Well the majority of us do....but as a host/hostess we all need a break after the party, moments to unwind, moments to reminisce about the event and a few seconds to take a breathe before it's time to clean up.  Yes, we said clean up.  If you happen to know us personally, you will also know that when either of us host parties, we don't want help cleaning up.  Not in the least!  Each of us is so particular about our kitchens that the less people, the better!  So if you ever happen to be a guest at either of our homes, please do not help clean up.  Here's a little tip though, if the host/hostess starts cleaning up, it's time that you leave.

Credit: Decor

As a guest, it's absolutely crucial that you watch for the signs to leave gracefully.  Ask for your coat, gather the children, grab your dishes and give those final goodbye hugs and air kisses. Overstaying your welcome is a huge "no-no"!  If you want to annoy and frustrate the hostess, overstay your welcome and don't expect to be invited again (kidding, everyone deserves a second chance!).

If you are attending a dinner party, feel free to stay after the meal for a few drinks and pleasurable company with the host/hostess.  But if you happen to notice several yawns or loud *sighs*, time to head out.

If you are attending a bridal or baby shower, do not overstay the length stated on the invitation.  If a time was not designated on the invitation, then you better watch closely for clues!  Cleaning, packing up gifts, the guest of honor has already left...

If you were invited for a casual luncheon, then it is never appropriate to hang around till dinner.  RUDE!  Enjoy lunch a maybe an hour afterwards, but give the host/hostess a few hours of the day to themselves!

If you are dropping by a friend's house unannounced, PLEASE DON'T!  Even if you are close friends, a quick phone call (10 minutes ahead of time) would be much appreciated!  

If you are a house guest, never stay longer than the planned duration without asking the host/hostess before your arrival.  It's rude to assume!  Always be prepared when staying as a house guest, bring your needed essentials, don't expect the host/hostess to purchase your necessities.  But especially, BE PLEASANT!  

Credit: Machteld

If you follow these simple, but ever so important guidelines when attending an event or visiting a friend, it will make for pleasant experiences, and more welcome visits in the future!

Credit: eweek