Etiquette: Even In the Summer
Summer 2022 has arrived! If you’re like me, your calendar is rapidly filling with events, outings and special occasions. For a lighter, yet still important, topic in our monthly Image Matters News blog feature we share this etiquette guide to summer occasions. We hope you’ll find this timely advice helpful in enjoying the season’s activities.
Emily Post’s Etiquette, now in its 19th edition, makes a simple observation: “All the rules of table manners are made to avoid ugliness.” Of course, etiquette isn’t only for the dining table and knowing which fork or spoon to use. Your manners (which are the acting out of etiquette) have been defined by Jacqueline Whitmore, friend and founder of the Protocol School of Palm Beach, as the art of knowing how to treat other people. The key is being respectful to all and considering how your behavior affects others — avoiding all kinds of “ugliness.”
Practical Tips for Summer Etiquette
Here are some tips that everyone can use for those less buttoned-down summer occasions.
Company Picnics and Summer Golf Outings
- • Register or RSVP as requested and by the deadline stated, whether attending or sending your regrets.
- • When there’s more than one host, reply to the individual whose house is hosting the picnic/outing. If it’s to be at a club, reply to the name indicated below the RSVP line.
- • Dress for the occasion, the weather and your career objectives. “Casual” doesn’t mean a ratty t-shirt and frayed cut-offs.
- • Learn in advance if clients or family guests are included. Don’t just show up with them.
- • If it’s a ticketed event, remember to take your tickets.
- • Emergencies happen. If you need to change your response to “no,” let the host/hostess know immediately.
- • Legitimate reasons can allow you to change your response to “yes” and attend an event that you’ve previously declined. Consider the event, how soon it will happen and any complications that might occur when deciding if you should request to attend.
- • You should receive the thank you! When attending company events and golf outings, the event team will probably send you a note of thanks. But it’s never out of fashion to send a thank-you note yourself, particularly if someone helped you in some manner.
Pool/Boating/General Summer Activities
- • Come prepared, considering the types of items and garments you’ll need for the day’s activities (e.g., towels, sunscreen, layering garments for a chilly evening).
- • Observe and follow the “house rules” or your host’s guidelines.
- • If you break something, report it to the owner/your host immediately.
- • If your children are included in the festivities, it’s your responsibility to keep a watchful eye on them.
- • Take home only what belongs to you (of course!).
- • Pick up after yourself, leaving things tidy at the end of your stay.
- • Offer to help at private parties.
- • Be mindful of time. Arrive and depart as the invitation states.
- • If invited to a lawn party, BBQ or picnic, don’t show up empty handed, unless the host has stated otherwise. Bring a dish to pass or something to share with those attending.
- • Bring a small gift of appreciation for your host or hostess.
Other “Good to Know” Tips for Summer Fun
- • Don’t just show up!
- • Don’t invite additional guests without the permission of your host.
- • Be mindful of your alcohol consumption. Set your limit in advance and don’t bow to peer pressure.
- • You’re attending a party. Don’t spend it on your phone texting or calling other people.
- • If children and/or pets are included, make sure you have everything you’ll need to take care of them.
- • Always say thank you with a handwritten note.
No matter the occasion, we hope that you have a pleasant and polite summer.
