News and Articles
September 2004
The Daily Home Talladega, Sylacauga-Pell City, Alabama
Dear Millie,
What is the correct information you should put on a birth announcement?
Dear Reader,
What an exciting opportunity for the family to tell everyone of their great news! The Birth Announcement should include, of course, the name of the baby, with the nickname, if one is used, in quotation marks underneath the babies' name. By all means, report the date of birth, the time, the weight, the name of the parents, and the town in which the baby was born. It is also correct, if desired, to name the hospital and address of the parents.
Birth Announcements inevitably raise the question of gifts. Do not state "no gifts" or a reference to a gift registry. This is considered to be in poor taste. This choice belongs to the people receiving the announcement, who presumably may react by writing a note or send a gift.
Dear Millie,
At the local Friday night High School football games, what is to correct way to salute the flag when the Star Spangle Banner is played?
Dear Reader,
When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute by placing their right hand over their hearts at the first note and hold the position through the last note. If men have a headdress or cap, they should remove with right hand and place it over their heart or left shoulder until the last of the song. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed. If the flag is not displayed, those present should stand at attention, face in the direction of the music and act in the same manner as if the flag were displayed.
Dear Millie,
I have often been turned off by customer service help that is chomping on chewing gum and giving me directions or assistance. What is the rule of chewing gum?
Dear Reader,
This is a hot button for a former teacher. To chew gum is inappropriate behavior for people helping the public and is unpleasant for the customer. And popping and exposing the gum is most dreadful. My mother often referred to it as a cow chewing cud! People in management, and those who aspire to management, should never greet the public with gum.
If you must chew while on personal time, please dispose of it in an appropriate manner. Have you been a victim of stepping on gum? Be thoughtful and wrap it in a scrap of paper and dispose of it in a trash can.
Dear Millie,
Is it customary to bring a small gift when you are being entertained in a person's home for a meal or staying overnight?
Dear Reader,
The hostess gift is known as bread and butter gift, for it shows your appreciation for the kind invitation. The gift may range from flowers, gourmet food, or candy, to wine or some other special treat. But, please don't overdo it, or you risk making your hostess feel awkward and embarrassed.
Dear Millie,
The person sitting next to me at luncheon took over my bread plate. What should I do?
Dear Reader,
The First Rule of Etiquette is to make people feel comfortable around you, so do not exclaim that a mistake has been made, and someone else has used your bread and butter plate. Merely place your bread on the rim of your plate. As a reminder, the bread plate is always to your left.