ETIQUESTIONS

The summer is full of events! I love attending as many events as I can, but when I do, I’m always a little at a loss when the hostess tells everyone to begin serving themselves from the buffet, but no one moves. Is it rude to be the first one in to get food? Do we wait for the hostess to begin eating? I’m never sure what to do. Help!

Summer events are always fun Getting together is really why we attend events It can be tricky when it comes to who eats first at some of these events To answer your question, no, it is not rude at all if the hostess has invited you to begin getting your food In fact, it is somewhat rude not to start if the hostess has already extended the invitation Enjoy all the summer events!

I’m so glad it’s finally summer! Now is the time to attend various summer activities, such as weddings and gatherings. I have noticed that more and more invitations are asking for an RSVP. What is the general rule for sending the RSVP and host gifts?

Summer is a fun time for gatherings. If you receive an invitation and a request to RSVP, it is important to respond as soon as possible Make sure to let the host know that you will be attending, and never take a plus one unless the invitation specifies Also, never show up empty-handed Always take a small host gift Candles are often the number one hostess gift, but flowers, wine, and candy are also good options

I love to drink coffee, but I never know how to make sure I don’t get my lipstick all around the cup. It just gets messy. Any advice?

You are right; sometimes, when we drink coffee from a cup, if we’re not careful, we end up with lipstick all around the rim of the cup. One way to keep that from happening is to drink from the same spot on the cup. That way, the lipstick stays in one place. I hope that helps!

Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa, Ph.D. is a wife, mother, and educator living in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. She is a graduate of Our Lady of the Lake University with a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies. In addition, she holds an Associate of Arts degree in Education from McLennan Community College, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas – Pan American, and a Master of Arts in Educational Supervision from the University of Texas – Pan American. Dr. Baggerly-Hinojosa’s current research is focused on servant leadership, gender issues in leadership, and leadership communication. www.leadershipempowermentgroup.com