Emily’s Post: Etiquette Advice Column from Etiquette by Emily for August 2nd, 2019
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Question: I hope you’re able to help. I have a note from a gift I received after I graduated from college…in 2018. I’m so embarrassed! Is it too late to send? Do you think they’ve forgotten about the gift?
Answer: I highly doubt they’ve forgotten about the gift – it’s likely they’re wondering if you received it and/or liked it. However, while it’s best practice to send a thank you note right after receiving something, it’s never too late! Go ahead and mail or hand deliver the note. I’d also consider giving them a call and explain that you found a thank you note that had not been sent, that you loved the gift and are sending the note along.
Question: I have a random etiquette question that I hope you’re able to help answer! Our church small group meets monthly during the school year for supper together. I usually bring something along as a hostess gift. Does this need to be something for the evening, such as a batch of cookies or should is hand soap or a candle ok? Thank you in advance!
Answer:A hostess gift is intended to thank the person for having you over, so it is actually more appropriate to bring something, like a candle, that they can enjoy when everyone is gone. The most commonly confused item is a bottle of wine. If given as a hostess gift, it is not intended to be opened that evening.
Question: Would you be willing to explain the order of a monogram? I’m trying to get items monogrammed for back-to-school items, and I want to make sure I do it correctly! Thank you.
Answer: For an individual’s item, such as a backpack, the monogram would be the letters of the first name, last name and middle name (in that order), with the letter of the last name in a larger size. So, say the name is Mary Elizabeth Smith. Her monogram would be MSE, with the S larger than the M and E. If all of the letters are the same size, the letters go in first, middle, last order. In this case it would be MES, which would be her initials, not a monogram. I know this is an option for some companies known for monogramming items, such as Pottery Barn. Fun fact: If a married couple has items monogrammed, the wife’s name leads on 95% of the items. So, if Mary’s husband is John, their married monogram would be MSJ, with the S still larger than the other two letters.
Emily Glass started offering etiquette courses in 2015 after having a blog for a few years prior. She teaches Southern etiquette, and her goal is to help simplify etiquette to where it is easily understood, as she believes etiquette helps you feel comfortable in any situation. Classes are offered every fall and spring for students of all ages, including business etiquette courses. Email etiquettebyemily@gmail.com or visit etiquettebyemily.com to get all of your etiquette questions answered! Etiquette isn’t for the elite; etiquette is for everyone.
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