Jacqueline in USA Today:
How much to tip at hotels, and when: A primer for guests
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  A third of the U.S. population has no clue that it is customary to tip 15 to 20 percent at a restaurant, therefore it's understandable that many people are unsure what to tip in a hotel. On November 2, I was interviewed by Gary Stoller of USA Today about what to tip at hotels in the U.S. Click here to read the article.
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Holiday Etiquette Q&A
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Here are some holiday-related questions I'm frequently asked this time of year. Enjoy!
Are guests required to RSVP to an electronic (evite) party invitation?
Yes. Usually an evite requires a yes or no answer. It is common courtesy to RSVP to any invitation, regardless of how it is sent.
Is an email a suitable substitute for a thank-you note?
Yes, sometimes. However, nothing trumps the class and elegance of a good, old-fashioned, handwritten note. But an email is better than nothing at all. For small favors, email is fine. For large favors, dinner at someone's home, a gift of some kind, write a thank-you note. Thank-you notes make a stronger, more lasting impression. It's never too late to send a thank-you note but try to do so within a week after receiving a gift, especially if you receive cash or a gift card.
If a co-worker gives me a gift, am I required to give him one in return?
No, but a thank-you not should be in order.
If a guest brings me a bottle of wine as a hostess gift, do I have to open it or may I save it for later?
You are not required to immediatly open a bottle of wine that someone gives you. It's may either be consumed at your leisure or not at all.
If a friend or family member gives me a lavish gift, should I reciprocate with something just as lavish, even if I can't afford it?
Not every gift you give has to come from a store. If you don't have a big budget, consider giving the gift of your time, your presence, a donation or volunteerism. And the best gifts come in the form of a phone call, a letter or a personal visit. Don't put any undue stress on yourself. Do what you can and don't worry about the rest.
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Incivility Crisis On the Rise
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Is there an epidemic of incivility in our society? And if so, how do we deal with those who are rude and obnoxious? Is there a kinder, gentler way to debate at the dinner table? See what I have to say during one of my recent television interviews with Ben Becker of WPEC CBS 12. Click here to view the YouTube video.
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How to Give Gifts at Work
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  Dealing with the exchange of holiday gifts at work can feel like unwrapping a migraine. To whom should you give? How much should you spend? A present that's perfect for a coworker might be all wrong for your boss, gag fits are tricky, and it's easy to send the wrong message.
An editor at Allure magazine called and asked if I would share my tips about the dos and don'ts of office gift giving in their December issue. Click here to read the entire article.
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Entertaining with Ease and Elegance
Presented by Jacqueline Whitmore
Sponsored by Domestic Estate Managers Association (DEMA)
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 Get ready for the holidays! Jacqueline Whitmore will show you how to entertain with ease and elegance as well as polish your dinner party protocol.
Topics include: Effective Business Entertaining - Host and Guest Duties - Silverware Savvy - Navigating the Place Setting - Napkin Etiquette - Seating Etiquette - Toasting - Wine Etiquette - American and Continental Styles of Eating - The Dos and Don'ts of Dining.
Date: December 15, 2009
Time: 7pm - 8pm Eastern time
Cost: DEMA Member $24.95; Non-Member 34.95
Click here to register for the webinar!
All you need is a computer and a telephone to participate!
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