Got Etiquette Advice?

  Dear Polite One, How can I inform guests of my housewarming party invitation of my registries? Dear Visitor , I’m sorry, but this is never appropriate.  Since a housewarming is a party we host for ourselves, we shouldn't expect or request gifts. Registering and announcing it could appear greedy.  Plus, you are creating a gift-giving situation for yourself.  Not polite.   A housewarming is supposed to be a party to warm our home with love, not gifts. Some may give us small token gifts. Mostly, they come to visit. Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One How can we host a gift-less housewarming party? Perfect housewarming gift! What should I do with the gift bottle?

  Dear Polite One, For the first time in as long as I can remember our company has invited the spouses of our field team members to come in for our annual holiday party.  It is listed as cocktail attire. The company is paying for airfare and hotel and wants to make this a special event. I oversee planning 2 days of events for the wives, while their spouses are in meetings including a tea, a dinner with their spouses, a tour of our office, and then a morning of shopping.   I am including an agenda along with their travel itineraries and am stuck on how to list appropriate attire for the tea and dinner (the tour and shopping are casual of course!)   I’d like them to dress nice, but don’t want it to be too fancy.  They should be able to wear the same outfit to both the tea and the dinner if they would like. We are having the tea and a tour at the historic Molly Brown House and dinner are at an Italian restaurant (chain) downtown.  I was consideri...

Dear Polite One, We have been invited to a Fund Raiser Charity Event at the Claremont in Berkeley, CA.  They list “Country Club Casual” on the invitation.  Can you help what we should wear?  I’m going to wear a nice dress and heels, but I’m concerned with my husband.  What should he wear? Thank you Attire Conscious Dear Attire Conscious, Country Club Casual is golf country club attire, like nice slacks, shirts with collars, and shoes with laces.  However, as a fundraiser attire should be more formal.  I would suggest business - appropriate might be best: slacks, nice shirt, and sports jacket.   Sincerely, The Polite One More From The Polite One What to wear to the movie premiere in New York City? Formal Look for a Charity Function in Seattle Change of attire between red carpet premiere and gala?

  Dear Polite One , In February, my husband and I are attending La Traviata at the Met in NY. We don't know how to dress for an afternoon performance. Doesn’t Want to Stand Out Dear Doesn’t Want to Stand Out, Dressy casual attire should be perfect: high-quality attire worn to the nicest restaurant.  My suggestion is a nice pantsuit or separates in quality fabrics like wool and cashmere for you, and slacks and a sports jacket for your husband. New York is known for being trendy, so pay special attention to your outer clothing as well.   Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One Proper Formal Attire: Benefits, Ballet, and Glove Etiquette Attire Choices: Tenue de Soirée and '70s Theme Party What to Wear for Three Distinctly Different Weddings?

Dear Polite One , What is California cocktail attire? Thank you, Confused Dear Confused , There is no such thing.   At times, it feels as if hosts just like to make these things up to confuse their guests.   I’m sure that’s not the case.   Still...      Many hosts try to create a “feeling,” or more appropriately, “set the stage” for an event.   So, they will incorporate a well-known attire category with a word that describes that elusive stage.   This leads to the confusion we both feel since neither of us can actually see inside their minds.   So, I suggest going with slightly laid-back cocktail attire, which typically is the suit for men and the little black dress or its equivalent for women.    Perhaps skip the tie and accessories that appear expensive.   Additionally, it is appropriate to call the host and ask for clarification.   Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One How to Decode ...

Dress Code Definitions   New dress codes arrive daily.  Some may be confusing since they are new. Still, most are descriptive, and we can decode them. Below are the most common dress codes.  Hopefully, you can decode any new dress codes with these.  If not comment below and ask. Dressy Casual Slacks with a nice top (for either gender), a knee-length skirt with a quality top, or a dress that you would wear to a restaurant is fine. Shorts may be fine in certain situations, but these should not be too short or cut-offs—no t-shirts or flip-flops. Resort Attire This means good quality summer attire that you would feel comfortable wearing to a golf club or country club.  This could include good quality shorts, button and polo shirts, short skirts, sandals, and newish sneakers—no flip-flops, tank tops, t-shirts, or too much skin. Evening Resort Attire Very similar to what we would feel comfortable wearing to a country club in the evening. Slacks and a nic...