Now that summer is in full swing and we are embarking upon a big weekend for getting together and celebrating I thought this would be a good time to ask my good friend, Lisa Gache of Beverly Hills Manners to go over some summer etiquette quick tips.
BBQ Etiquette
- Clean your BBQ before guests arrive and make sure BBQ tools are handy and work properly.
- Preheat the grill and allow plenty of time to heat so that cooking time is efficient.
- Arm your backyard with insect repellent such as citronella candles and an electric bug zapper.
- Designate one key grillmaster and then let them do their job.
- Provide cleansing wipes for sticky foods and toothpicks to remove kernels of corn from teeth.
4th of July & Other Summer Parties
- RSVP within 48 hours of receiving a party invitation as your host will want a head count asap.
- Arrive with a small gift such as a homemade dessert or decorative item for the home.
- Wear appropriate swimsuits and coverups especially if young children are around.
- Be well-prepared and bring your own sunscreen, towels, toys for the kids, snacks, etc.
- Pace yourself on the festive drinks, especially if you are the designated driver.
- Refrain from lighting firecrackers in front of small children. They are dangerous.
- WATCH your own children!!! Do not rely on others to ensure their safety.
Househosting
Houseguesting
- Make sure to bring a gift of appreciation and thanks upon arrival.
- Offer to contribute to the purchase of groceries throughout your stay.
- Keep your belongings neat and tidy and make your beds each morning.
- Adjust to your hosts schedule. If they rise early, so do you!
- Do not make plans with other friends while you are a guest in someone's home.
- Treat your host to a special night out for dinner.
- Do not overstay your welcome. It is always best to leave on a high note.
- Send a thank you note with photos to convey your most sincere thanks for a wonderful time.
Staycations
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Commit to specific dates for your staycation and request vacation time off from work.
- Treat family members with equal respect and patience as if you were on a traveling vacation.
- Refrain from using electronic communications and give your family your full attention.
- Schedule different activities for each day such as a hike, a beach day, a day at the museum.
- Plan dinners out and use it as an opportunity to display your finest table manners.
- Don't forget to take plenty of pictures of all the fun things you did.
Lisa Gaché is the President and Co-Founder of Beverly Hills Manners™, an education and entertainment company which promotes a “new school” approach to manners and etiquette for both children and adults. Lisa is passionate that good manners can be natural, spontaneous and fun. Her company has partnered with leading brand names to spread the word from American Girl Place and McCormick & Schmick’s to the famed Hotel Bel-Air and Hillcrest Country Club and a host of other Los Angeles-based private schools and social organizations. She is a sought-after lecturer and modern manners maven whose work has been covered everywhere from National Public Radio to the Huffington Post.















