Q: At a dinner out with friends, we ordered an expensive bottle of Chardonnay. When the bill came, they insisted that we didn’t need to include the cost of the wine when calculating the tip, only the food. Is this true?
A: Your waiter is entitled to a tip on the cost of the meal and the alcohol. The exception: When a wine steward, or a sommelier, selects a bottle and serves you. If so, the wine expert is given a separate gratuity of 15 percent to 20 percent (depending on the service, as well as the price and number of bottles ordered), and your waiter should be the tipped only on the food portion of the tab. Customers usually hand a wine steward cash at the end of the meal (he should come to the table when you’re done), but if you want to pay for everything by credit card, look for an extra line on the bill just for the wine tip. Via Emily Post.
After the death of Emily Post in 1960, Elizabeth Post assumed responsibility for carrying on the Post family tradition of writing and teaching about etiquette. She quickly became, and remained for the next thirty years, America’s leading authority on etiquette.
Pugs & Kisses,
Dawn
We have a winner!!!
I received this blog award from the sweet Julie at Brown Eyed Belle! I think I've got a few awards from her, so this was a treat.
Q: Is it rude to ask guests who come into your home to take off their shoes and leave them at the door? I want to keep my new hardwood floors from getting ruined.
A: Not if the occasion is informal and you explain your reason. Since guests might be surprised by the request, though, it would be a good idea to offer rubbersoled slippers to anyone who feels she or he might be uncomfortable or cold not wearing shoes. If you’ve invited guests to a dinner party or otherwise fairly formal occasion, however, I wouldn’t ask them to remove their shoes-unless it’s a cultural custom your family observes. If you’re really that concerned about your floor, I’d wait to invite people to your home when weather permits outdoor entertaining.
Q: Several acquaintances have put me and my husband on the spot since we started looking for a house to buy, asking us the price of homes we’re considering and how much we plan to put down. We feel uncomfortable sharing that information.
A: You’re not alone! Although some people do ask and tell all, most others prefer to keep their personal finances private. And you should not feel obligated to answer such questions, whether you’re being asked about the cost of your jewelry, your salary, or your house. But even if you’re annoyed by the questions, don’t be rude in return. If you don’t want to answer, try a little humor: “The place we loved cost an arm and a leg, and we don’t want to give up lunch for a year.” Or throw out another question in response: “Why? Have you found the perfect house for us?” You can also change the subject: “Even more than the price, I like the neighborhood’s two excellent schools.” As a last resort, take the direct approach: “I’d rather not talk about it. I hope you understand.” They’ll undoubtedly get the message.
via Emily Post.
Pugs & Kisses,
Dawn
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