Dinner Guest Manners
The art of fine entertaining is not lost. Although most of us rarely host elegant parties, every once in while, it can be a lot of fun to gather around the table with friends for a proper dinner party. Of course, it is not just the efforts of the hosts that make a dinner party a success; the guests have a role to play as well. Brush up on your dinner guest manners with these helpful tips.
R.s.v.p. promptly. Yes, we all lead busy lives, but it is patently unfair to leave your host hanging about whether or not you plan to attend their dinner party. Oftentimes, the hosts are aiming for a certain number of guests around the table, so if you decline, they may well wish to invite another guest to take your spot. Once you have accepted an invitation, you are obligated to keep the date, unless you become very ill or get invited to the White House. “Something better came along” does not qualify as a reason to back out of an invitation to dinner!
Show up on time. By “on time”, I mean not late, but not early either. The host of a party works hard to create a special ambiance, while making it all appear effortless. The guest who arrives twenty minutes early will find the candles unlit, the host walking around with wet hair from his shower, and the hostess frantically searching for those cute little earrings she picked up at her favorite jewelry store in Raleigh. Your hosts will be less than thrilled to have a guest to attend to while they are running around putting the finishing touches on their party. Of course, being late is just as bad.
Offer a small gift. A bottle of wine or a box of fine chocolates can properly be brought to the dinner party, but if you plan to give flowers, it is most polite to have them delivered to the house in advance of the party. That way your host does not have to drop everything to search for a vase when you arrive at the door. It is also fine to think more creatively about a hostess gift. A beautiful hardcover book, a small gift from the jewelry store in Raleigh your hostess likes, or a gift for the kitchen like a handcrafted wooden cutting board all make great dinner party presents. Don’t feel like you have to spend a lot of cash either, just pick a charming little trinket that will make your hosts smile.
Finally, send a thank you note! Let your hosts know how much you enjoyed their party by sending a brief thank you note the next day. And last but not least, plan to reciprocate with an invitation of your own sometime in the near future.
Filed under crystal bridal jewelry, Uncategorized | Tags: dinner party, etiquette, jewelry store Raleigh, manners | Comment (0)Update Your Wardrobe With Affordable Accessories
You don’t have to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe every season to give your style a lift. Most of the time, layering trendy new accessories with the clothing you already own will be all that you need to refresh your wardrobe and make it look current. Not only is this idea practical, but it is also very economical. Learn how to update your wardrobe with affordable accessories in a snap.
It’s really all about the shoes, isn’t it, ladies? Shoe styles definitely change from year to year, and a pair of shoes in the latest style will ensure that your outfit looks of-the-moment. This season, it is all about round toed flats, many of which are done in interesting patterns like tortoiseshell or have embellishments on the toe. So put your pointy toed shoes away this fall, and treat yourself to a comfy pair of round toed shoes. Get in on the trend without spending a lot by shopping online at a discount store like 6pm.com or hitting the outlets for the upscale department stores such as Nordstrom Rack and Saks Off Fifth.
Jewelry is another easy way to change the style of your existing wardrobe. When you are looking to get in on the latest trends, look for pieces which are made from beautiful and affordable materials like Swarovski crystals and pearls. Unlike diamonds, Swarovski jewelry is reasonably priced, meaning that you take a chance trying out a popular look that is new to you. At the Silverland jewelry store in Raleigh, they offer handcrafted pieces which are right on trend, yet also have staying power. Some big jewelry trends for this year are 14kt gold fill necklaces with crystal fall leaf pendants and layered pearl necklaces. So stop by this jewelry store in Raleigh or one in your area to find fresh new jewelry to update your outfits.
Remember the scrunchies of the late 1980s and early 1990s? You may laugh at them now, but at the time they were the height of fashion! Toss those old scrunchies and slip on a chic headband instead. Today’s headbands are stylish and sophisticated, and lend a polished look to any outfit. They are not the juvenile Alice in Wonderland bands or puffy headbands that were in style years back; the modern take on the headband is slender and sleek. For a special occasion, choose a slim double band made of crystals or opt for a more simple band for everyday wear. Pairing elegant classic outfits with the latest trends in accessories is a great way to look fabulous year after year.
Filed under Uncategorized, Wedding Jewelry | Tags: accessories, affordable accessoires, crystal jewelry, jewelry store Raleigh | Comment (0)Spring Wedding Accessories
Spring is such a romantic season for a wedding. There is no better way to accent the bridal party than with lovely spring-inspired details. From jewelry to shoes to more, these are some marvelous ideas for spring wedding accessories.
Nothing says spring more than flowers! A beautiful look would be to take a large organza blossom and pin it to the waistline of the bridal gown or bridesmaid dresses. If you want to give it added dimension, choose a fabric flower which has pearl beads in the center, a feather peeking out from the back, or both. The bride can choose an organza blossom to match her gown color, and for the bridesmaids, think about selecting a contrasting hue for a pop of color. Having a special detail on the waist of a gown is a very fresh and current trend.
Flowers can also be lovely accents for the hair. Fresh flowers are notorious for wilting, however, so consider selecting a jeweled floral accent instead. A set of hairpins which is handcrafted from sparkling Swarovski crystals or graceful freshwater pearls makes delightful hair jewelry for both the bride and her attendants. To find a place which offers this type of style, visit the Silverland Jewelry store in Raleigh (if you cannot go to their Raleigh jewelry store, they can always ship directly to your home). What a sweet finishing touch for the brides-to-be and her bridesmaids!
Butterflies are a classic sign of spring, and can be a wonderful seasonal accessory. Swarovski crystal butterflies are positively charming fluttering on a pair of drop earrings. Or choose shoes with a colorful crystal butterfly brooch on the toe. Another fun idea is to find beautifully made silk or feather butterflies in barely-there pinks or yellows and stitch them onto the wedding gown (they would be very pretty on the back of a sash). That will surely send the message that spring has arrived, just in time for your nuptials!
Filed under Bridal Jewelry, Bridesmaid Jewelry, crystal bridal jewelry, Wedding Jewelry | Tags: bridal accessories, bridal headpieces, jewelry store Raleigh, wedding accessories, Wedding Jewelry | Comment (0)