Valentine’s Day? Really? Yes, really. Just when you thought you were through with the holidays, the celebration of romance is staring you in the face. For some people, that’s no big deal; for others, it’s huge. Of course, that all depends on where you are in a relationship. If there is someone special in your life, spouse, significant other or if you are in the budding stages, here are six quick etiquette tips for Valentine’s Day to insure that your day or evening will be a success.
- Make a dinner reservation now, right now. As I write this, there are 12 days left until Valentine’s Day. If you wait until the last minute to make a dinner reservation, guess what? You won’t be eating at yours or anyone else’s favorite restaurant because there won’t be any tables left. You’ll be eating out at McDonald’s, Chick-Fil-A or Pizza Hut.
- Buy a Valentine card today. The shelves are already picked over. In a few days the card with that perfect message will be gone. In that case, you may have to resort to making your own Valentine like you did in grammar school. I don’t know about you, but mine never turned out that well.
- Order those flowers without delay. You want to be sure that roses or whatever floral arrangement you want will be waiting for you to pick up or be delivered on the 14th. Florists plan their orders in advance. So should you.
- Want candy? Guess what? You got it—buy it now before only the dregs are left.
- A word about dinner: If you’ve been following me or reading my blogs, you know that I hold table manners in high regard. Brush up on yours before you head out. This is an evening when you want to impress. You can’t do it if you talk with food in your mouth, slurp your drink, blow on your soup, attack your bread with a steak knife or put your elbows on the table.
- And finally, keep that cell phone out of sight and in the totally “off” mode. Texting or talking during this special occasion is a guaranteed way to spoil the evening and the relationship.
If you need a quick course in dining etiquette, you can order a copy of my Little Book of Table Manners; but do it now before they are all gone.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Photo from Savannah magazine
Hire Lydia to work with your staff to improve customer service and employee relations through the use of those priceless and often over-looked soft skills called manners. Lydia is the “unstuffy” business etiquette expert who helps individuals and organizations add the polish that builds profits. We’re talking about your bottom line here.
Since 1996, countless people have benefited from her wisdom through keynotes, seminars and conference breakout sessions. Her Southern charm and sense of humor have made her a sought-after speaker and consultant.
Based in Savannah, Georgia, Lydia is available for national, regional and local speaking and training engagements. She has suitcase; will travel.
Contact her via email at lydia@lydiaramsey.com or call 912-604-0080. Sign up for her free monthly newsletter and visit her website, lydiaramsey.com.
If you decide to pursue your interest, you may be jeopardizing your love life and your career. On the other hand, if all goes well, your job performance may improve and your personal life will take a turn for the better.