Latest news with #MykaMeier
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
8 Things You Should Always Bring as a Guest (No One Will Tell You This)
8 Things You Should Always Bring as a Guest (No One Will Tell You This) originally appeared on Parade. Whether you're headed to someone's home for dinner or an overnight stay, maintaining proper etiquette is key. "When someone offers to host you in their home, whether it is for a meal or a stay, you should be so inclined to bring a token of your esteem and affection," says Jodi Smith, an etiquette consultant and owner of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. In addition to Smith, Parade chatted with Myka Meier, etiquette expert and founder of Beaumont Etiquette, Jenny Dreizen, etiquette expert and co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry, and Diane Gottsman, national etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Texas, to learn more about what you should always bring as a guest to demonstrate good manners. Read on for a list of things you should always bring the next time you're visiting another person's home (or gathering). Related: An Etiquette Expert Is Begging People To Stop This 'Rude' Habit During Small Talk You should have a clean pair of socks on or nearby when visiting someone's home, especially if they have a no-shoes policy. 'Bringing clean socks or indoor shoes is both polite and considerate,' explains Meier. Not only does bringing or wearing a pair of clean socks show that you respect and will abide by the host's rules, but it also shows that you want to to actively do your part to ensure you are not creating any unwanted (and often avoidable) messes. Related: Is It Rude To Ask Guests To Remove Their Shoes in Your Home? An Etiquette Expert Weighs In A handwritten note can go a long way to show your gratitude and appreciation for your host. 'Even a short, heartfelt note says you value the invitation and the host's hospitality,' says Meier. 'It's a personal touch that's always appreciated." You can write it on a piece of paper (or card) containing their favorite color or decorations you know they'd enjoy for a thoughtful finishing touch. Related: Dreizen emphasizes the importance of bringing chargers for any devices you will have with you during your stay. "Firstly, we don't want to assume your host has the right cables you need," she says. 'They also might not be prepared to share, or might not have extra to spare.' The last thing you want to do is make your host feel as though you're imposing on them during your visit. Related: While you may have heard of bringing flowers to a date, etiquette experts encourage bringing flowers to your host. 'A simple bouquet in a vase or an arrangement is a beautiful way to brighten the host's space and saves them the trouble of arranging them during the event," says Meier. While it's the thought that counts when it comes to the flowers you decide to bring, she notes that it is best practice to present the flowers in a vase or an arrangement made by a florist for the best possible presentation. Related: Showing your appreciation for any kids (or pets) in the home can be just as important as showing that to your host. '[You can bring a] book for the children of the house or an approved treat for the pets of the house,' says Dreizen. 'It's good to make friends when you enter others' homes–especially with the children and pets!' While your host might insist that you sit back and relax during your visit, Smith notes that you should bring a helpful attitude with you from the moment you arrive at the door to the moment you depart. A helpful attitude can mean offering to help with the dishes, cleaning or making a meal (if appropriate).Related: An Etiquette Expert Is Begging You to Never, Ever Show Up to a Party at This Time If your host drinks (and is of age), bringing a bottle of their favorite wine or champagne can help create a celebratory atmosphere. However, you want to ensure that it is appropriate to bring for your visit. 'If you bring a bottle of red but the host is serving something that clashes with that, it can make the host feel awkward,' explains Meier. 'If the host asks you to bring wine, ask if they prefer white, red or even rosé."Related: An Etiquette Expert Is Begging People To Stop This Common Dinnertime Habit When it comes to gifts for your host, "anything with their personalized initials is a plus,' explains Gottsman. Although she recommends monogrammed napkins or tea towels, you can get creative with the customized items to tailor your gift to something they will like and find useful. Although you may have to expend some extra energy to turn this gift idea into a reality, your host will appreciate it. Related: 5 Things Classy People Never, Ever Reveal About Themselves in Public, According to an Etiquette Expert Smith notes there are some circumstances within which it is okay to arrive empty-handed, such as if you're on a tight budget, experienced travel delays or have already sent something in advance. That said, 'during your stay or immediately following, you should gift something to your hosts along with a heartfelt thank you note,' adds Smith. Remember, your gift doesn't have to break the bank. Work with your budget to ensure your host receives something from you (even if it's something as small as a refrigerator magnet) along with a 'thank you' note. They will appreciate the gesture—trust us. Up Next:Myka Meier, etiquette expert and founder of Beaumont Etiquette Jenny Dreizen, etiquette expert and co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry Jodi Smith, etiquette consultant and owner of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting Diane Gottsman, national etiquette expert and the founder of The Protocol School of Texas 8 Things You Should Always Bring as a Guest (No One Will Tell You This) first appeared on Parade on Jul 7, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
An Etiquette Expert Is Begging People To Stop This Common Dinnertime Habit
Whether you're eating with a group of friends or your family at home or in a restaurant, maintaining proper dining etiquette can enhance the experience. Not only will your dining companions take note of your more elevated aesthetic (and behavior), but you'll feel better about yourself and your meal too. And even if you don't know the ins and outs of dining manners, there is one common dining doing (don't worry, it's an easy one to remember). Mealtimes are a way to connect with the food you're enjoying and the people sitting beside you. So you want to ensure you're not doing anything to dampen that experience. And again, unless you went to finishing school and are educated about every dining etiquette rule, you probably don't know whether or not you're abiding by it. But there are definitely eating that are obviously inappropriate. Parade spoke to Myka Meier, etiquette expert and founder of Beaumont Etiquette, to learn more about one of the most popular many people engage in (which might include you) that you can (and should) make a conscious effort to put an end to ASAP. Related: The dinnertime habit Meier is begging people to quit? Talking with your mouth full. 'It's when someone speaks while still chewing food (often mid-bite!) instead of waiting to finish and swallow before responding,' Meier it might seem like common sense to chew with your mouth closed, you might be surprised by how many people consciously or subconsciously engage in conversations with heaps of food in their mouths.'Most often it's [talking with your mouth open while eating] out of excitement to join the conversation or from a fear of missing the moment to chime in," Meier explains. Despite the reason behind it (even if it's a positive one), it's still not ideal. 'It's unpleasant and unappetizing for those around you," she says. "[It] can come across as sloppy, food can come out and it distracts from the dining experience for everyone." Related: An Etiquette Expert Is Begging People To Stop This 'Rude' Habit in Social Settings Even though most people don't mean to do it, unfortunately, it still happens. However, the good news is that the habit can be stopped (or at least worked on). Meier notes that one of the first things you can do to prevent yourself from talking with your mouth full is to take smaller bites. Smaller bites should make it easier for you to keep your mouth closed while chewing, so your food doesn't have to be on display for everyone else. Breathing through your nose also helps, she adds. Another action you can take to stop talking with your mouth full is simply slowing down and taking a beat.'Simply pause, finish chewing, then join in—people are usually happy to wait a moment for a thoughtful (and polite!) reply,' says Meier. Don't be afraid that you'll let the moment pass to finish chewing (and swallowing) your food. Odds are high that the rest of your table needs to finish chewing their food to provide thoughtful and poised responses as well. Although this may take time, patience and practice to break, your dining companions will appreciate your efforts to make your meal more Even when you do your best not to talk with your mouth full, you may encounter some situations while dining where you have no other choice and just need to do it anyway. For example, if there is an emergency (or you aren't feeling well) and you need to communicate with your tablemates, it is permissible for you to open your mouth and speak while chewing. If you're by yourself in a private setting, talking with your mouth full can be done (if, say, you're on the phone or shouting something to your roommate in another room). That being said, while doing so may not look unappealing to others (only because no one else is around), it may be more difficult for whomever you're speaking with to understand what you're saying. And, you might even get some food on the floor or around you're dining area if you're not paying extra special attention. 'If I must say something urgently, I'll politely cover my mouth and keep it brief, then apologize and finish chewing,' adds Meier. Up Next:Myka Meier, etiquette expert and founder of Beaumont Etiquette.
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Fashion fans erupt as etiquette expert reveals events that require an unwritten 'modest' dress code
A fierce debate has erupted on social media about when it's appropriate to wear more modest attire. One woman is going viral on TikTok after telling her followers that some occasions have an unwritten more covered-up dress code. Content creator The New Brook shared a video that received 545,000 likes, where she explained: 'In case you didn't hear it from your mother, some occasions have an expectation of modesty.' The creator added, 'That means even though it's not explicitly written in a dress code, the expectation is that you'll be classily, modestly, and appropriately dressed.' Commenters quickly explained the scenarios where women should opt for the proper garments, including court, the Kentucky Derby, weddings, funerals, graduation, children's events, or a house of worship. 'The expectation isn't a personal attack on your freedom and rights, it's just a bit of social grace that we've abandoned in our search for individualism,' one commenter complained. 'Everyone is triggered by the word modest but this is about etiquette. A lot of people are unaware that etiquette should be taken into account when dressing and it goes for men and women,' another person said. To find out when it's time to wear more modest ensembles, FEMAIL consulted etiquette expert Myka Meier, who explained 'when it comes to dressing more modestly or appropriately, it has nothing to do with gender, and it's really about honoring the tone and formality of the occasion to show respect.' To find out when it's time to wear more modest ensembles, FEMAIL consulted etiquette expert Myka Meier, who explained 'when it comes to dressing more modestly or appropriately, it has nothing to do with gender, and it's really about honoring the tone and formality of the occasion' Myka told 'Whether it's a courtroom, a funeral, a graduation, or even a traditional workplace, dressing with decorum isn't about covering up, but is more about showing respect for the setting and the people around you that share it. 'Just like we wouldn't wear a swimsuit to a job interview, we naturally shift our wardrobe to reflect the formality or even the emotional weight of the event.' Many people were shocked when major influencers Alix Earle and Gabi Moura wore plunging ensembles to the Derby this year, with one person calling the dresses 'absurd.' Alix even suffered a wardrobe malfunction in her low-cut black halter dress. However, some commenters the event didn't necessitate decorum, because as one replied, it is 'literally centered around gambling, drinking, and gross displays of wealth and status.' Plenty of people quickly jumped to the influencers defense, as one person said, 'If this is about Gabriela, the Kentucky Derby's official TT page posted her in the dress that sparked the "controversy." If they don't see it as an issue, then neither should anyone else.' Myka told FEMAIL that while the Derby 'has long been known for polished fashion and over the top hats' and looks have gotten trendier over time 'it's still an event with its own unspoken dress code.' 'While there isn't a formal dress code at the Derby, dressing in elegant attire is a cherished part of the event's culture,' Myka revealed. 'Certain areas within Churchill Downs, such as the clubhouse and suites, have guidelines that suggest business casual or cocktail attire, including jackets, blazers, dresses, or pantsuits, and I think it's important to dress and act to show respect the culture we find ourselves in.' However, Myka also thinks that 'if the Derby has made a conscious choice not to release restrictions it's up to the guest to interpret, especially since the sister race, the Royal Ascot, has a very strict, enforced dress code. Some TikTok commenters thought people wearing racy outfits to more traditional places was generational, as someone said, 'Why is Gen Z so allergic to decorum.' Myka agreed that there has been a shift, as Gen Z is 'unafraid to challenge norms,' which has led to them 'redefining' decorum. One person on TikTok explained 'it's not an attack on femininity, body shaming, or trying to control women. It's just decency and decorum. Y'all slay, but time and place matters.' The etiquette expert agreed, 'decorum means to wear something that shows respect to the culture, or formality of a place or event, which is also what I call situational awareness.'
