Latest news with #WilliamHanson
Metro
2 days ago
- Metro
These are the worst offending Brits for reserving sunbeds abroad
Wandering down to the swimming pool on your all-inclusive, you're itching for an ideal spot in the sun. Except, when you get down there, every single sun lounger in sight is occupied with a towel – and yet not one holidaymaker is sitting on them. The question of whether it's socially acceptable to reserve a bed is a classic holiday debate. We're not talking leaving your belongings while you pop to the bar for a swift drink either, but getting up at the crack of dawn and abandoning ship for hours on end. So, just who is guilty of this divisive holiday habit? A new study has revealed the UK regions most likely to snap up sunbeds early. The West Midlands took the crown, with 15% of locals admitting to waking up early to reserve a lounger. Things aren't much better in Wales, North East England, the North West or Northern Ireland, where 13% fessed up to this controversial practice, while the East of England, London, and South East England were all level at 12%. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. The good people of the East Midlands were much better behaved than their neighbours, coming in at 10%, as did bonnie Scotland. The least guilty? It's a tie between Yorkshire and the Humber and South West England, where just 8% of holidaymakers owned up to being a sunbed hogger, according to GetYourGuide. The good news is that while this behaviour is undoubtedly irksome for those of us who want a fair chance at securing a spot, it's becoming less common. One in 10 might've admitted to it this time around, but it's at least decreased from the whopping 72% five years ago. Metro previously declared the beginning of 2025's sunbed wars back in May, after an altercation at a resort in Lanzarote came with the battle cry 'you picked on the wrong person.' There were even threats of getting the manager involved. The spat at the Hyde Park Lane hotel was caught on camera by Callum Lines, 31, after a Scottish woman marched over to a woman on a sunbed declaring that she had taken her spot. The resort has an explicit policy of banning guests from reserving loungers. The notorious act of reserving a sunbed on holiday has long been hotly debated, so much so that in 2024, drones were even deployed across 'beach-hogging' hotspots in Greece. Here, members of the public can use an app to report people placing towels down in restricted areas – with the Greek government declaring that it issued approximately €350,000 (£302,967) in fines in a mere five-day period. And, in the view of etiquette expert William Hanson, there's a specific time limit on how long you can leave your belongings before it becomes rude. 'Reserving sun loungers with a towel for longer than 30 minutes is a big no-no, [and] beyond that grace period it's first come, first served,' he previously told Mirror Online. Over on the r/AskUK Subreddit, @bonomini6 previously revealed that they couldn't secure a sunbed when arriving at the pool at 10am, as people had 'come down at stupid o'clock, left their towels there and then disappeared all day.' 'Why do you do this? Don't you realise that if you didn't, we could all relax a bit more as the sun beds would be available when we actually wanted to use them,' they added, going as far as to suggest that if zero beds were available, it might be acceptable to 'remove towels.' More Trending They weren't alone, as @saitins confessed that in this situation, they 'scope out for a prospective spot for 10 or so minutes, and if no one returns, the towels get chucked.' Meanwhile, @evilsquits reflected on their experiences holidaying in Majorca, when they rented one static parasol and two sunbeds. 'The woman behind us didn't want a parasol and only rented a bed and then started moving it around ours to get in the shade after a few hours,' they penned, adding that the staff ended up telling her off and 'dragging her out of the vicinity of us.' 'I quite like folding them neatly and leaving them by the bar so it looks like the staff did it,' @EarlyGoose9284 added, while @WellFiredRoll described the act as straight up 'pathetic.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: 'I'm flying them abroad while I work': How parents are entertaining kids this summer MORE: Canterbury is one of the UK's most fascinating cities — but it faces a conundrum MORE: 'City of dreams': The Spanish destination that hasn't succumbed to mass tourism
Forbes
14-07-2025
- Forbes
First Time Flying First Class? Here's Everything You Need To Know
Step aboard Air India's First Class, where luxury reveals itself in every detail. The full tea service in Air India's first class is representative of the luxury the airline provides on select aircrafts and routes. Air India Among frequent fliers, 'first class' is more than a metaphor. It's a familiar land of flat beds, hot towels, and flight attendants who make eye contact. For first-timers who stride down that jet bridge like a runway at Charles de Gaulle, it's important to ensure you don't out yourself as a coach-class defector. In first class, your deportment speaks. Details from shoes to your carry-on, and even your choice of beverage, tell a story. 'Flying first class isn't just about the seat, it's about the statement,' said William Hanson, Britain's leading etiquette coach and author of Just Good Manners. 'How you dress signals to the crew and fellow passengers that you respect both yourself and the privilege of the cabin.' Here's what to expect, how to prepare, and how to float through the first-class cabin like you belong. Somewhere between Singapore and sleep, your seat became a suite—and your suite became a full-size sanctuary in the sky. Only Singapore Airlines tucks you into this luxury Double Suite for two with this much elegance at 35,000 feet. Singapore Airlines While both business and first-class cabins might come with lie-flat seats (on Singapore, full double beds) on international and long-haul flights, flying first class — when done properly — still reigns as the crown jewel of air travel. First class has fewer passengers, elevated service with more personalized attention, and upgraded everything: caviar, pajamas, designer amenity kits and enough privacy to feel like you're in your own private luxury cocoon. On some airlines, the line blurs; on others (hello, Emirates!), it's a suite with a sliding door, vanity, private bar and a butler in the sky. 'On Emirates, Business Class gives you lie-flat beds and solid service,' said Andrew Satkowiak, Executive Vice President of The Luxury Travel Agency, 'but in First, it's a totally different league. You're in a private suite with a door. The screen is bigger. There's a higher crew-to-passenger ratio. The wine and liquor list is top shelf. Meals are served course-by-course, like you're at a fine restaurant. You get designer pajamas, elevated amenity kits, and on the A380, the luxury of taking a shower in the sky. 'And the experience doesn't start or end on the plane. In Dubai, you can access the First Class Lounge, which offers the same kind of elevated experience—à la carte dining, private rest areas, and sometimes even spa treatments.' Then there are international carriers like Air India, where Business Class on their A350 is as elevated as it gets. It's the top-tier cabin, but don't let the name fool you; this 'Business' class flies like First. Expect a curated pour of prestige labels, including Veuve Clicquot, and a wine list that will quicken the pulse of any seasoned sommelier. For both EVA Air (Royal Laurel Class), based in Taiwan, and Air Tahiti Nui (Poerava Business Class), business class is their top-tier cabin. Before The Airport: Dress Codes, Decorum, Electrolytes At $569, the Briggs & Riley Global 21" Expandable Spinner isn't just luggage — it's an investment in movement. This Canyon-hued stunner is crafted with durable ballistic nylon, framed in aircraft-grade aluminum, and built to navigate terminals and tarmacs with silky ease. Inside, thoughtful organization meets sleek innovation, making it a favorite among frequent flyers who don't check bags — or standards. Briggs & Riley First class begins long before you reach the airport. It starts with planning and packing. Select a stylish, structured carry-on (Tumi, Briggs & Riley or Rimowa, not the duffel from college). Dress well. This isn't the time for flip-flops and sweatpants, unless they were made by Loro Piana. 'You needn't arrive in full evening dress, but nor should you look as if you've wandered in from a gym,' said William Hanson, Britain's leading etiquette coach and expert, and author of 'Just Good Manners'. 'Think elevated comfort: tailored trousers or dark jeans, a crisp shirt or fine-gauge knit, and polished loafers or clean leather fashion trainer (sneaker). Avoid anything awash with logos: true luxury whispers. A smart blazer and a proper bag go a long way in helping you look like you belong. After all, when you look the part, you're far more likely to be treated as such. And you can always change into the complimentary pyjamas once airborne.' Smart Apps And Smarter Hydration Dr. Pooja Gidwani, a Concierge & Longevity Physician for Peak Performance, tells her patients to prep before flying. One tip is stay very hydrated by drinking lots of water (48 hours prior to flying and in-flight) and avoid alcohol and carbonated drinks in-flight. getty Once packed, download the airline's app to manage upgrades and lounge access. Some airlines will provide car service to the airport; when that's not an option, lean in and use a luxury chauffeur service to handle your bags from pickup to dropoff. Flying isn't easy on the human body, so your pre-flight routine should involve plenty of physical prep. 'Cabin humidity drops below 10 percent, and most travelers lose about 8 ounces of water per hour in the air,' said Dr. Pooja Gidwani, a Concierge & Longevity Physician for Peak Performance. Dr. Gidwani recommends hydrating 48 hours in advance of a flight using water combined with electrolytes that include sodium, potassium, and magnesium to support optimal cellular hydration. During the flight, sip electrolyte-enhanced water every hour — especially when enjoying wine or cocktails. Alcohol is one of the biggest disruptors of hydration and sleep, and it also impairs skin quality, promotes puffiness, and leads to poor recovery, Gidwani said. At The Airport: Lounges, Lines And The Art of Not Rushing First class isn't just a seat—it's a philosophy. Singapore Airlines sets the gold standard with service so seamless, you'll wonder if they read your mind at 35,000 feet. Singapore Airlines First-class passengers glide past security lines, often through a private entrance. Some airlines (Emirates, again!) even have a private entrance to the airplane directly from the lounge. Once inside, make your way to the first class lounge — not the business class lounge. There's a difference (usually involving Dom Pérignon). Order a drink. Or don't. The trick is to look like you've done this before. Recline. Refresh. And when it's time to board, remember: first class goes first for a reason. 'Avoid playing with the seat like an excitable puppy or snapping obvious photos of your spacious surroundings, as this screams of someone who is not used to it,' Hanson said. In Flight Is Where the Real Theater Begins Passengers flying in Singapore Airlines' First Class and Suites are treated to exclusive Lalique amenity kits — a refined collaboration between two heritage luxury brands. Each kit is a curated experience of French artistry and craftsmanship, offering crystal-inspired touches, designer toiletries, and select lifestyle items that reflect Lalique's century-long legacy of elegance. Singapore Airlines Expect pre-departure drinks (Champagne, naturally) and personalized greetings. Meals are typically served at the passenger's request from an extensive a la carte menu, often on real china with proper salt and pepper shakers. The wine list may be better than your last dinner out. 'I was flying from Dubai to Johannesburg, relaxing in the onboard bar (shared between Business and First),' said Michael Taylor, the Senior Managing Director for Travel, Hospitality, Retail and Customer Service at J. D. Power. 'I was sipping Dom Pérignon and a Business Class passenger asked the bartender for a glass. The bartender politely responded, 'sorry, that's only for First Class.' It's little things like that which remind you you're in a different tier.' Pro tip: don't overreact to the seat turning into a bed. Act like it always does. And if pajamas are offered? Accept them, change discreetly, and take them home. They're yours now. The pajamas usually come with socks, but many first-class passengers bring an extra pair, or put the airline pair over their own for a snuggly sleep experience. If nothing else, you'll appreciate the socks while walking to and from the lavatory. The floor may be first-class, but it's still filthy. To Upgrade Or Not To Upgrade, That Is The Question Is first class worth the splurge? For long-haul journeys, red-eyes, or those once-in-a-lifetime moments—honeymoons, milestone birthdays, post-breakup reinventions—it just might be. getty Is first class worth the cost of admission? For long-haul flights, overnight routes, or special occasions (honeymoons, milestone birthdays, post-breakup reinventions), maybe. For short domestic hops? Maybe not — unless you value peace, quiet, and the ability to sip espresso at 30,000 feet without a lid. How To Score A First-Class Upgrade There are two kinds of people in the world: those who get upgraded and those who don't know how. While luck will favor some and stifle others, here are a few tips on how join the first group: Be Loyal : Elite status with an airline can work wonders. So can showing loyalty to one airline alliance. : Elite status with an airline can work wonders. So can showing loyalty to one airline alliance. Dress the Part : Yes, gate agents notice. : Yes, gate agents notice. Ask Politely : Charm never hurts. And timing is everything. : Charm never hurts. And timing is everything. Travel Solo: Upgrades are more likely when there's only one seat left and only one of you. Marcin Starkowski, Group PR Manager for eSky Group, notes that American Airlines Executive Platinum members can use 'systemwide upgrades' to jump from business to first, while Emirates Skywards offers cash and mile-based upgrades at online check-in. 'Midweek and 'red-eye' flights are less likely to be full, improving your chances,' Starkowski said. 'While rare, discretionary upgrades still exist.' Flying First Class With A Discount? Yes, It Exists First class doesn't always mean full price. Look for: Flash Sales: Airlines quietly offer deals, often on their own sites or apps. Mileage Upgrades : Save your points for a real splurge. : Save your points for a real splurge. Travel Windows : Midweek flights and shoulder seasons offer the best chance of a steal. : Midweek flights and shoulder seasons offer the best chance of a steal. Third-Party Booking Sites: Just be sure to compare directly with the airline — sometimes the 'deal' is déjà vu in disguise. "Airlines often release discounted first-class seats 24 to 72 hours before departure, particularly if a cabin is undersold," Starkowski said. "Checking your reservation periodically can pay off – sometimes the price difference is just a few hundred dollars." First Class vs. Business Class: The Final Descent Flying first class isn't just about where you sit — it's a state of mind. So carry yourself accordingly: with confidence, calm, electrolytes, and just the right amount of curated nonchalance. Because up here, it's not about how you got your seat. It's how you wear it. And remember, even if it's your first time, no one has to know. Unless, of course, you Instagram the Champagne.
Telegraph
01-07-2025
- Science
- Telegraph
Is it still rude to start eating before everyone has been served?
There is a very particular kind of social panic reserved for those served first at a restaurant. The food arrives at the table, the victim in question thanks the waiter, before looking around the table to see – to their horror – that no one else has been served. Suddenly, they find themselves facing one of the greatest British dilemmas of all time: to start or not to start? Last week, the predicament was claimed to have been solved by scientists at City St George's, University of London. A study of 2,000 people discovered that starting to eat before everyone else receives their food is no longer the social faux pas we might think it is. After various tests and interviews, the scientists discovered that a fascinating double standard exists when it comes to our mentality around the crippling conundrum. Though we think it would be deeply inappropriate if we, ourselves, started to eat before others, most of us actually don't mind if someone else tucks in ahead of us. It's a classic British contradiction in which we hold ourselves to higher moral standards than the ones we hold others to. Does this herald a new age, one in which the days of waiting for everyone's food to arrive are long gone? Apparently not, according to the experts. 'There may now be science that suggests it's acceptable to start eating the moment the food is served, but science should not overrule civility,' says etiquette expert William Hanson. 'And the same clause we have with etiquette applies to this research: sometimes one has to break the rules, or in this case the data, to do the most well-mannered thing.' In a scenario where dishes are served at different times at a restaurant, Hanson explains that the responsibility lies with those who have yet to be served, who can then indicate to others that they can start. 'The impetus is on those who have been left without to signal to those who have been served that it is OK to begin while they wait,' he says. 'Although the served diners should start to eat at a glacial pace until the rest of the food arrives.' The idea of waiting for others before beginning to eat is relatively modern, Hanson explains. Before the Victorian era, those at the table didn't wait, mostly because kitchens in large houses were built far away from dining rooms to protect diners in the event of a fire breaking out in the kitchen. 'Thus the etiquette was that once [hot] food was served, you could begin eating it,' explains Hanson. 'As you were served in rank order, with guest of honour first and then host, this was totally acceptable.' The idea of waiting for others was only introduced during the 19th century, he explains, when kitchen safety improved and means of keeping dishes warmer for longer were discovered. Hanson admits that the concept of table manners is a flexible thing, that 'table manners change as life changes,' but maintains that waiting for others before starting to eat is one of a small number of rules upon which the whole of British society is built. 'The key manners that are essential for anyone to follow remain,' he says. 'Wait until everyone has been served before you start eating, try to keep pace with those around you, so you finish at roughly the same time, don't make a noise when eating, and ensure you speak to the person on your left as equally as the person on your right.' Among Telegraph readers who commented under our news story, the response is split into Team Wait and Team Start. 'Manners are not science based, so this is all nonsense,' exclaims one reader going by the name of Thomas Tank, who forms part of Team Wait – the side of the comments who are sticklers for tradition. 'If it is bad manners, by cultural interactive norms, [then] it is.' 'An individual typically feels uncomfortable eating his food on his own, and it's always the talking point round the table. It's bad manners,' agrees reader Ian Richards. On the other side of the comments section is Team Start – those who are less concerned by the Victorian precedent. ' The Royals eat straight away whilst hot. Daft to sit there getting cold until the last is served. Get on with it!' says Tim Parry. 'I like my food piping hot, so if I am served a hot dish first I prefer to start immediately,' agrees fellow reader Jeffrey Hobbs. 'In my experience, dining companions will in any case tell the first person to be served that they should not wait.' JM Evans points out that it depends on the type of food served in the restaurant: if it's a cold salad, he would wait, but if it's a hot meal, the dilemma becomes all the more profound. 'I've had this conversation many times with my wife over the years', he says. 'If I've ordered a salad I probably would wait but I'm sitting there while my food goes cold to wait for someone else's food to then arrive piping hot.' Debrett's traditional etiquette advice states: 'Do not start before everyone has been served.' 'It seems to me the whole purpose of having a meal is ideally you are eating together at the same time,' says Debrett's editor Liz Wyse. 'If you pick up your knife and fork and get around to it as soon as your food arrives, it can look a little greedy. It's good manners to wait until other people have given you permission to start.' But there's more at stake here: Wyse warns that tearing up etiquette rules could be the start of a troubling slippery slope when it comes to how we treat those around us. 'If we start ditching everyday mundane manners, it's a sure step to trouble starting,' she says. 'Just being completely oblivious to the people around you is a dangerous tendency, because the less you are aware of people, the more likely you are to transgress and do things that really harm them.' Ultimately, she explains, table manners are more about the connections you make than the rules themselves. 'I think traditional manners where you are conscious of other people and you wait to be invited to start eating have evolved for a good reason,' she says. 'I don't see there is any necessity for anyone to tuck into their food the minute it hits the place setting.' 'Slowing people down, making people more aware of each other, means that hopefully out of that comes a connection rather than a mechanical process of getting some food inside you.'
Scottish Sun
30-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
The 13 telltale signs you are more common than you think & your summer habits give it all away
Plus, why you should never get in a hot tub, according to experts HEIR WE GO The 13 telltale signs you are more common than you think & your summer habits give it all away Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MANY people love summer for unwinding with pals or sprucing up the garden. But some popular sunny weather habits may be giving off signs that you are actually 'common', according to etiquette experts. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 There are a few giveaway signs that you are 'common', especially over summer, according to experts Credit: Getty 10 Fire pits bring out the 'neanderthals among us', claims expert William Hanson Credit: Getty If you don't want to look tacky, you may wish to avoid the following 15 telltale signs… 1. FIRE PITS While fire pits may be appealing to those obsessed with Love Island, expert William Hanson isn't entirely sold on the idea. He told Fabulous: "I suppose they're appealing to the neanderthals among us I guess, I'm not one of them. "They're not the tackiest thing to have in your garden, I'd rather that than a gnome or a hot tub, but if in doubt, don't." As if the barbecue wasn't Neanderthal enough for most men, enter the fire pit. The smarter set will simply add a sensible fleece or heavy jumper if they are outside and getting cold. 2. PATIO STENCILLING William added that not only is stencilling your patio a social faux pas, you should avoid calling it that altogether. He explained: 'To start with, calling it a patio is the first social booby trap. It's a terrace or veranda. 'Patio sounds faintly mythic and socially sound people will have no idea what you're talking about - or pretend not to. 'Then we come to the stencilling. 10 Patio stencilling is 'horticultural tattooing' and should be avoided Credit: Amazon Etiquette expert Jo Bryant reveals the right way to use a knife and fork 'Just as with faux grass, if you want a greco-inspired terrace then rip the tiles up and put in the real deal, rather than waste time doing superficial stencils. 'Patio stencilling is horticultural tattooing. Enough said.' 3. FLIP FLOPS According to etiquette expert Laura Windsor, who runs her own academy, you should not be seen in flip flops in town, even if it is scorching hot. She told Fabulous: 'Flip flops are not appropriate for town, shopping, dining, or socialising unless you are on the beach or by the pool. 'And is it practical? Have you ever tried running in flip flops? You are basically barefoot and one stubbed toe away from a lot of pain as well as opening yourself up to social embarrassment. 'A fashion faux pas, exposing all sorts of toe health problems - who wants to see hairy toes, ingrown toe nails, and other deformities on their way to the coffee shop? 'Common, yes in both senses of the word.' 4. TOPLESS MEN Even during boiling temperatures, men should never take their tops off, according to Laura. She explained: 'A definite no no - even if, on occasion, it may get up to 31 degrees. 'No one wants to see you flaunting your beer belly or your hairy arms, armpits and back. Just adopt a bit of self-control. 'Keep this for your more intimate moments unless you are at the beach or by the pool.' 5. CALLING PROSECCO, CHAMPAGNE 10 You should never accidentally call prosecco, 'champagne' Credit: Getty Laura said that you never offer a guest 'champagne', when you have prosecco. She added: 'It's like promising someone a luxury yacht and turning up in a rubber dinghy. 'It's also intimating that you think Prosecco is an Italian champagne. 'Champagne is champagne - expressly from the Champagne region in France. 'Prosecco is known as sparkling wine. Refined or 'posh' people know the difference and will call it by its appropriate name.' 6. ADULTS IN PADDLING POOLS 10 Although it is tempting to cool off in a paddling pool, you should refrain from it as an adult, claims Laura Windsor Credit: Getty Laura said that despite paddling pools being unsightly and only suitable for children, it seems to attract a lot of adults who 'think that it's ok to wash their muddy feet in it, unaware that children are inside.' She added: 'And suddenly it becomes a shared foot bath along with half the garden that the children have brought with them. 'Eventually it looks like a swamp and smells like a science project gone wrong. "Is that really 'posh'?' 7. EGG CHAIRS 10 Egg chairs are also on the no-go list Credit: Getty William said that any form of chair, ovular or not, suspended from a chain is probably not a good idea. He explained: 'We all know what is going to happen at some point. Snap! 'You'll fall to the ground, the thing will break and you'll have egg chair all over your face. 'To paraphrase George Orwell: four legs, good - one chain, bad.' 8. STRING BIKINI BOTTOMS 10 Anna Bey warned that string bikinis can look 'vulgar' Credit: YouTube/@AnnaBey Everybody is racing to update their summer wardrobe with the latest fashion – but there are some trends that aren't so hot. Etiquette coach Anna Bey says a big no-no for summer are high-wasited bikini bottoms with a draw-string. She says: 'Ladies like to pull it up almost to their ears. 'I get it, we have this trend right now with this kind of bikini bottoms but this in particular makes me really disgusted, every time I see it on my Instagram feed.' Anna credits influencers and models as the reason behind the bikinis popularity. The expert says that women who wear ths type of bottoms 'really wants to highlight their crotch area' – and can even be a bit vulgar. She suggests that if women want to look elegant they should go for traditional swimwear looks that are more covered up. 9. HOT TUBS 10 Hot tubs are ' oversized petri dishes of filth' Credit: Getty With the hot weather we've had this summer, some people have found buying a hot tub for their garden has been a godsend. However, William argued: 'These oversized petri dishes of filth have become the 2020 social indicator of the aspirational lower middle class. 'There are few worse accusations one can level against someone than that they own, or aspire to own, a hot tub. 'No amount of money spent on such an item will upgrade a person's garden. 'The presence of a hot tub does not transform a nondescript-semi in Borehamwood to a cosy chalet in Val d'isere.' 10. KIDNEY SHAPED PONDS 10 Kidney-shaped ponds also a big no Credit: Getty William said it is acceptable to have a "lake" in your garden, if the size allows, but a small kidney-shaped pond is something else entirely. He explained: "They are dreadful for so many reasons. "Even if you put expensive koi carp in it, it is still dreadful." 11. PLASTIC FLUTES Plastic flutes may be light-weight for picnics, but are not that chic, argues Laura. She shared: "It's definitely for the cheap and cheerful. Let me ask you a question: would you prefer drinking beer from a glass or a plastic one? "99 per cent would probably say glass. "Any wine lover will know that drinking a good wine from a plastic cup doesn't exalt the wine's aroma and quality. "It's not just about getting 'happy' - it is about the experience; wrapping your lips around the glass rim, smelling the wine, holding the weight of a glass as opposed to the flimsy weight of a plastic one and holding the glass properly by its stem." 12. PLASTIC PRIVACY SCREENS 10 People are raving about the cheap B&Q buy to privatise your garden Credit: B&Q Privacy fences or screens have boomed in popularity in recent years, but perhaps you should think twice before forking out. Laura shared: "I call them evergreen monstrosities, protecting you from the neighbours, and from having good taste." 13. BLASTING MUSIC It is tempting to host a party when the sun comes out, but there are some rules to consider. Laura advised: "Blasting your music in your garden for all to hear is seen as lacking in consideration and respect for your neighbours - disturbing their peace and quiet. "Wear your headphones, airpods etc! "Nowadays there is no excuse for disrupting everyone's weekend, and that includes wearing headphones anywhere in public too!"
The Irish Sun
30-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
The 13 telltale signs you are more common than you think & your summer habits give it all away
MANY people love summer for unwinding with pals or sprucing up the garden. But some popular sunny weather habits may be giving off signs that you are actually 'common', according to etiquette experts. 10 There are a few giveaway signs that you are 'common', especially over summer, according to experts Credit: Getty 10 Fire pits bring out the 'neanderthals among us', claims expert William Hanson Credit: Getty If you don't want to look tacky, you may wish to avoid the following 15 telltale signs… 1. FIRE PITS While fire pits may be appealing to those obsessed with Love Island, expert William Hanson isn't entirely sold on the idea. He told Fabulous: "I suppose they're appealing to the neanderthals among us I guess, I'm not one of them. "They're not the tackiest thing to have in your garden, I'd rather that than a gnome or a hot tub, but if in doubt, don't." More on etiquette As if the barbecue wasn't Neanderthal enough for most men, enter the fire pit. The smarter set will simply add a sensible fleece or heavy jumper if they are outside and getting cold. 2. PATIO STENCILLING William added that not only is stencilling your patio a social faux pas, you should avoid calling it that altogether. He explained: 'To start with, calling it a patio is the first social booby trap. It's a terrace or veranda. Most read in Fabulous 'Patio sounds faintly mythic and socially sound people will have no idea what you're talking about - or pretend not to. 'Then we come to the stencilling. 10 Patio stencilling is 'horticultural tattooing' and should be avoided Credit: Amazon Etiquette expert Jo Bryant reveals the right way to use a knife and fork 'Just as with faux grass, if you want a greco-inspired terrace then rip the tiles up and put in the real deal, rather than waste time doing superficial stencils. 'Patio stencilling is horticultural tattooing. Enough said.' 3. FLIP FLOPS According to etiquette expert She told Fabulous: 'Flip flops are not appropriate for town, shopping, dining, or socialising unless you are on the beach or by the pool. 'And is it practical? Have you ever tried running in flip flops? You are basically barefoot and one stubbed toe away from a lot of pain as well as opening yourself up to social embarrassment. 'A fashion faux pas, exposing all sorts of toe health problems - who wants to see hairy toes, ingrown toe nails, and other deformities on their way to the coffee shop? 'Common, yes in both senses of the word.' 4. TOPLESS MEN Even during boiling temperatures, men should never take their tops off, according to Laura. She explained: 'A definite no no - even if, on occasion, it may get up to 31 degrees. 'No one wants to see you flaunting your beer belly or your hairy arms, armpits and back. Just adopt a bit of self-control. 'Keep this for your more intimate moments unless you are at the beach or by the pool.' 5. CALLING PROSECCO, CHAMPAGNE 10 You should never accidentally call prosecco, 'champagne' Credit: Getty Laura said that you never offer a guest 'champagne', when you have prosecco. She added: 'It's like promising someone a luxury yacht and turning up in a rubber dinghy. 'It's also intimating that you think Prosecco is an Italian champagne. 'Champagne is champagne - expressly from the Champagne region in France . 'Prosecco is known as sparkling wine . Refined or 'posh' people know the difference and will call it by its appropriate name.' 6. ADULTS IN PADDLING POOLS 10 Although it is tempting to cool off in a paddling pool, you should refrain from it as an adult, claims Laura Windsor Credit: Getty Laura said that despite paddling pools being unsightly and only suitable for children, it seems to attract a lot of adults who 'think that it's ok to wash their muddy feet in it, unaware that children are inside.' She added: 'And suddenly it becomes a shared foot bath along with half the garden that the children have brought with them. 'Eventually it looks like a swamp and smells like a science project gone wrong. "Is that really 'posh'?' 7. EGG CHAIRS 10 Egg chairs are also on the no-go list Credit: Getty William said that any form of chair, ovular or not, suspended from a chain is probably not a good idea. He explained: 'We all know what is going to happen at some point. Snap ! 'You'll fall to the ground, the thing will break and you'll have egg chair all over your face. 'To paraphrase George Orwell: four legs, good - one chain, bad.' 8. STRING BIKINI BOTTOMS 10 Anna Bey warned that string bikinis can look 'vulgar' Credit: YouTube/@AnnaBey Everybody is racing to update their summer wardrobe with the latest fashion – but there are some trends that aren't so hot. She says: 'Ladies like to pull it up almost to their ears. 'I get it, we have this trend right now with this kind of bikini bottoms but this in particular makes me really disgusted, every time I see it on my Instagram feed.' Anna credits influencers and models as the reason behind the bikinis popularity. The expert says that women who wear ths type of bottoms 'really wants to highlight their crotch area' – and can even be a bit vulgar. She suggests that if women want to look elegant they should go for traditional swimwear looks that are more covered up. 9. HOT TUBS 10 Hot tubs are ' oversized petri dishes of filth' Credit: Getty With the hot weather we've had this summer, some people have found buying a hot tub for their garden has been a godsend. However, William argued: 'These oversized petri dishes of filth have become the 2020 social indicator of the aspirational lower middle class. 'There are few worse accusations one can level against someone than that they own, or aspire to own, a hot tub. 'No amount of money spent on such an item will upgrade a person's garden. 'The presence of a hot tub does not transform a nondescript-semi in Borehamwood to a cosy chalet in Val d'isere.' 10. KIDNEY SHAPED PONDS 10 Kidney-shaped ponds also a big no Credit: Getty William said it is acceptable to have a "lake" in your garden, if the size allows, but a small kidney-shaped pond is something else entirely. He explained: "They are dreadful for so many reasons. "Even if you put expensive koi carp in it, it is still dreadful." 11. PLASTIC FLUTES Plastic flutes may be light-weight for picnics, but are not that chic, argues Laura. She shared: "It's definitely for the cheap and cheerful. Let me ask you a question: would you prefer drinking beer from a glass or a plastic one? "99 per cent would probably say glass. "Any wine lover will know that drinking a good wine from a plastic cup doesn't exalt the wine's aroma and quality. "It's not just about getting 'happy' - it is about the experience; wrapping your lips around the glass rim, smelling the wine, holding the weight of a glass as opposed to the flimsy weight of a plastic one and holding the glass properly by its stem." 12. PLASTIC PRIVACY SCREENS 10 People are raving about the cheap B&Q buy to privatise your garden Credit: B&Q Laura shared: "I call them evergreen monstrosities, protecting you from the neighbours, and from having good taste." 13. BLASTING MUSIC It is tempting to host a party when the sun comes out, but there are some rules to consider. Laura advised: "Blasting your music in your garden for all to hear is seen as lacking in consideration and respect for your neighbours - disturbing their peace and quiet. "Wear your headphones, airpods etc! "Nowadays there is no excuse for disrupting everyone's weekend, and that includes wearing headphones anywhere in public too!" Dinner party and guest etiquette Whether it's your first time hosting friends at your new house, or you're a regular dinner party invitee... Fabulous' Associate Editor, Rebecca Miller, has put together a list of do's and don'ts when it comes to dinner parties and guest etiquette - and it doesn't include sending a guest a bill at the end of the night! Do show up on time - a 10-minute grace period is allowed, but anything longer without letting the host know, is just plain rude. Don't show up empty handed - unless you're popping round for a quick coffee, you should always show up with a small token of your appreciation for the host and their efforts. Flowers, a bottle of wine, candle, or contribute to the dinner by making dessert. Don't start eating until everyone is seated - what might be an obvious rule, it's one many forget. Cooking a meal for a group of people takes a lot of effort, so wait for the host to park themselves, thank them, and await instruction. Don't do the dishes, do clear the table - everyone has their way of cleaning and tidying up. If you swan into the kitchen and start scrubbing, it could be seen as an insult. So help clear the table, and ask if there's anything else you can do - perhaps top up everyone's glass? Get off your phone - few things can make a person feel less seen or important than coming second to a mobile. Leave it in your pocket, and check anything urgent during toilet breaks.
