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Diane Gottsman | Leading Etiquette Expert | Modern Manners Authority

Leading Etiquette Expert and Modern Manners Authority Diane Gottsman’s official blog, with Business Etiquette, University Etiquette, Social Media Etiquette, Dining Etiquette and more.

Holiday Etiquette: Plan Ahead for Valentine’s Day

09 Feb 2011 By: Diane Gottsman

 


Valentine’s Day can be a romantic, special night for people who are in love.  But if you don’t plan ahead for Valentine’s Day, your love could be left feeling less than appreciated.

Don’t Delay – Buy your card early – waiting until the last minute ensures you will get the leftovers with the silly puppy holding a fuzzy heart that says, “I love you mom”.

Make a Reservation – Consider an alternate day so you won’t feel rushed and the restaurant won’t be over crowded. Request a table away from the front door, the kitchen and the restrooms. If you prefer to stay home, “take out” is fast, easy and if you select wisely can still be tasty. It also saves the cleanup time you can use for other Valentine distractions.

Plan a Perfect Toast – Think about what you will say when you toast her with her favorite wine or champagne. Rehearse in advance so it will come off as smooth as her chocolate truffle mouse dessert.

Put Thought Into the Gift – Avoid stuffed animals and generic boxed chocolate. The gift does not have to be expensive but it does need to be something you selected specifically for her.

Dress Up for the Occasion – Spend a little time on your clothing, as well as your grooming. Your extra effort will send a message that you care. Don’t forget to do a quick check of your nose and ears for this special occasion.

Keep it Simple – Plans do not have to be elaborate, just heartfelt and meaningful to your significant other.

Gift Do’s and Don’ts:

  • A handwritten love letter or a poem (authored by you – not your teenage neighbor whom you paid)
  • Her favorite perfume
  • A spa weekend or a personal foot rub
  • Tickets to the theater or a movie she’s been dying to see
  • Heart shaped sugar cookies (homemade or store bought) with several personal messages (be creative)
  • Breakfast in bed
  • An entire day that’s all about her – you are her personal driver, chef and cupid
  • Unloading the dishwasher (for two years!)

Don’t even think about:

  • A bathroom scale
  • Power tools
  • A diet book
  • A Crock pot
  • A gift basket of fruit (screams holiday “re-gift”)
  • A stuffed animal
  • Grooming products

Interested in great cookies any time of year? Visit Sweet Bella Bakery! Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.

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Also, the nice thing about interviewing etiquette experts was they all returned my call. Thanks @Debretts @williamhanson Laura @PolishedManners and @DianeGottsman for bringing some clarity to protocol chaos

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Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert, sought after industry leader, and owner of The Protocol School of Texas,
a company specializing in executive leadership and business etiquette training.

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