Top 10 holiday faux pas

By The Associated Press
December 7, 2002

A look at the top 10 holiday faux pas, as compiled by etiquette expert Joy Weaver:

_ Making excuses when surprised by a gift: People make the situation worse when they make excuses or go overboard with apologies because they don't have a gift to exchange. Just say thank you and follow up with a nice note. You can always send a gift later. A wise move, though, is to be prepared and have several generic gifts on hand.

_ Married couples signing holiday cards with the husband's name first: The husband's first name should not be separated from his last name. Many people think the husband's name should go first as in John and Lisa Smith, but the correct way for married couples to write their name is: Lisa and John Smith.

_ Sneezing into your social hand: Your right hand is your social hand. You shake hands, pick up utensils and finger foods with your right hand. No one wants to shake hands with someone who has just coughed into this hand.

_Asking someone why he or she is not drinking: There are many reasons people say no to cocktails, and often they are personal. There is no reason to put someone on the spot.

_Waiting until the last minute to RSVP: This gives an impression that you are holding out for something better and makes it more difficult for the hostess to make plans for the party.

_ Forgetting to attach a card to a hostess gift: Always take a hostess gift to a party with an attached card that has your name on it so the hostess will know who brought the gift.

_ Double dipping: Not only is it rude, but it can be a health hazard to dunk food into a dip after you have taken a bite of the food.

_ Not standing when being introduced. Whenever possible it is respectful to stand when being introduced men and women.

_ Leaving a holiday party and telling the host you have to go to another party: Thank the host for inviting you and for a wonderful time, then wish them a happy holiday season.

_ Thinking everyone loves your pet as much as you do: Many people are allergic to pets and do not want them hanging around during a holiday party.