20-40-60 Etiquette---Should I dress up for the family parties?
YOU ASK! WE ANSWER! YOU DECIDE!
By Callie Gordon, Lillie-Beth Brinkman, Helen Ford Wallace
QUESTION: It is time for the holiday gatherings. My large family has several events during the season where we all get together for dinner or for celebrating. Am I supposed to dress up for all of the parties that my relatives attend? It’s just us!
CALLIE’S ANSWER: I love to dress up for the holidays. You look better and feel good about yourself. My vote is YES!
LILLIE-BETH’S ANSWER: If you’re asking whether it’s OK to roll out of bed and come to family gatherings in your pajamas, then the answer is “no.” If you’re asking whether you should wear formal attire like a cocktail dress for each family event, then I think the answer to that question is “no” as well, or at least “not necessarily.”
Entertaining guests, even if they are “only” family members, takes some effort, and it’s nice when your attire acknowledges that, depending on the occasion. If it’s a potluck dinner or pizza, then a casual outfit is fine — even jeans. Take each occasion on a case-by-case basis, and enjoy wearing something festive, whether dressy or casual. But more importantly, try to enjoy the people with whom you’re celebrating.
HELEN’S ANSWER: Relatives are so important. You are lucky to have a large family. Hopefully you will enjoy dressing up for all the events. My favorite memories are of Thanksgiving Day and two of our relatives — they were sisters — came to my house totally dressed up and wearing high heels. I appreciated the effort, and both of them looked darling.
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