Britons are gearing up for their first taste of post-lockdown freedom on Monday when they can finally meet loved ones in gardens and parks as the ‘rule of six’ returns outdoors.
In preparation for seeing family and friends for the first time in more than three months, etiquette expert William Hanson has revealed his dos and don’ts for gatherings during an appearance on This Morning today.
William said conversation should be kept positive and light, without any moaning or complaints, as well as no comments about physical appearance, unless it’s a compliment.
He also suggested not staying in someone’s garden for more than two hours, using different beverage jugs for each household and placing your hands on your heart in greeting, as ‘a subtle reminder that we’re not shaking hands’.
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In preparation for seeing family and friends for the first time in more than three months, etiquette expert William Hanson (pictured) has revealed his dos and don’ts for gatherings during an appearance on This Morning today
Speaking to presenters Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond, the etiquette expert suggested communication is key to ensuring your gathering doesn’t result in an unforeseen problems such as too many guests.
He said hosts should expect visitors to want to bring their partners, explaining: ‘If we were talking 50 years ago, etiquette would say no ring, no bring, that was the rule, but let’s be honest life is very different now, so the etiquette adapted.
‘So I would be prepared that if you’ve got a friend and they’ve got a new partner, or even a partner, whether they’re new or old, they’re probably going to come too.
‘If in doubt, just ask. “Are you bringing them?” Communication is key so you’re not caught unexpectedly.’
He then suggested a couple of contactless greetings, admitting: ‘It is awkward, I’m aware of that. We’ve spent years extending our hand or putting arms out to greet people.
William (appearing via video call on This Morning) said conversation should be kept positive and light, without any moaning or complaints, as well as no comments about physical appearance, unless it’s a compliment
‘I like to do something with my hands, a sort of focus for my hands, so hand on heart, namaste, anything like that, because that gives the other person a subtle reminder that we’re not going to shake hands.’
The expert then explained how beverages should be provided in different jugs for each household, to help guests feel at ease.
‘Even if you’re just providing tea, water or juice, or whatever it happens to be, try and make it as COVID secure as possible, different jugs for each household… so you’re only going to touch that jug,’ he said.
William also said conversation should be kept positive and light, without any moaning or complaints, as well as no comments about physical appearance, unless it’s a compliment.
The expert (pictured) also suggested not staying in someone’s garden for more than two hours, using different beverage jugs for each household and placing your hands on your heart in greeting, as ‘a subtle reminder that we’re not shaking hands’
He said: ‘No comments about physical appearance, unless it’s a compliment, “you look great”, for example. All they need to say is “thank you”… they don’t need to give a reflex compliment. Pay them a compliment later on if needs be.
‘Keep it positive, light, bright, don’t moan or complain, we all know we’ve been through a tough year. This is the first time you’ve probably seen people for quite some time so keep it upbeat and positive.
‘If you’re really stuck [for conversation], use your surroundings, use the garden as inspiration.’
Speaking about how long the gatherings should last, William suggested: ‘It is tiring being nice to people and making conversation with them, and I think we’re going to get tired pretty quickly so I would say two hours tops. I would say quality not quantity.’
