What Would the Countess Do?: A Time for Gifts; Putting Up With Late Pals

When it comes to etiquette, manners and overall good behavior, even celebrities need help navigating the rough waters of stardom! It’s a good thing Countess LuAnn de Lesseps of the Real Housewives of New York is joining forces with OK! to school them on the right thing to do! In a rough situation, we just ask, “What Would the Countess Do?” This week the Countess chimes in on gifting and dealing with perpetually late pals.How do you know when a gift is required at an event, if it's not indicated on the invitation? And if you can't make it to the event, do you still send a gift? Invitations should never say that a gift is expected but there are certain celebrations where you should always bring (or send) a present. If you are invited to the engagement party and the wedding, you can bring a gift to either event or better yet, send a gift to the bride’s home. If you are not invited to the wedding, then an engagement gift is optional but it’s nice to give a little something. Always bring a gift to birthday parties, bat and bar mitzvahs, first communions, confirmations and baby and bridal showers. Tip: Although it’s the thought that counts, it’s the gift they’ll remember! WHAT WOULD THE COUNTESS DO?: FASHION WEEK ENSEMBLES; FALL FAMILY TIME How long do you wait for someone if they're late before you decide enough's enough? There is nothing more frustrating than when a friend or colleague is late and you haven’t heard from them as to whether or not they can still meet with you. I like to be on time and if I’m going to be more than fifteen minutes late, I call whomever I’m meeting to let them know. A half an hour is the longest anyone should be expected to wait without word from the other person. You can always leave a note with the maitre de that you waited and had to run in case the person you are meeting shows up later. Tip: If you can be on time to business meetings, you can be on time for your friends. WHAT WOULD THE COUNTESS DO?: APPRECIATING LOVED ONES; REBOUNDING FROM FRIEND FIGHTS LuAnn has released an iPhone app called Countess Luann available through the Apple Store. For all information please go to her website www.luanndelesseps.com. For everything Countess LuAnn, check out www.luanndelesseps.com, follow her on Twitter and check out her Facebook page!