Cottage Etiquette

In this running series, MuskokaStyle considers cottage etiquette: the art of practicing common courtesies, good sportsmanship, civility and respect, both on the lake and off…

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Situation No.1: Responding to an Invite

You’re among the lucky few invited as a weekend guest at the lakeside home of an acquaintance… How nice! Naturally you want to attend. How best to respond to this very special invite?

Suggestion

“Handwritten or e-mail responses should be sent right away,” suggests Peggy Post, great-granddaughter-in-law of the late Emily Post.

Respond within a day or two of the invitation, regardless of how it’s received, whether it be email, telephone, text, or post.

If you’re uncertain you can make the date, don’t state that you’ll get back to them with a response sometime next week. Instead, offer a “yes” or a “no” within a day or two so your hosts have opportunity to fill your spot with someone else.

And finally, be thoughtful in your response. Include your estimated arrival time.

Example: “Dear Elizabeth, what an exciting invitation! We plan to drive up to Muskoka by car, arriving at about 7 pm on Friday the 20th. If we’re late leaving, or if the traffic on Highway 400 is slow, we’ll be sure to send you a text. We can’t wait to spend some time at the lake with you and Steve…” 

That’s it! We hope this suggestion helps. Stand by for more suggestions of cottage etiquette…

The art of practicing common courtesies, good sportsmanship, civility and respect, both on the lake and off…

Source: Emily Post’s Etiquette, 17th Edition, The Definitive Guide to Manners, Author: Peggy Post.