The holidays are upon us once again! We're so excited to be spending a cozy Thanksgiving with our family this year.
For those who are visiting friends and family for the holiday, allow me to offer a refresher in Southwest Florida Holiday Dinner Etiquette. Please review this guide carefully - it will help you make the most of your time with us.
Or, if you're a seasoned Floridian, tell me what I've missed. I’d love your feedback!
Labor Day has come and gone, so be sure your flip-flops and sandals are a suitable fall color such as yellow, orange, or brown.
If you have a holiday sweater, feel free to throw it on over your swimsuit. Bring along a t-shirt as well, though; you'll want something more comfortable when the temperature reaches the high 70s.
Finally, festive sunglasses must be Thanksgiving themed. Save the Christmas themed beach gear for December!
Guests should never arrive empty handed. Consider bringing along some extra sun-block or pool towels for out-of-town guests.
Speaking of out-of-town guests, remember they aren't used to our ways. They may forget to leave sliding doors wide open or they may not know which frozen drinks pair well with turkey and stuffing.
Be patient with them.
People are different, and there will always be vital and important subjects that we simply cannot agree on.
Some people like to bask in the sun and savor the warm blue sky. Others prefer to lounge in the shade and enjoy the gentle gulf breeze. Don't be the guest who rekindles this ancient and divisive argument.
(There are exceptions, of course. No one expects you to sit silently next to an FSU football fan. We do have standards.)
Don't complain to northerners that "it will probably get down into the low 70s soon..." It's impolite and you know it.
(Save it for posting on social media after they return home. Maybe when they talk about having to put on "boots" and "gloves" to "shovel out"... something or other. I'm not really clear on how that works, nor do I want to be.)