Shoes -
It is appropriate to wear shoes at every social gathering except for swimming and beaches.
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In most homes in the United States, guests are expected to keep their shoes on unless the host requests that shoes are removed. In Canada, the opposite is polite
Tipping (gratuities) -
Tipping is done only by the host of a party; therefore guests should not leave additional tips. This applies to bar service at weddings and any other party where one is a guest. The host should provide appropriate tips to workers at the end of the event.[76]
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The customary gratuity for satisfactory service is between 10% and 20% of the non-tax total of the bill. Bartenders may anticipate higher tips. For further details on tipping standards in North America, see the "tipping" article.
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If one receives very poor service, it is best to speak to management so that the problem may be resolved. It is permissible in an extreme situation not to tip.
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Public servants, government agents, security guards, and police officers do not accept tips in North America. It is not only considered inappropriate, it is generally illegal to offer a gratuity to public officials because it may be considered bribery or graft.
Worker interactions -
Workers such as waiters, store employees, receptionists, and government employees, should be spoken to with civilities such as "please" and "thank you." Snapping fingers, calling out loudly, waving money, or whistling for an employee's attention are not appropriate.
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Workers should refrain from wearing strong fragrances when working in close proximity to others (e.g. closed offices).
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While it is common for some to address co-workers or customers with terms such as: hon, dear, sweetie, darling, doll, honey, etc. (particularly in the American South), these terms are considered patronizing, unprofessional and condescending by many and should be avoided.[77] Proper terms are "Sir", "Ma'am," or "Madam", or if the name is known, Mr./Ms./Mrs./Miss [Lastname].
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When paying a cashier, it is inappropriate to toss money onto the counter. It is preferable to hand the money to the cashier with the bills unfolded. The cashier should hand back change in the same manner.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Etiquette in Europe is not uniform. Even within the regions of Europe, etiquette may not be uniform: within a single country there may be differences in customs, especially where there are different linguistic groups, as in Switzerland where there are French, German and Italian speakers.[1]
Despite this heterogeneity, many points of etiquette have spread through Europe and many features are shared. The ancient Roman Empire is an historical source, and the cosmopolitan royalty and also nobility were effective in spreading etiquette throughout Europe. For example in the château of Versailles, where French nobility was concentrated, a complicated etiquette was developed.
For less reviewed pseudo-information on variations of stereotypes per country in Europe: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/National_etiquette_differences_in_Europe
Language and forms of address
It is never acceptable to write an anonymous letter or one that purports to be signed by somebody other than the writer (but does not make that clear).
Many languages use different pronouns to denote formality or familiarity when addressing people (the T–V distinction). This also applies in common phrases such as "How are you?".[2] The use of an inappropriately familiar form may be seen as derogatory, insulting or even aggressive. Conversely, forms that are inappropriately formal may be seen as impolitely snobbish[3] or distant.
The way politeness is expressed varies greatly with language and region. For example, addressing a person with an honorific or title may be expected in some languages, but seen as intrusive or too formal in others.
In many parts of Europe, using someone's first name also denotes a certain level of friendship. In social interactions with strangers, the last name and/or more formal mode of address is used, usually until the people involved agree to move to an informal level. But this may not apply among young people, among members of particular groups (e.g. students) or in informal settings.[4]
Flowers
In some countries, certain flowers (such as chrysanthemums) are given only at funerals[citation needed]. In France, red roses are given when someone is in love.[5] In Finland, the same applies except that school leavers are often given red roses on passing their matriculation examination (abitur).[6] Yellow flowers are inappropriate at weddings in Ukraine and Russia as they are viewed as a sign that the bride or groom are unfaithful to one another[citation needed]. In Victorian Britain, an elaborate system of language of flowers developed.
Hats and coats
Among many segments of the European population, it is considered rude to wear hats or other head coverings indoors, especially in churches, schools, private homes and respected public institutions. In churches, however, ladies are often exempt from this rule or even obliged to cover their heads insome Catholic churches.
Wearing coats, boots or other outer garments inside someone’s home is often frowned upon as well. Sitting down to eat at table wearing a hat or coat etc. is even worse. Also one should remove one's hat when showing deference. Removing one's hat is also a form of greeting: the origin of this is that knights were expected to remove their helmets when meeting their king; not to do so would be a sign of mistrust and hostility.[7]
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