Cowboy Hat Etiquette...

A "true" Cowboy always uses his manners! Perhaps that's part of the Cowboy's romantic mystique? Or maybe, just maybe... his Mama taught him well!

                          It's nice to know people want to use etiquette...

                    We have had over 2,100 hits on this post! 

The picture below was taken during a cattle drive. My father-in-law is in the photo, 2nd from the right. *Note the different styles of Cowboy Hats.

 I just love this photo! 

This photo of Dad (below) was taken at the Stanford Ranch in Vina, Ca. 

 "This man was a "True Cowboy" in every way", NeeCee.

 Proud to have known (loved) him and be a part of his family.

Cowboy Hat Etiquette

The same rules apply to the "Cowboy Hat" as a regular hat 

Okay... First Thing's First! 

"Don't ever mess with a Cowboy's hat, his horse or his WOMAN" 

(that includes the saddle)!

 (*I have heard that quote so many times.)

 Cowboy Hats are very personal. 

The cost can range from moderately priced to very expensive. There are "working hats" and "Sunday Go To Meeting" hats. You never wear your "dress" hat to work or your "work" hat to Church!

You NEVER touch another man's hat without permission. 

(That's just "fighting words".) 

"Hat in Hand"

This cliche's meaning is as follows: Be differential, humble or cajoling in one's approach to another person. This saying is from an ancient custom of removing the hat or headgear as a gesture of courtesy, respect or salutation. 

(Another photo of Dad at the ranch.) 

When to remove your Hat:

~ During the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, the Passing of the Flag, In Church, during a Prayer, an indoor Wedding, a Funeral (indoors) or at the "passing" of a casket in a funeral procession.

 Hold your hat in the left hand with your right hand over your heart. You may also hold your hat in your right hand, followed by holding your hat over your heart. Either way is acceptable.

~ When you are introduced to a woman. If warranted, remove your hat (by the crown) with your left hand so that you may shake her hand with your right.

~ This should also apply to anyone who is your Elder or a "Man of the Cloth".

 In other words, the Clergy, Pastor, Priest, etc.

~ When you begin a conversation with anyone; but not needed if your just saying "hello" as you pass them.

~ It is generally considered, to always remove your hat while in a private home.

* Unless others are wearing their hat/s. It is then considered to be at the blessing of your host or hostess.

~~ Always remove your hat by the crown. *Some people do use their brim, but the brim must be strong. Do not use the edge of the brim.

 Removing the hat by the crown is the most customary.

~ If you need to adjust your hat, do so by the crown.

~ Never lay a cowboy hat down on the brim. Place your hat on it's crown, brim up. You may also use a hat stand or rack.

~ Never show the inside of of your hat. The hat band, and the inside of the crown should not be in or for public view. 

~Your hat should always be removed while dining in a restaurant.

*Unless, you're in fast food restaurant. 

"If'n yer sittin' at the counter eat'n, leave yer hat on. 

If'n yer in sittin' at a table, take it off."

(Dad and the boys. My husband is on the left.)

Tipping of the Hat:

"Tipping" the hat is a sign of respect.

Some say "tipping the hat" came from the Old West. 

In tipping the hat you "made a friendly gesture" (or intention) by moving your hand away from the  gun holster.

 Men "never" tip their hat to another man. Some say that, in the Old West, it was the same as calling the other man a "woman". 

Which of course, was fighting words! 

 Instead, a "nod" was common, if you didn't shake hands.

(My Hubby... Now that's a 10 gallon Hat!)

Some "Tipping" Rules:

~ Always tip your hat to a lady during a brief "hello" or passing.

~ When a woman thanks you.

~ When you ask a question of an elder. This means your grateful for their help and their time.

~ When you" excuse" yourself.

~ If you "interrupt" someone or their conversation...

My Husband, (below). We have the vest and matching chaps!

When a True Cowboy, Horseman, Cattlemen, Rancher uses his manners, he will never be mistaken for a City Slicker, Drugstore Cowboy, or a Hollywood!

"He's All HAT and No Cattle"!

It divides the men from the boys, so to speak!

By the way Cowgirls...the same applies to you!

 **Men appreciate manners just as much as the Ladies...

Make a Lasting Impression with Style...

(Me & My Dad...notice my hat?)

Happy Trails to you, 'til we meet again...

Hopefully, I covered everything....but, if I missed something...just use yer noggin'!

Bye y'all...

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Hat's, when to Wear or Not...

"dons" & "doffs"...

These are British contractions meaning; dons refers to "do on" meaning "to do" and doffen or doffs refers to "don off" meaning "to do off".

There are plenty of proper manners and etiquette regarding the of wearing hats. Although, it has become common place not to use those manners.  

Throughout history hats have had their place. In the 1930's, 40's and 50's they were very common, in fact expected. In the 1960's they became less common. As of late, they have become more popular. 

(The Cowboy Hat has a long standing history. The same rules apply with a few added extra's for that Cowboy polish! *See "Cowboy Hat Etiquette" 

The rules are basically the same, as in the past, with a few updates. As always, common courtesy should always apply. If we raise our standards, we raise the everyday respect we deserve to receive!

Rules of Etiquette for Hats

Hats are often tipped, (or doffed) by slightly lifting the hat off your forehead, when meeting a lady. Remove your hat when you hold a conversation with that person.

Tip the hat gently when saying; hello, goodbye, thank you, excuse me, etc.

Tipping your hat is always considered a gesture of politeness to a woman. 

Hats need to removed when inside; except in public buildings, corridors, elevators (non-residential). You may choose to remove your hat, when a lady is present in an public elevator. *Consider the "room" in the elevator, if it is crowded....tip your hat, gently.

Hats are always removed for the National Anthem, anytime the "flag" is passing (such as, parades, etc.), funerals and their processions, weddings, dedications, most photograph's, Churches or Places of Worship, (*Women may wear hats to Church, if condoned, when their hats are part of an outfit. But, they must never be obtrusive).

 Women may wear their hats indoors or during the National Anthem, unless it is a unisex hat, such as a baseball cap.  When woman wear a unisex hat or cap, they must follow the same guidelines as men. If a woman is wearing a formal hat, during the National Anthem, she should not remove the hat.

Hats may be worn in the Movies, Theaters, or Concerts, but they need to removed if they are blocking someone's view. 

When hat-wearer's put anything on their hat band; be aware on which side it must be placed. Men on the left and Women on the right.

Women may wear their hats inside a home for special occasions; wedding, christenings, funerals and such. This is considered a "Time of Worship".

Women should not remove hats that go with dinner suits or dinner dresses in the evening. Hats should not be worn with formal dresses. Daytime hats need to be doffed (taken off) at dusk.

Men should never tip a hat to another man. It is considered rude. They should nod politely. 

When you remove your hat, the hat should be held in a way that the inside of the hat and band are not seen by others. The lining should never be revealed.

You should always remove your hat with your left hand. So that your right hand is available to "shake" hands with someone.

Hats should be removed whenever you dine in a restaurant. Some fine dining establishments offer coat and hat checks (*hopefully, restaurant staff have been coached regarding proper hat & coat etiquette). 

Some restaurants allow hats for men. Many restaurants have a dress code for proper attire. Baseball caps are never considered proper in a restaurant. You MAY wear them at a fast food style restaurant. (These certain rules apply mainly to men.) It is okay for a man to wear a hat in a bar or nightclub "if" it suits his attire.

Many people today are making up their own rules regarding hat manners. Basically, the old rules still apply, with a few added updates.

There is never an excuse for bad manners. If you want respect, give respect.

Let Your Manners Shine with Style...

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Regarding Doors and Manners....

What to Do...

It is customary for a man to stand aside and allow a woman to enter through an open door. If the door is closed or heavy the man should open (and hold open) the door for the woman. This also applies to anyone (man or woman) if another person is entering through a door and their arms are ladened with packages.  

No one should ever take offense to this action, even if they are fully capable to open the door themselves. Common courtesy is a two way street. You should also "always" say ... "Thank You". 

A woman always goes first through a "moving" revolving door. If the revolving door is not in motion, the man should enter first, moving slowly so as the woman may follow in the same compartment/section. 

"Everyone" should hold the door open for the person behind them. Unless there is some distance between you. It is always considered "rude" to let the door slam behind you, when someone else is close at hand. Man or woman; always hold the door for a person pushing a baby stroller or if they have children with them. 

Always "enter and exit" a door on your "right"! The same goes for automatic doors.

How many time's have you been almost run down by someone walking in the door on the WRONG side? This is also "always" considered rude. 

Enter a room with Style...

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Land Line & Cell Phone Etiquette....

Use your Manners while using the Phone...

Rudeness and lack of consideration has crept into our everyday lives. This happens on "BOTH" ends of the phone. Whether it is a land line or mobile phone!

When using phone etiquette, just use the "Golden Rule", 

Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you....

Simple Rules for Phone Manners:

Check the number you are calling before you dial. If you call a wrong number, apologize politely. If you received a wrong number call, explain politely they have called a wrong number.

Give people enough time to answer the phone...they may be busy too! Leave them a polite message on their voice mail, if you need a returned call. A short concise message with your phone number is all that's needed.

Don't make a call if you don't have the time to talk. If you need to be quick, state it up front! Ask if it is convenient to talk now. Ask if you are interrupting anything? Let them know... "they" may call you back at a more convenient time.

If "they" say they have a "moment"...keep it short. Ask them to call "you" back

if you need more talk time! If you say you will call back....CALL BACK!

When "YOU" call someone don't ask them "wait" while you "do" something else....unless there is an emergency! The same goes for when you "answer" the phone.

Talk clear and concise on the phone. Loud enough to be heard. But... not loud enough for everyone around you to KNOW your personal business. Everyone has enough worries in their life without hearing YOURS!

Always say; Hello, Please, Thank You and Goodbye! Always identify whom is speaking. Even though, "they" may have "caller id"... it doesn't mean they know "who" is on the phone.

Be an attentive listener! It is hard to have a conversation with someone who doesn't practice this art...what is good for one, is good for all. (Hasn't everyone had this caller: "Yackey-Yack-Yack, all about ME, and then doesn't listen too YOU"! It makes you not want to answer their next phone call!) Use common courtesy at all times.

Use the person's name when you talk, especially when thanking them etc. Just like you would in person.

If "bad" news needs to be delivered, if at all possible deliver it in person.

Answer your phone promptly or return the caller's phone call promptly.

Never be too busy to be nice and polite. Being pleasant usually works best. If you have rude caller and they won't listen...hang up after you inform them you're doing so....

If you have company, let the caller know that you must be brief. And, that you will return their phone call at a later time.

If you take a phone message, do so clearly with the name and phone number. Make sure the right person gets the message. 

Always return your calls in a timely manner.

Try to let the caller end the phone call first. Unless... you have a caller that continues on and on, over and over...then excuse yourself from the call.

Children should not answer the phone unless properly instructed in phone etiquette. Especially business calls...

If you answer or call from someone else's phone... always identify who is answering or calling.

Phone calls in general should never be made before 7:00am or after 9:00pm (I prefer 8:00pm for my household. That is our relax and sit back time.) Unless otherwise prearranged. Always try to avoid mealtimes.

If you are a solicitor calling, phone etiquette is a MUST. Do you want to be called at home by a rude solicitor? I think NOT. Do unto others...

NEVER eat while talking on the PHONE!

If you have more than one extension on your home number:

If you answer the phone on one extension, and alert another person they have a phone call...when they pick up the other extension, carefully and quickly hang up your extension. It is EXTREMELY rude to listen in on a conversation that is NOT yours! 

It is also extremely rude to be LISTENING on an extension to an incoming phone call THAT you have not answered. If some one else picks up the phone, you DO NOT listen without announcing that you have joined the conversation! There is no apology for that kind of behavior! It is never acceptable! (*It also causes unnecessary background noise. Which is also rude. Rudeness can be avoided, just like many accidents.) 

Keep your general phone calls to a minimum so as not to interfere with other people's daily routine's or schedules. 

Make business calls well before the end of the business day. Unless you have a prearranged appointment.

These are few cell phone rules in addition to the above information....

When in public places, put your phone on silent or vibrate. If you forget, do so immediately when it rings, beeps....etc. Events such as; Movies, Weddings, Graduations, Dining, Funerals, Business meetings, Party's....get the idea? Same goes for texting....just kick in the common sense and courtesy.

Excuse yourself from the table or room if you need to answer or make a phone call. (*Keep in mind there may be reasons for people not excusing themselves... A common reason would be physical handicaps, seen or not seen. It may not always be easy to get "up!" They, also should use their common sense & courtesy at the table.) Today, because of mobile phones, people are able to conduct business just about anywhere. Being polite needs to be used on both sides of the fence! 

Games on the phone are for waiting rooms....not the dinner table.  Although, it can be a great tool for a bored child at dinner, but NEVER an adult.

If you are talking on a cell phone and you are with another person, such as in a store, keep walking. If you can walk and chew gum...you can walk and talk!

In California (and some other States) you now have restrictions about talking and holding the phone while driving. Newer cars have sync systems that connect your phone to the vehicle's stereo system, making hands free calls simple. There are also ear pieces and portable systems that do the same. When receiving a phone call from a cell phone user, you may hear traffic noise, a faint or tin can sound in their voice. This is NOT the callers fault. It has to do with the technology. If you can't hear them, it is YOUR responsibility to inform them. Otherwise, how will they know? Also keep in mind that this technology is not perfect. If you can't hear someone, say you will call back.

 Don't be ignorant and blame them! Use you manners!

When on your speaker phone or on the speakers in your vehicle ...and you have a passenger in your vehicle...ALERT the person on the other end that there are other people in the vehicle that can hear the phone call! 

Dropped calls occur often. These are not the callers fault. Lots of things cause this to happen. USE your patience and COMMON sense.

And... LAST but not LEAST....Whether you are on a land line or a cell....make sure you END your phone call. BEFORE... you STUPIDLY do something! Like... TALK about the person you THOUGHT you hung up with! 

This has happened to us, and "others" that we know! 

 ***This happens sometimes when a caller gets a text or email while ending the phone call. You are NOT able to end the call until the other person hangs up THEIR phone. OR, about 10-20 minutes pass and the vehicle finally disconnects the original call. Then it's TOO LATE, they have HEARD EVERYTHING you've said! Trust Me, this happens!

And,... "That" can cause another "whole set" of problems....BOY HOWDY!

 Ignorance is NOT Bliss, when you use BAD MANNERS!

I may have missed a few rules of etiquette.....but this covers quite a few. But, it all boils down to using common courtesy 24-7-365!    

As Always Be Gracious & Kind with Style...

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Random Courtesy Rules Everyone Should Practice...

Just because some people don't practice common courtesy...doesn't mean you can't! I especially like to let my manners "show" when someone is being rude around me. Sometimes your "manners" are louder than their "rude" actions. Sometimes, good manners soften a rude person's mood. Sometimes, it puts them "in their place". Without having to be rude yourself! In any case, manners always pay off! It always... "Raises your Standards"!

Say Please and Thank You...

If someone says Hello or Nods, return the jester...

Listen with interest... 

Not interested? Excuse yourself politely...

If you must interrupt someone, say; "excuse me"...

Look people in the eye when talking to them...

Open &/or hold doors for others...

If the door was closed, close it behind you... "Do you live in a barn?"...

Wipe you feet coming in from outside...  

If you SAY your going to do something, DO IT! Following through is a virtue...

Always arrive early or at least on time. Allow for delays...

Turn off you cell phone when need be....common sense will guide you...

Use your Common Sense....it does have "a lot to do" with Manners...

Use your manners when driving...Road Rage isn't worth the stress...

Be Humble and Never take credit for someone else's deeds...

If you get an R.S.V.P., R.S.V.P.!

Thank you cards or at least a verbal thank you is always welcomed and respected...

To get respect is to give respect...

Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze...

If someone sneezes, bless them...

Wash your hands, especially coming from the restroom...

Shake hands when you greet someone you haven't seen for a while...

If you use the "last" of something replace it or let someone know...

(I know your thinking "toilet paper", I saw you smile :)...

If there is only "one" thing left and someone else is present,

offer it to them first... (Drop the Chocolate...It's mine!)

"M.a.y.b.e...just maybe, they'll share with you"...

Share nicely...play well with others...

If someone is rude to you (within reason) smile and wish them a nice day...

*You never know what is going on in people's lives, a kind word goes a long way...

Raise your Standards with Style...

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Manners gone awry, brings backlash...

Several years ago I was shopping with some friends in another town.  We had stopped at a restaurant for lunch before heading to the next store.

We were seated in a booth, and ordered right away.

My friend and I were sitting on one side and her sister on the other. Her sister was becoming very irritated with the gentleman seated directly behind us. He apparently was staring at her, making her feel uncomfortable. After awhile, she wanted to move to another table. Unfortunately there wasn't one available. And, "HE" was still staring! We tried to calm her frustration...

Desperate, she blurted out in his direction; "Didn't your Mother ever teach you NOT to stare at people?" To which he immediately replied, "Didn't YOUR Mother teach you NOT to talk to STRANGERS!"

 Just then the waitress brought our food. Not knowing what to say, she just ate!         

She felt like a child who had just been spanked!!!

We later told her, she should/could have approached the situation differently. Or, ignored it altogether. Then, she might have felt better about the whole episode! 

***

*You never know how some people will react to situations. She had sounded defensive because she was frustrated.  And in his defense, there could have been a medical reason for his stare. Or, it may have been "just a stare!" We will never know.

It was a lesson learned. Always "think before you speak." Ignoring, sometimes is the most reasonable choice!  

                                                Be thoughtful and gracious with style... 

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"Sweet & Petite, Aways Be Neat"...Table Manners

"Sweet and petite, always be neat." This statement popped out of my mouth one evening while dining in a restaurant with our children. It sounded calm and sweet, yet they knew what I meant. "Mind your manners", in any tone of voice sounds threatening to most anyone, let alone children. (Not that I never said it!) If children know what is expected, they usually will comply. Below is a guide for using manners while dining in public or at home. 

* Artwork must have written permission to reproduce or use of any kind by the artist, contact NeeCee at pinecreek@gmail.com for information


The Do's & Don'ts of Basic Manners and 
Gracious Dinning

Please and Thank you are always a must! Whether someone is handing you a menu or passing the butter!

Sit straight in the chair with your shoulders back and feet on the floor. Bring the utensil to your mouth, not your mouth to the plate. Drink your liquids, do not slurp or blow bubbles. You may rest your forearms on the table, but don't eat with your elbows on the table.

Never talk or drink with your mouth full. Eat quietly. Never smack your lips or make noises while eating.  Always chew with your mouth shut and swallow before speaking. Wipe your hands and mouth frequently with your napkin. Do this politely, dabbing instead of swiping your mouth. Napkins should lay on your lap when not in use.

Always taste your food before seasoning. You may or may not need them. Tasting first will insure not to offend the Chef, Cook or Host.

If you happen to receive silverware that does not look clean in a restaurant, quietly ask your server to replace it with a new set. 

Cut your food into one or two pieces at a time. Only children should have their's cut entirely into pieces. Eat one piece at a time.

Never leave your spoon in your cup or glass. It will more than likely cause an unnecessary accident.

Do take small amounts of food on your utensils. Never talk with your utensils waving in the air, especially with food on them.

Children should never be allowed to get up and run around the table in play. If a child should need discipline while dining out...excuse them from the table and take them to the restroom or outside to do so.

If you wear heavy lipstick, dab lightly with a tissue before you start to eat or drink. You should never leave heavy lipstick prints on a cloth napkin or drinking glass.


Always excuse yourself from the table if you must leave during the meal. Children should ask permission to leave the table when finished with their meal, when at home or a friends.


Always "push in" your chair when leaving the table. Place your napkin on the table, near your plate upon leaving. Do keep your table neat while dining. This lets the service staff know you respect their hard work.


Always thank your host or hostess. Let them know you enjoyed your meal.
Be gracious with Style...


* "Thank You to Special Young Lady" for her original pencil drawing
*All photo's belong NeeCee at pine creek style unless otherwise stated.
Written permission is required for use of photo's/artwork.

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