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DEAR RETRO HOUSEWIFE
Etiquette
Apron Embarrassment, 2007-10-27
Dear Retro Housewife,
I recently got an an apron from my grandmother and I found myself wearing it around the house while cleaning or cooking; it keeps my clothes much cleaner.
But I find if anybody visits, I take it off. How can I get over this embarrassment and not care what people think when they see me in it?
Emma
RE: Apron Embarrassment
- Dear Emma,
The reason you are embarrassed is because a hostess should try to avoid appearing in her apron when greeting guests. You must have a sixth sense for etiquette that is manifesting itself as embarrassment, and you are assuming that you are taking off your apron because your guests will think of you as old-fashioned, or look down on you.
In fact, you are taking off your apron because you are a well brought-up lady who wishes to spare her guests the sight of mishaps that occurred in the kitchen. Well done!
RH
Status: COMPLETE
ENTERTAINING IN APRON
Even in a servantless household is it permissible for the hostess to come to the dinner table wearing an apron? I have seen this done twice lately, and even though both women wore pretty, frilly aprons, it seemed to me they should have removed them before sitting down to eat.
I'll go out on a limb with you and recommend that it would be better to remove an apron before sitting down at the dinner table, even if it's a dainty, frilly thing. But we can make exceptions, depending on the apron, its becomingness as part of a dress ensemble and the informality of the gathering. If a hostess is wearing her new gown or dress which may show its kitchen abuse, she can't be blamed for wearing an apron. And she can't keep putting it on and taking it off every time she makes an appearance in the living room or dining room. There are many "costumey" aprons being worn that actually compliment dresses in which case a hostess would have no compunction about wearing one while preparing and serving dinner and doing a little clearing up afterwards. I don't think that any hostess should keep an apron on after finishing her work.
From: Today's Etiquette By LOUISE DAVIS in The Capital Times, Wednesday, Nov. 8, 1967
