Should I tip my takeaway driver? Because things don’t always go to plan when ordering food from the many delivery apps available, here are our top tips to help you overcome the potential delivery dilemmas you could experience below and some advice on tipping.
My food spilled everywhere in transit. Help!
Some dishes travel better than others. However, there are times when the restaurant hasn’t packaged the food properly or the food has been damaged in transit. If you are disappointed with your delivery, the first thing you should do is check the takeaway app’s terms and conditions for who to contact as many state that it is the restaurant’s responsibly to securely package your food. Bear in mind too that you’ll have to wait again to receive your new food order, although hopefully this time it will come in one piece!
Should I tip my takeaway driver?
With payment having been taken through the app, you’re not required to hand over any cash to the driver upon receiving your food. However, because a tip is discretionary, feel free to tip if you feel that the rider has gone above and beyond to get your food to you in record time and in perfect condition.
Don’t abuse the delivery instructions section
It’s pretty standard to ask for an extra couple of sauces when ordering. Some people, however, always feel the need to ask for appetisers or extras on the house for no good reason. If you realise you’d like to add to your order, then it’s up to you to add items at an additional cost. Of course, only the brave attempt having their food delivered to them while they’re on a train, as evident in this YouTube video.
Bon appétit.
Think wedding lists are women's domains? Think again if you want a say in your bar set or barbecue. We know what men really want. And with Debrett's wedding list partner, The Wedding Shop, being nominated recently for Best Gift List in the British Wedding Awards 2019, there's no better time to register for your gift list with Debrett's and The Wedding Shop.
So, forget about toasters, dishes and silver service cutlery, we've selected the wedding gifts men really want.
Sit back in your favourite armchair, take a sip of whisky and close your eyes. Momentarily, you are Don Draper. Or, at least, drinking from this classic, sleek Dartington Crystal whisky glass you can pretend to be.
Dartington Crystal, Classic Single Whisky Glass £25 (Product 91713)
Wow your guests with both your culinary skills and also your French pronunciation with this essential and striking Le Creuset casserole dish. (It's pronounced 'Luh Creugh Say'!)
Le Creuset cast iron casserole dish 1.8 litre £149 (Product 6572)
Men love gadgets. Fact! And what's better than a wifi-enabled sous vide machine you can control from your phone? Want to make a delicious and tender ribeye steak with minimal effort? No problem!
Witt Smart Sous Vide Machine £299 (Product 312679)
To sit alone or with a few friends, half-drunk under a full moon, you just understand how lucky you are; it's a story you can't tell. It's a story you almost by definition can't share. I've learned in real time to look at those things and realise: I just had a really good moment. - Anthony Bourdain
Are you planning on giving thanks this holiday season? We live in a fast-paced world where we often pay our phones more attention than ourselves and those we love. With that in mind, we've written below three ways you can use Thanksgiving as a springboard to focus on what's important in life and how to put actions into practice.
1. Start a Gratitude Diary
Studies show that writing helps organise our thoughts. So make sure you pick up a pen each time you experience something that touches the heart. The secret to staying committed to your diary is by keeping it brief and by not setting yourself targets for the number of entries.
2. Do Something Kind for Someone
Being kind is the one decision that we can make every day to bring some happiness to other people as well as ourselves. Whether it's buying food to give to the homeless, or giving up your seat to someone less able than you on public transport, being kind is good for the soul.
3. Give Away, Rather than Sell, Unwanted Possessions
You don't have to open the eBay app every time you're having a clear out. Donating clothes to a charity shop instead of selling them for a few pounds makes a real difference to those who need it most.
We hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving and find some time today to reflect, recenter and refocus on the important people and things in your world.
This week is the most popular time for the office party during the festive season. So, before you put on your reindeer antlers, Christmas jumper and sip that first glass of something sparkling, make sure to take a look at our do's and don'ts that will ensure you'll breeze through the celebrations without a single festive faux pas.
Do: Embrace the dress code. Whether it's a Christmas jumper job or a black tie affair, wearing the appropriate apparel shows respect to your colleagues.
Don't forget: You're under the watchful eye of senior management.
Do: Circulate and socialise. Chat with members of the office you don't normally interact with day-to-day.
Don't get carried away: We guarantee that using your boss' credit card for thirty-something espresso martinis will leave you with more than a hangover the next day.
Do: Ask colleagues about their families, children and holidays.
Don't gossip: Or spread rumours, or confess your sins...
Do: Pace yourself, eat plenty and alternate alcoholic drinks with glasses of water.
Don't linger under the mistletoe: Steer clear of dirty dancing.
Do: Keep goodnight kisses innocent (or better still, avoid entirely). Wake up in a familiar place, e.g. not the hospital or on the pavement.
Don't pull a sickie the day after: It's not cool
So, don your Santa hat, enjoy the free food and drink provided by the company, and keep a cool head.
When it comes to greeting cards in the UK, it seems we simply cannot get enough. Last year the market in the UK was valued at a whopping £1.7bn. And with a large majority of those cards being described as 'vulgar', we ask: does the rise of the offensive greeting card mean that Brits are becoming more comfortable with swear words? Or are they simply an ugly hangover from the 90's lads' mag era where the crude drawings of body parts on cards were considered a bit of harmless 'banter', the catch-all word for 'harmless fun' whose actions often stray into the murky world of workplace disciplinaries, university expulsions and criminal trials?
Inspired by the 'On The Offensive' Guardian article that looked at different people's opinions on the greeting cards, whether that be linguistically, commercially or culturally, we found these differing opinions:
The Designer
Back in 2008, Dean Morris was reportedly selling 750,000 cards a year. Dedicated to the card crusade, Morris views his cards as endearing gifts to give to friends: 'sharing swearwords almost means people think highly of you'.
It would seem that context is everything. If I wanted to give my best friend an offensive card (and who would find it in good humour), then surely there is no harm done? Well, not according to:
The Business Owner
In 2017, customer complaints forced Paperchase to pull some cards from their stores and use 'rude cards here - you have been warned' signs, along with ensuring the adult cards were kept out of a child's eye line.
The Comedian
Andy Medhurst, author of A National Joke: Popular Comedy and English National Identity believes that British humour has always been 'nasty'. He views the buying of these cards as the enforcement of 'gang mentalities', where boundaries are pushed and only two camps can exist: it's us and them.
So, the next time you go to pick a card, maybe take a second to reflect. What may seem to some as a bit of a laugh on a birthday could come across to others (at best) as embarrassing, (or worse) as reinforcing the same outdated gender stereotypes that were outdated even when Oasis' 'Wonderwall' was top of the charts.
In a week where the 'b' word, yes Brexit, has dominated the news, we thought we'd turn our attention to the other 'b' word: (the royal baby) which stole headlines on Monday and added a ray of light to an otherwise gloomy autumnal sky.
Here are the top three questions we received form the world's media and readers alike on the announcement of the Royal baby.
To Whom Will the Royal baby Have to Bow/Curtsy to?
We can only imagine that behind closed doors the Royal family are more relaxed and informal when it comes to greeting each other than the strict protocol they follow when in front of the world's TV cameras.
What is the Protocol Surrounding Royal pregnancies?
There is no official protocol, although good manners dictate that, after the parents of the happy couple finding out, the rest of the Royal family would be informed ahead of the announcement to the press.
What Title will Harry and Meghan's Child Receive?
The son or daughter of a Duke and Duchess would automatically receive the title of Lord or Lady. However, as Prince Harry is sixth in the line of succession there is no reason that the child wouldn't receive the title of Prince or Princess closer to the birth, should The Queen decree it. Indeed, in 2012 Her Majesty issued a decree allowing Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis to have their respective titles.
Do you know how to switch off on holiday? The days leading up to a holiday can be stressful, with handovers at work to complete, decisions on what to pack and airport transfers to arrange. A recent study found that the average Briton worries for up to a week before the holiday, fears which can actually spill over to the holiday itself as work emails are checked and replied to.
So, how to switch off during your holiday in this hyper-connected world and reap the benefits that practising mindfulness brings? After all, it's when we let our subconscious minds take over that we regain wonder and allow our most creative thoughts to flow.
Inspired by this Guardian article, here are the top five things you can do before and during your holiday to ensure that your worries disappear behind the horizon with the setting sun:
1. Write a list of handover notes
Experts recommend writing your responsibilities down on paper to take a load off your mind. This list will enable you to prioritise what can wait until your return and if there is anything to be delegated in the meantime. Just this one step will mean that, on leaving the office, when you turn your out-of-office on you can switch off.
2. Remove your work email inbox from your phone
Checking your work email whilst away will only bring back the everyday stresses from which we all want to disconnect. Temporarily removing your work inbox is a good way to beat temptation. For those of you who would find it even more stressful to return to an overflowing work inbox, limit yourself to checking work emails for a specific amount of time: for example, only for 30 minutes in the morning or in the evening, allowing you the better part of a full day to relax and unwind.
3. Allow your creative mind to wander
FMRI brain scan studies show that it's when we let our mind wander that we're more able to have creative breakthroughs as our brainwaves sit in beta waves which allow for a state of creative 'flow'. So switch off and go for a bike ride, paddleboard in the sea, stick your nose in a good book or sip a daiquiri underneath a palm tree.
4. Regain time by limiting your phone usage
Too many of us have fallen into the habit of associating downtime with smart phone use. With so many digital platforms vying for our attention, ensure to limit your phone use to one or two set periods a day. By being strict with yourself you will be surprised by just how much more free time you have.
5. Reflect on your goals
Take some time out where possible to think about your personal and professional achievements and what you would like to focus on in future. It's surprising how a simple change of scene can help shift our focus inwards, help define our goals for the future and let a new sense of calm radiate out from within.
So book those days off, switch off and return ready to throw yourself confidently into your next task.
With the World Cup firmly upon us, most England supporters will be well aware that, as the tournament enters the knockout stages, the chances of games being won on penalties rises exponentially. Even with Germany out, given our track record, the English have good reason to be a little more nervous than most.
For many, stepping up to take a penalty is a lot like stepping up to a podium to address an audience: confidence is key for both. Rupert Wesson, Debrett’s Academy Director, shares a few of his key tips that work for speakers and penalty-takers alike.
Nervousness is not necessarily a negative
When faced with public speaking, nerves are not necessarily your enemy. Nerves are a natural response that, if you’re prepared, can be harnessed and used in a positive way. If you think of nerves as being on a spectrum, at one end of scale would sit dysfunctional nervousness (where it is almost impossible to function). By contrast, the other end of the scale is home to cockiness or ambivalence, which is just as dangerous. A healthy speaker operates somewhere in the middle of this spectrum. In the middle ground, your senses are heightened, and you are focused on the task in hand. So be fully aware of your nerves, but try to have them comfortably under wraps – or at least up on the spectrum from dysfunctional!
“Failure to prepare is preparing to fail”
Just as the World Cup teams will have been planning for the knockout stages months in advance, you should start thinking about what to say well ahead of your appearance. Your mind works better in a relaxed state, so give yourself plenty of time to write your speech, and practise while there is still plenty of time. In the age of procrastination, it is common for individuals to put off thinking about things until it is too late, then hastily constructing a speech without a second thought on how they plan to deliver it. If pushed for time, we advise focusing on the start of your talk, when you will be the most nervous, but also when you can still win the audience over. Another tip is to think about saying less but saying it well. After all, when was the last time you heard anyone complain that a speech was too short?
Imagine things going well
Mental preparation is vital, and in the build-up to any knockout match the players will not only practise taking penalties, they will also spend time visualising the moment that they take the shot. They will only ever visualise it going well. If you only envisage your talk going well, then it probably will.
Fake it until you make it
For some, confidence may just be an act, but whilst you can trick others into thinking you are confident, you can also trick yourself. As you step forward, relax your body and look upwards, not downwards. Don’t set your face into a stiff grimace, but instead relax it and try to smile. Science now shows us how doing these things can change the chemistry of our body to help us stay calm.
Bask in the limelight
Whether you’re a football star on the world stage, or a keynote speaker at an industry event, everyone will be looking at you. Though this may sound daunting, you should enjoy the attention. Footballers need supporters just as speakers need an audience. Imagine you were at a speaking event and no one was interested. That would be a disaster! As a speaker, it is your responsibility to acknowledge the audience rather than worry about yourself.
Finally, nervousness is all in the mind – and just remembering that will help you to control your nerves!
It’s guaranteed to be the most photographed event of 2018, and it’s not just the royal couple under scrutiny. A royal wedding requires guests to pull out all the style stops, so if you’re one of the fortunate few invited to celebrate the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on 19th May, what on earth should you wear?
Even for the brief period of the couple’s engagement, Ms Markle has won plaudits for her distinctive but occasion-appropriate sense of style. So who better to offer inspiration on this most public style platform than the bride herself?
Wear the Trousers
It’s still relatively unusual to see women wearing trouser suits at weddings, but Meghan Markle showed just how elegant they can look at the Endeavour Fund Awards in February. Amal Clooney, meanwhile, wore cream trousers and matching top with a wide-brimmed hat for her civil ceremony in Venice.
With jumpsuits given the official nod of approval at Royal Ascot’s Royal Enclosure for the first-time last year, we can expect to see the all-in-one make an appearance on the 19th, too.
Pale or bright colours and light fabrics such as silk or linen, paired with well-thought-out accessories, will ensure that you don’t look like you’re heading to the office. Remember that shoulders should be covered for a church ceremony.
Keep it British
Royal weddings in the UK are occasions for celebrating homegrown craft and produce: sparkling wine from Chapel Down vineyard in Kent was served at the reception for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with an array of locally-sourced food.
The Queen similarly chose to wear British designer Norman Hartnell on her wedding day, with Princess Diana and the Duchess of Cambridge following suit in the Emanuels and Alexander McQueen respectively.
Meghan Markle has already shown her support for British labels and brands on a number of public appearances: Marks & Spencer sold out of its black bell sleeve sweater when she wore it to visit Brixton radio station Representz earlier in the year. It is believed, however, that a sketch from Israeli bridal designer Inbal Dror has been requested by Kensington Palace – will she break with previous form in her choice of wedding gown?
For guests keen to bring the best of British to the royal wedding, Stella McCartney, Burberry, Alexander McQueen, Emilia Wickstead, Amanda Wakeley and Erdem are just a few of the homegrown choices on offer.
Consider the occasion
Despite her relaxed approach to interacting with members of the public, Meghan Markle knows when to embrace formality, choosing smart but stylish outfits for her many high-profile appearances, such as on Christmas day at Sandringham.
Guests at the royal wedding should bring a similar sense of occasion, opting for an outfit that incorporates both tradition and style to acknowledge the importance of the ceremony.
And while Meghan Markle might prefer to dispense with formal physical protocol when meeting members of the public, if guests are introduced to a member of the royal family, women should still remember to curtsey and men bow from the neck.
Remember to Smile
She’s about to marry the UK’s most eligible bachelor, so why has the British public embraced Meghan Markle so readily to its heart? It could be because she seems so likeable. Much of her appeal is down to the warmth and authenticity of her smile: remember the relaxed grin with which she responded to events going awry at the Endeavour Fund Awards?
Guests on 19th May should follow suit. If a heel breaks, or a button pops, or your hat topples, simply remember that you’re there to celebrate the couple – as is everybody else – so smile! Are you attending a wedding this year? For style inspiration, head to the luxury boutiques at Bicester Village, less than an hour on the train from London www.bicestervillage.com
Have you ever experienced negligent, unfair, or simply shoddy treatment by a business? If so, you'll know what a difference it can make to receive a full and frank apology – and conversely, how frustrating it can be when no expression of regret or remorse is forthcoming. Too often, businesses fear the repercussions of saying sorry, believing that it admits fault and exposes them to legal action.
Now, a campaign called The Apology Clause is petitioning to make it easier for companies to say sorry when things go wrong. We spoke to its founders, communications and crisis management experts Guy Corbet, Sue Stapely (a solicitor) and Nick Wright, to find out more.
What is the Apology Clause?
The Apology Clause is a campaign to help make it easier for businesses to behave with compassion when things go wrong, and to help victims have better recoveries.
Too often businesses don’t apologise when they believe they should, because they put their fear of legal retribution over doing the right thing.
But that needn’t be the case. The law says, in the Compensation Act 2006 that, 'an apology, an offer of treatment or other redress, shall not itself amount to an admission of negligence or breach of statutory duty'.
In other words, it is alright to say sorry.
Why did you decide to set up the campaign?
We set the campaign up to raise awareness of this little-known, and little-used law.
We would also like new legislation, or increased use of case law, to clarify the precise meaning of the existing law, which is not always clear.
Too often, in our professional lives as communications advisors, we have seen firms wanting to do the right thing, but being advised against it. It seems absurd that the law should stop people behaving well.
Why does it matter whether or not companies apologise?
Very often they can see that their reputations will suffer if they do not, and they would like to. The bad publicity it attracts can be devastating.
Not apologising can also harm victims and others who have suffered. Apologies help people get over trauma. Their absence can prevent it. In some cases, that can harm the rest of their lives.
Why are so many companies reluctant to say sorry?
Very often they are ready to say sorry, but their professional advisors, whether lawyers or insurers advise them against it. They fear that if they apologise it will open them up to legal action. Although they know it looks bad, they keep their heads down and say nothing.
What is the impact of an apology on a victim?
Sometimes an apology can make all the difference. Think about the number of times you hear the expression 'all I wanted was an apology'.
Often when terrible things have happened the people who have suffered feel that they are responsible. This can weigh heavily on them, perhaps freezing them in the moment of their deepest trauma. An apology can show they weren’t to blame and help them move on.
You say that you want companies to apologise when things go wrong, without it being seen as an admission of negligence, but doesn’t an apology imply responsibility, and therefore negligence if something has gone wrong?
Well that’s what the campaign is about. The law says an apology is “not an admission of negligence”. Very often an apology is the right thing to do, without admitting fault. Think about how often you apologise when someone bumps into you.
It’s a civil way of moving beyond the incident and very often looking at how to avoid such things happen again.
We are wary of non-apologies, when people say sorry without really meaning it, and hollow ones, where they do nothing to prevent an accident happening again.
And, of course, a meaningful apology does not absolve the organisation from legitimate legal consequences. For example, where health and safety laws have been breached.
Most importantly, apologies help victims recover and move on with their lives.
How can I find out more?
Visit apologyclause.com to find out more, contact us at [email protected], or show your support by signing the petition at www.change.org/p/secretary-of-state-for-justice-clarify-the-apology-clause
