There’s no doubt about it, Father’s Day is a triumph of commercialization. In fact, back in the 1930’s, it was a New York City association of men’s retailers that successfully lobbied to legitimatize the holiday. Many would credit this group with turning it into the tie-fest we know today.  The bottom line is, Father’s Day falls on a Sunday, and it’s summertime. Who needs any more excuses to celebrate?

Maybe your style is to toast dad with a big-deal brunch or barbeque.  Perhaps it’s a long distance phone call to a father far away, or sometimes a simple e-mail will suffice. Or maybe you’re not quite sure of the protocol when Dimitri, or Tom, or “Dad” – isn’t really your father.

There are no hard and fast rules.  Here are some guidelines to ensure every dad, daughter, son – and mom – has a great day.

• Parents divorced and your mom remarried
  Clearly, your father comes first, but by definition, your mom’s husband is your stepfather.  If you have a strong bond with him, or even a good solid relationship, consider a card.  He’ll be thrilled and your mom will be over the moon.  A card sends a strong message of approval – you’ll make mom’s day, too.
• Your widowed mom remarried
  Circumstance dictates decorum: Great guy, truly enjoy his company, treats you like his own kid?  This calls for a personalized card, perhaps a gift, or even an invitation to your backyard barbeque. Here is a day to truly show your appreciation.
• Your mom has a “partner”
  If no civil or religious marriage ceremony took place, her partner is not your stepfather.  Courtesy and kindness rule; ultimately, it’s up to you.
• Father figures
  Could be your grandfather, godfather, or father-in-law who come to mind on this special Sunday.  Let him know – a call, a card or a coffee, shared.  As the saying goes: presence counts more than presents.

With all this chatter about barbeques, check out these delicious recipes:

Father’s Day Menu

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Back in the 1920’s and 1930′s, when self-proclaimed “Baron” Adolph de Meyer established an international reputation as the world’s first fashion photographer, neckties were de rigueur. The good Baron, as an expert in the style department, had opinions on everything including neckwear:  “…a perfect tie, and a good collar, that’s what makes a well dressed man.”

But in the almost ninety years since the Baron decreed his standards of style, things have changed. Even the most hallowed institutions have dropped necktie regulations. Gentlemen, it would appear, are no longer tied to the past.  So-called Black Tie Events are often tie-less. Witness the red carpet, Oscar Night, when megastars in designer tuxedos sport open-collared shirts.

From my perspective, a tie adds polish – it’s the final touch, like the period at the end of a sentence. Admittedly, there are a few ties I could do without; Colonel Saunders comes to mind, or bolo ties, or the monochromatic shirt-and-tie suite endorsed by Mr. Dapper himself, Regis Philbin. And then, there’s the entire category of funny, almost weird ties, synonymous with a special Sunday in June.

This year it falls on June 21st when, weather permitting, millions of men outfitted for bass fishing – wearing cargo shorts and sporting “hats-on-lock”– but wielding tongs not rods, will head for the nation’s backyard barbecues. It’s Father’s Day!  Some day, historians will pinpoint the year weird ties replaced noxious after-shave as the gift of choice for all these grill-men. But for the now, it’s time to exercise restraint when it comes to wearing these creations. Point blank, there is no right occasion for a talking tie.

I’m all for adding a vibrant note to conservative workday attire, but Jerry Garcia ties simply don’t belong in the workplace – unless, of course, your office is showbiz central. Sometimes, clients will ask about The Right Tie, about wearing a funny tie to make a presentation, or when they want to get a laugh. Remember, there’s a fine line between laughing at and laughing with – please consider the “goof-factor.”

My advice? Borrow inspiration from style icons Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert.  This dynamic duo, always collared and tie-d, manages to strike every note right – funny, hip and cool, but impeccably turned out.

Feeling confident and self-assured about your own tie choices?
See:  Burl Veneer’s Tie Blog – http://burlveneer.blogspot.com
How to tie a bow tie – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vui9Lzg7o_Q&feature=related

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Sign up for my FREE teleseminar- How to Create a Professional and Personal Image Plan on Tuesday July 28th 12-1pm Eastern Standard Time- Check your time zone! * You will learn how to create a plan that includes- all of the topics you should be familiar with to get the professional and personal image you want to project.  Register Now

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