Whereas, we are members of the SASSY FLORIDIAN RED HATTERS chapter of the Red Hat Society, above all, we are gathering to enjoy our sisterhood and to celebrate this disFUNctional stage of our lives...HATta Way to Go!

Therefore, the only rule is that there are no rules. This is Recess!  Basically, the Red Hat Society has no rules and is known as a "dis-organization", which sums up the feelings of our chapter. We do have a few firm suggestions and decrees by our Queen's Quart.   Decrees can and will vary, so keep your ears open in case the Queen's Quart has changed their royal mind (or is out of their mind...whichever comes first).

BeHATitudes: Wearing a Red Hat - As the name implies, the first absolute firm decree comes from the Exalted Queen Mother, Sue Ellen Cooper and HATquarters: " Whatever it is you put on your head - a hat, a big bow, or a big red rose - there must be red on the head!"  Queen Mum Tillie firmly agrees and SASSY FLORIDIAN RED HATTERS will comply with this decree:  A red hat or head covering & purple clothing, as simple or zany as you wish, MUST be worn to each gathering. There will be no exceptions, EXCEPT for your birthday month, when you may reverse these colors and wear a purple hat and red clothing or if Queen Mum Tillie decrees that a red/purple hat does not need to be worn during "home" luncheons.  BRIM BRUSHING & AIR KISSES may be necessary when greeting fellow Red Hatters.

PURPLing: Wearing Purple Outfit - Below that hat so red, a purple outfit to fit the occasion.  In the words from the Warning poem written by Jenny Joseph, from which the RHS was started:  Even if you want to balk & complain like an old woman, you shall wear purple with a red hat...and that's that!  

CHATterbox: Happy Talk - During SASSY FLORIDIAN RED HATTERS functions, while we are all together, only happy topics, FUNitude, should be part of conversations.  At the gatherings, we want to keep everything light and fun. This is our recess time, our time to play.  Politics and religions are better left at home.  We will not use our Red Hat contacts to solicit anything or share our emails and home addresses.

HATfunctious: Responsibility to the chapter - Small jobs held by SASSY FLORIDIAN RED HATTERS is necessary for the smooth running of the chapter.  Members may be asked to be responsible or assist in some manner with a luncheon or function during the year.   Queen Mum Tillie may volunteer members for luncheons without a Red Hat Hostess.  Several SASSYS can get together to plan a luncheon or function.  This includes planning a get-together or outing, notifying Queen Mum Tillie of your function, and provides driving directions with possible parking concerns, and approximate costs. This way if we get lost, we will all be lost together.  Please check with your Red Hot Hostess before bringing alcohol to a "home" luncheon.

Red Spread: Limited Numbers - Chapter size is limited to 24.  With larger numbers, we can't seem to get all those hat brims in a restaurant.  Our playpen is limited in size.

HATtendance: Attendance - Attendance at our 12 gatherings per year is anticipated by all SASSYS.  With medical, family and travel excuses aside, failure to attend four (4) luncheons in a year will result in dropping you from our membership roster.  If you want to remain active in the chapter...BE ACTIVE AND PARTICIPATE...Be a HAToholic! 

PURPLExed: Waiting List - A waiting list will exist for those wanting to be a member of SASSY FLORIDIAN RED HATTERS.

Keruffle (to throw into disorder, ruffle, confusion or fuss) RSVP - RSVP's are very important, especially to our hostesses.  RSVP means “respond ‘yes’ or ‘no’ please!”  If your RSVP is not received by the cut off date given, you may not be able to attend the event.  If you do not RSVP “yes” or “no” to two consecutive luncheons, you will be dropped from our roster.  We desire to be fun-loving but we cannot forget our manners and to be courteous.

Feather Dusting: Reservations - When an outing necessitates the planner hold reservations on a charge card and you have put your name on the list to attend or have paid in advanced...IF for some reason, you have to back out at the last minute, you are still expected to pay. We will try to fill your space and reimburse your money, but this is not always possible. The royal treasury has no funds to cover costs.

Rubies & Amethysts: Dues - Each year, we use the royal treasury to run the SASSY FLORIDIAN RED HATTERS for the following expenses:  National RHS Registration ($39), SFRH website ($25), nominal fee for scrapbook, film processing, prizes, anniversary and holiday party, etc.  Payment of the $5 dues is expected at the January, February, or March luncheon.  You must attend the luncheon to renew your membership for the coming year.  Also raffles, 50/50's, and Red Hot Sales are a means of adding to our royal treasury.  All members of SASSY FLORIDIAN RED HATTERS must join the Red Hat Society.  Their membership fee is $20 a year.

HATexpenses: Expenses - If you are planning a luncheon, you must ask and get approval from Queen Mum Tillie to spend any monies from the SASSY FLORIDIAN RED HATTERS royal treasury.  All expenses to be paid must be approved by Queen Mum Tillie, Queen of Vice Judith, and Countess du Monay Janny.  An expense report with the bills attached should be brought to the luncheon for signatures and payment. 

Royal Names - SASSY FLORIDIAN RED HATTERS are encouraged to have a Royal Name to post on our www.sassyhats.org website.  It would be fun to put on your name tag.

**Rrrrrr-HAt-ifying: Exceptions** - Exceptions to the guidelines will happen, as does life. Just contact Queen Mum Tillie and we'll work it out.

HATpennings:  In summation - Purple clothes, red hat, play nice!!

In spite of the above guidelines, the most royal of decrees is to come: HAVE FUN, LET LOOSE, LAUGH, CHAT, EAT DESSERT FIRST, CHORTLE, BE A LITTLE CRAZY, BE A KID AGAIN, EAT CHOCOLATE, WEAR FUN STUFF, GET GLITZY, GUFFAW, TAKE PICTURES, SMILE AT PEOPLE, BLOW BUBBLES, MAKE CHILDREN LAUGH, GIGGLE LIKE A CHILD, SHOP, SHOP, SHOP, EAT MORE CHOCOLATE, DO GIRLY STUFF, REJOICE, FORGET ABOUT WHAT OTHERS ARE THINKING (THEY ARE THINKING THEY WISH THEY WERE HAVING AS MUCH FUN AS YOU ARE) AND ENJOY YOURSELF WITH YOUR SISTER SASSYS!!