I did exactly this recently and go away with it until she was in her seat! It does all depend on how much they know about the service standards. I followed the following:

1. I was in control of the boarding passes at all times
2. We checked in at F, but she knows that my Gold card gets me there
3. We used the CCR, which was a bit difficult as we had previously been in FLounge and she remembered this fact! I brushed it off quite easily though
4. At gate I handed over passports and boarding passes together

The main issue is how interesting the other people is in flying and how much they know. My GF couldn't care less about flying, so has no interest in wondering why "that lounge" or why "that checkin" etc.