Clik here to view.
Graduation Graces
With the happy season of caps and gowns upon us, now is a perfect time for a few simple pomp and circumstance reminders: Announcements Graduation announcements are often ordered en mass through the...
View ArticleThis ONE Attitude Could Change Our Political Climate
I just can’t help myself! I must make my political views known! Before you read ahead to find out if I’m a donkey, an elephant, or still touring the zoo, please know that my political party is unique....
View ArticleClik here to view.
Diners Misbehaving at Dinner
As I prepare to teach an etiquette course to servers at an upscale restaurant, I’ve been knee-deep in dining etiquette. I have a renewed appreciation for servers of the world because, quite honestly,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
A Simple Thank You
The start of our conversation went like this…. “Hey Girls! Time for me to write a blog. Why don’t I write from a perspective of a high school student. What are some poor manners that you see in your...
View ArticleClik here to view.
What’s a Girl at a Boy Scout Meeting To Do?
I work with scout troops regularly and love it! They are always fun to teach. I myself was a Girl Scout back in the day. Several, several days ago. And all three of my kids were involved in scouts at...
View ArticleClik here to view.
A Victory for Civility
On Friday, Patrick Pexton signed off after two years as Washington Post’s ombudsman. Let me answer your first question. An ombudsman? What? Put simply, an ombudsman is an independent complaint...
View ArticleClik here to view.
When In Rome, Do As The Romans Do
My husband and I are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary by taking a special trip to Italy! I have never visited Italy. I’m SO excited thinking about the amazing and historic places we will see,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Does a Simple “No” Do the Trick?
A thoughtful friend recently e-mailed me for my opinion on the subject of declining an invitation. She wrote: “I think the polite way to decline is a simple, “Oh, I’m sorry. That date won’t work for...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Intention and Grace Collide
As I was preparing to teach a course to restaurant servers, I took an informal survey, asking friends what drives them crazy about restaurant service. Over and over, I heard “When a server says ‘No...
View ArticleClik here to view.
RSVP = Please, Please, PLEASE Reply
If you were to take a survey of the etiquette violation I hear the most about, I have a VERY clear winner. Failure to RSVP. I hear about this etiquette no-no for social events, networking events and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Guilt and the Thank You Note
Nothing makes my day more than writing a blog post about a real-life etiquette situation because it means that it’s REAL. I love keeping it real with our interactions. None of this fancy-smancy,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The Kitchen Table
Last week our family of five enjoyed the last meal together at our “old” kitchen table (see picture). It was a table that served us well over the past thirteen plus years. As we were eating dinner and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Do You Know Who You Are Talking To!?
“Do you know who you’re talking to!?” The exclamation point is first because those words aren’t really asking a question. It’s more of a statement. A statement that might infer one of the following:...
View ArticleClik here to view.
5 Ways to Absolutely Ruin A Thank You Note
Show of hands…..How many of you still write the old fashion thank you note and mail it via snail mail? Me too, me too! There’s still something very special about opening up your mailbox and finding a...
View ArticleClik here to view.
10 Tips to Help Your Student Turn on the Back To School Charm
It’s back to school time! Whether those words have you jumping for joy or shedding tears, it’s here. Each school year, we parents experience a sense of renewed excitement for our kids. Maybe a little...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Cubicle Courtesies
Remember your first college roommate experience? Living in close quarters with someone other than a family member. Perhaps a complete stranger. Sharing a bathroom. Restraining yourself from eating all...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Inconsiderate Inconspicuous Invitations
Have you ever been part of a conversation that resembles this one? Friend: Hey – What are you doing Friday night? With thoughts of an invitation for a couples dinner at a hip new restaurant or a fun...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Did My Tattoos Cost Me A Job?
A modern day issue – especially with the younger crowd: visible tattoos and body piercings. Some we see. Some we don’t. Regardless of the class I’m teaching or my audience – assuming a minimum age of...
View ArticleClik here to view.
5 Simple Tricks for Remembering Names
Why is it that something so simple is such a challenge? We struggle with it even more as we “age gracefully.” We all know someone who is fantastic with remembering names and we’re impressed. What’s...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Secrets of Being A Warm and Welcoming Host
Warm and welcoming. If I could pick two words that are my personal mantra for how I want to be thought of as a host, these are the ones. Warm and welcoming. I am not a gourmet cook. I am not lavish or...
View Article
