Out of the three choices, candy is the most appropriate unless she is a member of Weight Watchers. Make sure she is a connoisseur of wine if you choose to take a nice brand of wine. If it is a dinner party, explain that it does not have to be used that evening (this is [...]
Archive for January, 2010
18Jan
When should children begin to write thank you notes? Is it appropriate for older children to write e-mail thank you notes? What about faxing thank yous?
Posted in Tips
One of my favorite topics is thank you notes. As for children, thank you note etiquette should start as soon as the child is able to hold a writing utensil, even if their writing is not legible. Start with having them sign their “name” artistic as it may be. The parent can write the message [...]
11Jan
Recently I overheard someone smartly ask if they would be seated “above the salt.” Is this an etiquette term, and if so, what does it mean?
Posted in Tips
Offhand I would say this person was showing off because table settings today are different from years ago. The term “above the salt” goes back to Medieval times, referring to the seating of honored guests. Guests were seated on one side of the table so they could observe pages and servers bringing in the large [...]
04Jan
How does one eat and make conversation at the dinner table at the same time without appearing offensive?
Posted in Tips
Rule #1: DO NOT get drunk. Omit, or at least limit, alcoholic intake. People talk louder when they drink alcohol. Their convictions become stronger; therefore they can be perceived as obnoxious and offensive. Rule #2: Avoid controversial subjects such as sex, religion, politics, and controversial characters (e.g. Monica Lewinsky, Hillary Clinton, Tom Daschel, etc.) Rule [...]
