Holiday joy and homemade hostess gifts
Merry Christmas and joyful holiday wishes to YOU! Being together with family and friends is always a merry occasion, especially on Christmas Eve and Day. If you are the host/hostess of the house, be sure to make the extra effort to welcome your guests at the door with JOY! If you are the guest, make the effort […]
Thank You Notes – Part 1
I can hear Mummy now, especially in the days before Christmas. “Always have an attitude of gratitude… it will serve you well your entire life!” An attitude of gratitude most certainly extends to thank you notes. The gracious gesture of sending a thank you note is an unexpected gift which expresses, in writing, how much […]
Postscript — Your Questions Answered
What lovely support I have received from you! I am thrilled that the list of subscribers for Mummy’s Monday Manners grows daily. Thank you for spreading the word and encouraging family and friends to sign up for MMM. I am most grateful for your enthusiasm. I do hope that you will continue your efforts to […]
To Clink or Not to Clink? That is the Wine Question!
Oh, a celebration and the lovely sound which two crystal glasses make when they are “clinked” together. The heavier the crystal, the more full-bodied and robust the sound! As tempting as it may be, when a toast is made in regal circles, or “polite society,” glasses are always raised for a toast, but are never clinked. The tradition of […]
Are you familiar with old-school napkin niceties?
Napkins can be a secret signal in more ways than one! How you fold, place and use them has a language all its own. Mummy always said the napkins need to be pressed and folded correctly. The fold method she taught me to use (pictured above), is quite simple to execute and appropriate for informal […]
What does your handshake say about you?
Your handshake is a greeting that truly represents you! The strength of your grip is important. This shows that your handshake is not a hollow gesture, which a limp handshake can imply. In the United States, one or two pumps of your hand as you shake, straight up and down, not side to side, will […]
What are the FOUR words to say when introduced, while shaking hands?
“How do you do?” These four words are AS GOOD AS GOLD! They are tantamount to a ‘secret code’ when combined with a strong handshake, excellent eye contact, and a sincere smile. This simple combination of the four words and the ceremonial handshake quietly relay that you respect and have mastered traditional manners. It is […]
What is the most sincere type of sympathy card?
A card that is not store-bought is the most sincere way to offer your condolences, especially if you can’t be there in person. There is no need to buy a sympathy card, ever. Mummy always said that your words are a thousand times more meaningful than what is printed on a card. So, write with […]
How do you sip your soup?
Quietly, and from the side of the spoon! One does not place the entire spoon in one’s mouth. Soup is sipped silently from the side of the spoon. As tempting as it may be to place the entire spoon in your mouth, especially when a truly yummy soup is served, refrain yourself! Fill your soup […]
How do you serve and clear the plates from the dining room table at a dinner party?
In America, the rule of thumb is to “serve on the left!” Plates, along with other serving dishes, are served on the left side of the guests. Plates are cleared from the table on the right side of the guests. “Remove on the right!” Simply remember the two R’s! Glasses are refilled on the right […]
When bread is served to you, what is the appropriate way to adorn your bread with butter?
When bread is served to you, take the piece of bread to your butter plate (to the left of your dinner plate) and let it rest a moment versus straight to your mouth. Then, break or tear a piece at a time with your fingers. Never cut your bread with a knife! Always tear one […]
Where do you seat your guest, or guests of honor, at a dinner table?
You are cordially invited to enter the secret, unwritten world of manners and etiquette. Every Monday, you will receive my newsletter which will pose a question about different forms of etiquette to you. I will share a concise explanation as to what’s done and also, what is not done… the forbidden faux pas to avoid! You will be privy to the subtle nuances practiced […]