Newsletter Archive

How to Properly Eat a Scone: Afternoon Tea Etiquette

March 30, 2026

My recent topic on “how to butter your bread or biscuit” raised a few questions about how to properly eat a scone! When enjoying “Afternoon Tea,” which is never to be confused with “High Tea,” the centerpiece of this ritual is the warm, fragrant scone. Note: Many people make the mistake of calling this teatime ritual “High Tea,” but this is not the correct term to use. “High Tea” has historically been a hearty meat meal for the working class, eaten at a high dining table and served as their main meal around 5:00 or 6:00 PM when the laborers returned home from work. The refined social ritual with dainty sandwiches and scones is always properly referred to as “Afternoon Tea.”  So now knowing this fact, you may get a giggle when you see lovely venues offering “High Tea” instead of the proper term, “Afternoon Tea!” A proper scone should

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How to Butter Bread Properly

March 23, 2026

Gracious dining is an art found in the most delicate details. From the way we butter a piece of bread to the smallest of gestures, proper etiquette is a reflection of one’s grace. This summer, a visit from my grandchildren who live in Berlin, Germany, provided a wonderful reminder of how these small details can vary so beautifully across cultures. At our dinner table, I noticed a delightful cultural difference. My sweet grandchildren were perfectly accustomed to buttering their entire piece of bread at once, a common practice in Europe! Their manners are polished (a testament to their parents’ insistence on a nightly sit-down dinner- practice makes perfect!), but I wanted to introduce them to the American protocol for buttering the bread, which is distinctly different. Whether you are hosting a formal luncheon or heading to an important business dinner, mastering “bread and butter” skills will speak volumes before you

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The Art of Napkin Etiquette for Elegant Dinner Parties

March 17, 2026

Elegant Table Manners for Private Dinner Parties Napkins can be a secret signal in more ways than one! Their fold, placement, and use speak a language all their own, especially at a private dinner party. A napkin carries a surprising amount of tradition and unspoken etiquette and is one of the quiet hallmarks of a refined and elegant table. When dining in a private home, a gracious guest traditionally waits for the hostess to place her napkin on her lap first. Once she does, follow her lead and place yours on your lap, unfolding it quietly below the table, never with a flourish. The fold should face toward you. However, if you are dining in a restaurant or among friends without a designated hostess, it is perfectly proper to place your napkin on your lap immediately upon sitting down. When a napkin ring is present, gently slide it off toward

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The Art of the Gracious Guest: Essential Etiquette No-Nos for Your Next Party

March 11, 2026

While visiting my daughter, Alexandra, in Berlin, Germany, she hosted a delightful impromptu cocktail party in my honor. Alexandra and her charming friends, whom I simply adore, always make such a lovely gesture of welcoming me when I visit. As we prepared the wine and cheese, our conversation turned to the “unwritten rules” of being a guest. Wherever in the world you are, a touch of gracious polish is always a welcomed attribute from a guest because a thoughtful guest is the best ornament at a party! More than merely appearing, bring along your spirit of grace, gratitude and joy. Here are a few of the No-nos to consider: No-no: Upon receiving an invitation, resist the urge to ask others if they are going to the party. It is a significant “no-no” to ask others if they were included. What is done: Discretion prevents any awkwardness should a friend not

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Floral Arrangement Secrets for Dinner Party Entertaining!

March 2, 2026

There is nothing quite like the magic of flowers to bring a room to life and signal to your guests that an elegant evening awaits. Whether I am plucking blossoms from our garden at Fox Hall or selecting a few stems from the florist, preparing my floral arrangements is pure joy for me! I want to share a few of my favorite “secret” nuances that will ensure your floral arrangements are as practical as they are beautiful. 1. The Stamen Secret: When working with blossoms that have prominent stamens, such as lilies, it is a “must” to gently remove them as soon as the flower opens. Those vibrant, pollen-heavy tips can easily drop and leave permanent stains on a tablecloth or nearby upholstery. It is a small detail that saves a world of worry! (A silver tray placed under an arrangement can also serve as a “frame” to catch any

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Repurposing Family Silver Treasures: The Story of “Truffle Trays”

February 23, 2026

A Short & Sweet Secret: The Story of “Truffle Trays” I imagine you love to repurpose silver as much as I do!  I inherited some darling, small, round silver trays from Mummy. I wasn’t quite sure how she used them or what their original purpose was, but in the spirit of lovely living, I decided they needed a new life and a new name, so I named them: “Truffle Trays!” (Chocolate truffles, to be clear!) Have you considered adding a single, decadent chocolate candy to everyone’s place setting for a luncheon or dinner party? I have been doing this for years and love to place a chocolate on a truffle tray for each guest seated at our dining room table. It is a tiny detail, but it is one of my “secret” nuances that I hope makes my guests feel truly cherished from the moment they sit down! GrandMillennial Tips:

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