Newsletter Archive

The presence of cell phones on the table has snuck in the back door and become the norm for many. While I touched upon this in another MMM newsletter this subject, like having a drink in one’s hand while being photographed, is worth mentioning again! Mummy did not have to contend with cell phones on the dinner table since taking a phone to a party was not even an option back then. Today, of course, it’s hard to find a restaurant where families, couples, and children aren’t looking into their phones. Welcome to 2020! When attending a black tie dinner with my husband Stuart at Buckingham Palace, we were given strict instructions that cell phones were not allowed and would be collected, along with our coats, as we entered the palace. That took care of that! When attending a black tie wedding at a notable church recently, in the vestibule was an attractively framed message

While attending a most grand wedding in Chicago recently, the question was posed to me by a few ladies, dear friends of mine, as we were standing together at the glorious black tie cocktail reception: do we need to set down our drinks for a group photograph? It was such a joyous occasion, having a drink in our hands only felt natural! To my amazement, however, I heard Mummy’s words in the back of my head saying, “place your drink to the side, and out of your hand, when posing for a photograph!” Mummy recommended not to be photographed with a drink in your hand. Her reason? It does not appear ladylike! While times have changed and are more relaxed, I understand what she was trying to say to me. For both men and women, a glass or anything else you hold in a photograph can be translated as some kind

A diamond tiara may be the most consummate, prized jewelry piece in a lady’s repertoire. Its noble history and elegant sparkle lend a stunningly elegant aura to any lady who wears one! Should an occasion arise in your future for you to wear a tiara, you should be aware of the protocol that comes along with the tradition of it. According to the English protocol, diamond tiaras are only worn by married women or members of the royal family. A tiara is not worn by an unmarried woman. Hence, a diamond tiara brilliantly serves not only as a status symbol for a married lady but is tantamount to a wedding ring. It is an outward display that she is married and therefore not looking for a husband. Traditionally, a diamond tiara is passed down through one’s family. If you inherited one, you have a good reason to keep it! Historically, a bride wore her

Do you have a “diamond dilemma”?! Now that is an oxymoron… how could anyone have a dilemma with a diamond?! Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, right? Well, here is the dilemma- the traditional rule of etiquette, which you may or may not be privy to, is that diamonds are not worn during the daytime. Diamonds are worn only after dusk, or after 6 in the evening! Even the Royal protocol in England dictates this rule. So, do you ignore OR respect this traditional etiquette rule of thumb? This rule applies to diamond watches, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and tiaras. Wedding and engagement rings, and pins, are exempt from this old-school rule.  Any other type of gemstones, as well as pearls, may all be worn in the daytime. But, not diamonds. They are considered too “flashy” for the daytime. Nighttime is when diamonds are at their best to twinkle. Diamonds add sparkle, especially

A receiving line is such a lovely tradition, purposely created for the opportunity for hosts, and the guest of honor, or the bride and groom, to meet each guest attending their party or reception! Receiving lines are certainly not passé as some may think but are actually quite stylish. In fact, a receiving line is de rigueur (required etiquette) for a majority of regal, military or formal official celebrations. Having a receiving line at receptions, weddings, funerals, and even luncheons, is a brilliant and gracious way of enabling the guests to shake hands and introduce themselves to the hosts, thank them, wish them well or offer condolences. I encourage you to consider having a receiving line when there are more than fifty guests invited. From luncheons to fund-raising receptions at Fox Hall, our two daughters’ weddings, as well as our own wedding reception in Richmond, Virginia, I highly recommend having a

There is nothing more elegant than flowers picked from the garden and arranged to grace a dining room table! Mummy instilled in me that the most appropriate flower arrangement for a dining room table must be low enough so that you can easily see the guests seated on the opposite side of the table. The whole purpose of dining is to have conversations and to interact with the other guests, which is nearly impossible if the flower arrangement is too high! Playing peek-a-boo around a garden bush outside is amusing, but not at a dinner table. Garden flowers are always a treasure to behold in an arrangement, but if you do not have a garden, or if you are in a season without flowers, purchasing them is still a lovely option. I sometimes intertwine store-bought flowers with my garden flowers too. Sign up for Mummy’s Monday Manners to receive new