Newsletter Archive

Addressing an envelope and knowing the appropriate salutations can be a minefield of protocol with various titles and ranks. I do not pretend to know these by heart and must always look them up! There are a myriad of etiquette books and experts to choose from and listen to these days. I have been asked which are my personal favorite reference books, which I have listed below. (And, can you keep a secret? In the near future, I look forward to sharing my book with you, which will be a compilation of Mummy’s Monday Manners newsletters!) Mummy’s old copy of Amy Vanderbilt’s New Complete Book of Etiquette, 1962, is my most cherished etiquette book… many of the pages have become unbound and torn over the many years of loving use! There is a newer, 50th-anniversary edition available, but I still prefer to use my old copy. May I also suggest that you treat yourself

It can be a challenge to know how to address an envelope correctly, depending on title, rank, or whether a lady is married, divorced, or single…the list goes on and on. The same holds true in knowing the correct salutation to use in regard to rank and title. When addressing an envelope to a couple, traditionally the rule of thumb is that a man’s name is never separated from his last name. For example, the correct way to address my husband and me is: Mr. and Mrs. R. Stuart Holden Be aware that rank and title will change the order of the names for a married couple. If the woman outranks her husband with a professional or educational degree, and uses her title socially, then she goes first when addressing a married couple. For example: Dr. Holly Holden and Mr. R. Stuart Holden Without a title, such as Mr. and Mrs.,

Notecards can be store bought or customized with engraving, embossing or printing. Please refer to my past newsletter, “Thank You Notes- Part I,” here, for a more in-depth explanation on the various nuances of how to write a proper card. Refer to my past newsletter, “What is the most sincere type of sympathy card?” here, on reasons why you may draw a line through your name. When composing your thank you note, do your best to personalize it by explaining why you like the gift, and how or where you will use or display the gift. This seems elementary, but quite often, these simple steps are neglected! The more specific you are, the more endearing and meaningful your note will be to the recipient. For the closing lines of your note, consider saying that you look forward to seeing the person you are writing to soon so that you can thank them again in person. Wish them well

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 to bring a little gift, preferably something homemade, which both Mummy and I believe to be the best gift of all. Whether it is a meaningful photograph, homemade spiced nuts, a box of cookies or gingerbread men, a breakfast cake or casserole for the next morning, or a pecan pie that can be frozen for future use, a homemade gift speaks from a heart filled with joy. What is “the cherry on top” for a homemade gift? Taking the time to write a little note to accompany your gift with a sentence or two on

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 you appreciate what another person has given or done for you. I like to think of it as a handmade, sparkling gem you are giving someone. It is tangible and will be most appreciated and meaningful to the recipient. Some thank you notes are cherished and kept by the recipient forever… I know that I have kept many of mine. Thank you notes are handwritten, not typed or emailed, and a stamp and some form of writing paper (to be discussed in future newsletters) are required. They are written with a fountain or rolling ball

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 encourage others to sign up, and a gentler world we will advocate. Mummy would be so pleased! It has been a pleasure to receive your ideas for future newsletters… I find them so inspiring! And, your questions have influenced me to write my first “Postscripts” newsletter, where I will share a sampling of my answers. Again, I simply adore sharing some of the sage and seasoned advice that my parents taught me. Their knowledge has served me well through the years, and I wish the same for you. Question: If you are invited to a party