Newsletter Archive

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 touching or clinking glasses began eons ago. If one was afraid that there may be poison in their glass, by clinking the other person’s glass, there was a chance that a portion of their liquid would spill into the other glass… a test to prove there was no poison! So, in essence, clinking showed a sign of trust to one another. It was also a custom thought to ward away any evil spirits lurking about. At the beginning of the 20th century, clinking glasses began to be interpreted as a working-class tradition and thus was

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 as well as formal dining. I have also used the Duchess fold for formal dinner parties, which is quite regal but does require practice and a bit of finesse to fold it correctly. The Duchess fold is the napkin fold most prevalent in the English palaces and castles where I have been invited. It definitely requires a large, starched, dinner-size napkin to properly execute the fold technique. Sign up for Mummy’s Monday Manners to receive new sparkling tips about etiquette and classic design every week, along with a free download of Holly’s Elegant Entertaining e-book. Name *

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 suffice. Other countries have different codes of pumping the hands, or kissing a hand. A handshake is a centuries-old tradition, given among “equals” in reference to rank, with historical reasoning. For example, in deference to rank, HRH Queen Elizabeth can keep her gloves on to shake hands, while you should remove yours. Or, when one is in military uniform, a Major would not offer to shake hands with a General. A man should wait for a woman to extend her hand, unless there is a hierarchy, in business or otherwise, such as the CEO of your company

“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 also very considerate to say your name after the four words. For example: “How do you do? Holly Holden.” The reason you say your name is to give the other person the opportunity to hear it once more, as you repeat it after the introduction is made. How many times have you been introduced and haven’t quite…caught the name? Oh dear, I know, it has happened to me too! “How do you do?” is the most traditional greeting you can say. Pleasure to meet you, nice to meet you, pleased to meet you, or even “charmed,” do not

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 all of your heart, on white stationery with a black ink pen. If you have a white or ecru fold over, informal card with your name in black engraving (photo above), then you have the most appropriate old-school stationery to use. And, if you do not, another suitable option is a plain piece of white paper or a note card, preferably a nice stock such as Crane & Co. Stationery. Take a moment to think about the person you are remembering and then write your loving words of sympathy. A fountain pen with black ink

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 spoon by skimming the surface, scooping the spoon away from you. The reason you scoop away from yourself is so the soup does not splash onto you. If there are any drips on the spoon, discreetly wipe your spoon on the far side of the bowl along the inside rim. The soup may be gently tilted away from you to finish. A soup spoon is placed on the right side of the soup bowl, or if there is a knife at the place setting, to the right of the knife. The most traditional soup spoon is the