Newsletter Archive

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 because of their placement on the right. In private houses in England, everything happens on the left side of the guest. Plates are served AND cleared from the left. The reasoning goes back to the time when there was staff to serve. Because glasses are placed on the right side of the place setting, by serving and removing everything from the left, there is less chance that the servers may knock a glass over. Sign up for Mummy’s Monday Manners to receive new sparkling tips about etiquette and classic design every week, along with a

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 piece at a time, and then butter each piece one at a time as well! Also, it’s important to remember to never butter an entire piece of bread! The butter knife can be placed on the butter plate at the 10-2 o’clock position, with the blade pointed towards the diner. In England, the butter knife is placed in the 12-6 o’clock position, with the blade facing to the left, away from the dinner plate. See these examples brought to life in the photo above. The monogram in the photo are those of my dear mummy.

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 in polite society, yes, even in this relaxed world. My intention is to enlighten you, or simply refresh what you already know. Stunning manners can open magical, even regal doors. I am most grateful to my Mummy, and my British father, who instilled in me the importance of knowing and displaying a polished code of manners. I truly look forward to sharing them with you! Entertaining Etiquette Where do you seat your guest, or guests of honor, at a dinner table? The guests of honor should be seated to the right of the host or hosts. So, for example, a gentleman

When attending a formal or semi-formal dinner, where do you place your evening bag? Several ladies have asked me this question, so here is my two-part answer! Typically, Mummy advised me that the rule of thumb for an evening bag is to place it on your lap, with the napkin placed over it, or behind the small of your back against the chair, but never hanging from the chair! All other handbags may be placed on the floor next to you.  Now, here is my exception to this rule: If you are attending a public event such as a fundraiser, museum, or even a restaurant dinner and you have a delicate “Judith Leiber” type evening bag (examples in the photograph), then it has become acceptable to place it on the table, above the place setting, so that it is not in the way of the server. These little evening bags can be quite pretty and sparkly,

It is getting cold outside, which makes it a splendid time to attend a performance at a ballet, opera, theatre, or even the cinema! As such, here are a few things to consider. While it is not necessarily required to dress up, it shows respect to the performers… And, why not? It is always fun to have an excuse to dress up! Wearing a coat and tie or a cocktail dress is considered internationally appropriate unless Black Tie is specified. Being punctual is paramount! If you are tardy, be prepared to be asked to wait until the usher deems an appropriate time to seat you, for instance, at the end of an act or the interval. Once my husband and I were set to attend the Opera Bastille but were delayed in Parisian traffic. When we arrived, we were required to wait inside next to the closed doors of the performance for twenty minutes. Be polite

Everyone claims to set goals for themselves for the New Year, but what is a tried and true method for doing so? Well, I know first-hand from Alexandra Terhalle. She is a University of Cambridge certified career and life coach, and just happens to be my eldest daughter!  Alexandra has clients around the globe via virtual consultation at www.AlexandraTerhalle.com. I am excited to share with you her “Recipe for Success,” which I have used to become crystal clear on my own goals for 2020. The Recipe for Success: Be specific- know exactly what you would like to have, be, or do. Assign a date to it. Commit to it. Focus on it daily. Alexandra’s TOP TIP: Vague goals produce vague results! Instead, get specific. Make sure you set clearly defined goals. Sign up for Mummy’s Monday Manners to receive new sparkling tips about etiquette and classic design every week, along with a free