Newsletter Archive

Mummy shared with me that if a friend dropped off some home-baked cookies or a vase of flowers from their garden, that I was to return the empty container to them cleaner than when I received it… along with a little something inside as a gift back to them. For example, I’ve sent back a few homemade cookies, a jar of yummy jam, some chocolates, a couple of sprigs of rosemary from the garden to fill a vase, or simply a slice of birthday cake. It is the thought that counts. If it is homemade, even better! The reason why I shared the “return-practice” above is that it is also how I deal with an invitation that states “No Gifts.”  I, personally, cannot go to a party empty-handed! Giving a gift gives me so much joy! Perhaps it’s the Southerner in me, but no gifts feels just like returning a plate without a

Let’s carry on with a few more vocabulary words which you may also wish to know. There are words interpreted in certain circles as inferior, and knowing these distinctions can go a long way towards creating a lasting first impression. Incorrect: drape Correct: curtain Reasoning: Drapes go on a coffin, curtains are hung on a window. Incorrect: invite Correct: invitation Reasoning: “Invitation” is the written-out form for inviting someone to a function. The word “invite” is the verb to ask someone to attend a function. Incorrect: cheap Correct: inexpensive Reasoning: My dear friend, Graham Smith, co-founder of “The Welcome Home Podcast“, suggested two words which her grandmother would correct her on. “Cheap,” her grandmother would say, implies quality, whereas “inexpensive” means cost. Graham was never allowed to call anything cheap other than to describe a fabric or something such as that! Incorrect: throw a party Correct: host a party Reasoning: A

The sweetest words to anyone’s ears is their name!  The most aggravating words, on the other hand, is to hear their name mispronounced!  If you are being introduced to someone and are not quite sure you heard it correctly, kindly ask them to repeat their name. Quite often, people mistake my name as Molly. So, I say, “It’s Holly, with an ‘H,’” along with a big smile so that they are not embarrassed by their mistake.  My precious friend’s name is Tita, and when I introduce her to friends she thoughtfully says, “It rhymes with Rita!” which is such a clever technique too! Married couples are introduced individually. For example, I would be introduced as Holly Holden and my husband would be introduced as Stuart Holden, rather than “Holly and Stuart Holden.” If the wife uses her maiden name, then it is considerate to state who her husband is, as in: “this is Peter’s wife.” This

Age or rank come first The name you say first is the most important and is determined by whether the person is the eldest or has the highest rank. For example, you would present a student to a teacher, or a work associate to a CEO, or a lieutenant to a General. Here are two ways of how to say the first line of an introduction with the examples of: “May I introduce”, and, “please meet”. “Mummy, may I introduce my friend and classmate, Sarah Spencer, to you!”  “Mrs. Zwiener, please meet my seamstress, Erica Merry.”   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 * First Name Last Name Email *   Thank you! Next, present the person of lesser age or rank Be sure to include their first and last name, along with

The U.S. flag is the living symbol of our country. Labor Day is another reason to fly your flag properly and respectfully. Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a national holiday to honor the dedication and achievements of American workers, and the strength they’ve contributed to our country. It originally began in 1882 in New York City to celebrate labor unions and their contributions to the country. Today, it is more about celebrating the end of summer with flags, family, picnics and parades! The traditional U.S. flag fabric is made of cotton, which drapes well, but is quite heavy, so it is used mainly for inside decorative purposes. Nylon flags are used more often outdoors because of the durability of the fabric and its resistance to fading.  Because nylon is lightweight, it can fly befittingly in the wind too! Sign up for Mummy’s Monday Manners to receive new sparkling tips about etiquette

After years of hosting at Fox Hall, my husband and I have had some of the most delightful houseguests. Their manners have touched my heart and remain brilliant examples for me to share with you! Consider giving flowers as an all around wonderful hostess gift. Either send flowers in advance, during the arrival or, as my son-in-law does, the day after his departure. Even for your family members it’s a thoughtful gesture. If you have never been to the house before, a bouquet of white flowers complements any interior. Let your hosts know if you have any allergies or special dietary needs or dislikes. Nothing is more stressful for a hostess than to find out a guest, while a meal is being served, has special dietary needs like vegetarianism, lactose intolerance, or gluten allergies. Simply call the hostess in advance of arriving and say something as simple as, “Please do not go