I am so grateful to Mummy and Daddy for all they taught me about etiquette and gracious living.
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 with multiple hostesses, do you bring a little something for each hostess, or solely for the hostess whose house the party is being hosted at?
Answer: Bring a little gift for the house hostess, but there is no set rule for multiple hostesses! Personally, I try to bring a little gift for each hostess and write a thank you note to each hostess as well. Yes, it is more effort, but each hostess will appreciate your acknowledgment immensely, as they contributed to the party as well. It is always nice to be recognized for the work and commitment it takes to host an event. From soaps to ornaments for the Christmas tree, or even homemade Spiced Southern Pecans (you may see my YouTube episode for the recipe), a gift for each hostess is a kind, thoughtful and appreciated gesture.
Question: What do you do if an oversized, unruly hors d'oeuvre is served to you at a cocktail party? For example, one that you pick up with your fingers but that must be eaten in two or three challenging bites.
Answer: Simply say, "no thank you" and pass on any large hors d'oeuvre! Mummy taught me to make and serve small, one bite (or two bites if it’s easy to manage) nibbles. Experienced caterers know how important this is, as do Michelin starred restaurants. Petite, elegant and bite-sized treats are always top-notch. I remember taking a bite of a large piece of baklava, and the honey and butter dripped down the front of my silk dress… there was no hope!
Question: Can you do a segment about how ridiculous it is for a hostesses to ask their guests to take their shoes off? It is so embarrassing if you have a hole in your socks or your knee highs are mismatched! There was even an episode of Sex and the City where the hostess asked her guests to take their shoes off, and someone had their Jimmy Choo heels stolen at the party!
Answer: This is simple... guests keep their shoes on, not off! The exception would be guest children, especially when their shoes are muddy or sandy from playing outdoors.
Question: At a buffet table, is it impolite to have a man go before a woman?
Answer: Women should serve themselves first at a buffet table, before men. This is especially true in Europe.
Question: What do you do when a server at a restaurant begins to remove your plate before others are finished?
Answer: Quietly, ask them to keep your plate in place until the others are finished.