To Clink or Not to Clink? Wine Glass Toasting Etiquette
To clink, or not to clink? That is the timeless question! Yesterday, September 13th, marked a truly momentous occasion. Stuart and I celebrated our 51st wedding anniversary. As I sat across from my darling husband, ready to propose a heartfelt toast to five decades of love, laughter, and shared adventures, the topic of crystal glasses—and […]
Chargers: When NOT to use them!
The topic of chargers came to mind when a friend asked about displaying them at a wedding reception dinner. A “charger” is a plate that is more significant in diameter than a dinner plate. It is also referred to as a service plate or an underplate. While chargers are used for decorative purposes these days, […]
A Charming Dinner Party Seating Plan: The Secret 2-2-2 Method!
When it comes to a dinner party seating plan, we all know the traditional rules of how to seat guests for table diplomacy: 🌸 There is the old adage that “six seats itself,” in which the host and hostess anchor the ends of the dining room table, allowing the other two couples to easily mix. […]
Hostess Etiquette: Taking the Mystery Out of the Dress Code
The golden rule of hosting is simple. We want our guests to feel entirely at ease and enjoy themselves! Yet, even the most seasoned hostesses can make a dress code assumption, which can lead to a rather awkward, yet entirely well-intentioned, mishap. A dear friend of mine recently invited a group of ladies for a […]
Restaurant Etiquette: How to Be a Gracious Dinner Guest
How grateful I am to my parents for instilling in me the old-school rules for being a truly gracious and grateful guest when invited out for a meal. They also shared with me a golden rule for hosting. You simply do not invite someone to dinner unless you can afford their free choice. With that […]
The Art of Napkin Etiquette for Elegant Dinner Parties
Elegant Table Manners for Private Dinner Parties Napkins can be a secret signal in more ways than one! Their fold, placement, and use speak a language all their own, especially at a private dinner party. A napkin carries a surprising amount of tradition and unspoken etiquette and is one of the quiet hallmarks of a […]
Petite Adornments: A Charming Secret to Decorate Your Service Tray!
Christmas is almost here! I invite you to look at your silver chest with fresh eyes. Beyond their traditional role, a silver napkin ring (or any kind of decorative napkin ring) can be reimagined as an exquisite “petite adornment” that adds a sense of beauty and whimsy to your serving trays. This is applicable for any occasion […]
Must You Sing for Your Supper? Oh, Yes, Indeed!
We have all heard that phrase, and when you are a dinner guest, it rings absolutely true! With Thanksgiving upon us, here are a few considerations for a “proper dinner guest.” As a guest, you are being treated to dinner. Your host is going out of their way to lavish you with their gracious hospitality, […]