Proper Protocol On How To Greet A Friend Who Is Dining With Others
Have you ever been enjoying a delightful dinner at a restaurant or a private Club, deep in conversation, only to have an acquaintance spot you and walk over to your table? A spontaneous greeting is a lovely gesture, but far too often a well‑meaning friend overstays their welcome, right? A quick hello turns into a […]
The Art of the Thoughtful Guest: Honoring Hosts and Elders at Celebrations
The quintessence of genteel living is found in the gracious intentionality of our interactions with others! Throughout the year, especially spring and summer, many of us are invited to attend some of life’s most significant milestones—from baptisms and confirmations to graduations and weddings. A truly thoughtful guest “steps up to the plate” by taking the […]
To cut or not to cut your salad!
Last evening, while dining on Worth Avenue, my attention was drawn to a gentleman at a nearby table. While well-dressed for dinner, he held his silver fork in a “fist grip,” as if preparing for a duel rather than a delicate salad starter! Watching him struggle with a spirited leaf of Romaine, I realized that […]
How to Butter Bread Properly
Gracious dining is an art found in the most delicate details. From the way we butter a piece of bread to the smallest of gestures, proper etiquette is a reflection of one’s grace. This summer, a visit from my grandchildren who live in Berlin, Germany, provided a wonderful reminder of how these small details can […]
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 […]
The Art of the Gracious Guest: Essential Etiquette No-Nos for Your Next Party
While visiting my daughter, Alexandra, in Berlin, Germany, she hosted a delightful impromptu cocktail party in my honor. Alexandra and her charming friends, whom I simply adore, always make such a lovely gesture of welcoming me when I visit. As we prepared the wine and cheese, our conversation turned to the “unwritten rules” of being […]
Floral Arrangement Secrets for Dinner Party Entertaining!
There is nothing quite like the magic of flowers to bring a room to life and signal to your guests that an elegant evening awaits. Whether I am plucking blossoms from our garden at Fox Hall or selecting a few stems from the florist, preparing my floral arrangements is pure joy for me! I want […]
Repurposing Family Silver Treasures: The Story of “Truffle Trays”
A Short & Sweet Secret: The Story of “Truffle Trays” I imagine you love to repurpose silver as much as I do! I inherited some darling, small, round silver trays from Mummy. I wasn’t quite sure how she used them or what their original purpose was, but in the spirit of lovely living, I decided […]
Secret Candle Etiquette: How to Prepare a Proper Candle!
What a stupendous time Stuart and I had with the CEO.org team planning our next “Live Royally” event for 2027. We explored breathtaking palaces and private castles in Salzburg and Vienna, Austria. Everywhere I turned, from the grandest ballrooms to the more intimate dining chambers, I would tilt my head back to admire the gilded […]
White-Tie Dress Code for Women: The Ultimate Etiquette Guide
‘Tis the season for White-tie balls, which are being held from Palm Beach to Vienna! I was asked recently by a Millennial, “What is appropriate for a lady to wear if the invitation indicates ‘White-tie’ on the bottom, right side?” Well, here is a definitive overview for the most formal of occasions! The Essentials of […]
The Art of Being a Gracious Houseguest
After years of hosting at Fox Hall, and Animal Haus in Vermont, my husband and I have been fortunate to have some truly delightful houseguests. Their impeccable manners have touched my heart and serve as brilliant examples of how a guest can contribute and be “easy keepers”… the kind of guests you want to have […]
Destination Funeral Etiquette: Why Confirming Your Attendance is the Kindest Gesture
Attending a funeral that requires travel, a destination funeral, is difficult enough. But for the bereaved family, it’s exponentially more challenging. Not only are they grieving, but they are also simultaneously managing travel logistics, food, and accommodations for dozens of guests who have traveled far to attend. Stuart and I planned to attend a service […]