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, […]
Timeless Art of Hand-Painted Pinstriping & Monograms On Cars
There is something endlessly charming about the quiet, bespoke details that transform an everyday item into a true classic. In a world dominated by mass production, taking the time to add a custom, hand-crafted touch to your personal belongings is a delightful indulgence. Recently, my dear friend Farley Renschler shared a photo (see above) that […]
Party Etiquette: Photographing in a Private Home is a No-no!
What could be more divine than being invited to a party in a private home and celebrating with friends? However, in a world where just about anything and everything is captured on cell phone cameras, I want to shed light on an important, forbidden faux pas! It is a major no-no to go around someone’s […]
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. […]
Polo Match Etiquette: What to Wear and Serve Tailgating!
Hold your horses; it’s polo time! Attending your very first polo match? It will be an absolute delight… provided you are properly prepared for what to wear and how to tailgate. Polo is a thrilling piece of living history dating back over two thousand years. Its noble heritage serves as a gentle reminder that your […]
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 […]
Guardians of Charm: The Magic of Foo Dogs!
Foo dogs, also known as Chinese guardian lions, hold great cultural significance in Eastern art and history. These mythical beings, traditionally found in pairs, stand guard at the entrances of grand palaces, temples, and estates. Considered the majestic sentinels of the spirit world, they protect sacred spaces from negative energies and unwanted guests. Incorporating foo […]
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 Power of the Pin: The Secret Language of Brooches
I have always thought of a jewelry box as so much more than just a place for pretty things. It’s really a lady’s quietest form of diplomacy. While a necklace sits quietly, a brooch serves as an envoy for your personality, purpose, and intentions. It is the ultimate secret weapon for a lady who […]
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 […]