A DAY OF GIVING THANKS

THANK YOU

Two little words that should be on your lips much of today.  Whether you are a hostess or guest this holiday remember it is marvelously well-mannered to show your gratitude, love and appreciation (not to mention patience).   Let's try to remember the spirit of this holiday throughout the year.  What are you thankful for? 

PERFECT PARTY ETIQUETTE TIPS ... JUST IN TIME

The holidays are upon us and I wanted to do a holiday party etiquette blog entry.  But where was the time?  Then Williams -Sonoma answered my prayers!  Angelina and I were shopping and we stumbled upon the most adorable serving platter and plates - with what would have been the subject matter of the holiday party etiquette blog entry!
To say we are smitten is an understatement!  Rule 1 explains the appropriate way to welcome your guests; Rule 2 discusses a proper place setting; Rule 3 reveals the art of being gracious; and Rule 4 helps you through "the fond farewell."  The platter has all four rules on it while the small plates have one rule per indivudual plate. 

Short and sweet.  Go to WILLIAMS-SONOMA and buy these today.  You will be the hostess with the mostest in no time.   While these are a fantastic start, what are other party etiquette tips that are missing?  I can see another line of dishes coming, can't you? How marvelous!

THE CHARM OF HANDWRITTEN NOTES

Personal and charming handwritten notes make the messages sent and received a bit more special.  True, it does take extra effort to hand write something (as well as address, stamp, and mail it) as opposed to simply dashing off an efficient but certainly less elegant e-mail or text. The problem is that if you are like me, sometimes you don't have the right card in which to write and by the time you go to the store and find the right card, the moment is lost. Well this adorable product is your answer - a set of 60 cardstock notes of every card you will need in a year:


with adorable drawings on each....

No, I didn't make this marvelous find all on my own. I saw it in my daily email from the fabulous Daily Candy. Thank you Daily Candy! Just in time for holiday gift-giving and carrying out New Year's resolutions. Be marvelously well-mannered and show your friends and loved ones that you care.  Now if we can just be timely in our mailing of these precious cards.....

PRESENTS, GIFTS, AND HOLIDAY CHEER



Source: Martha Stewart

The holidays are right around the corner and that means holiday shopping is underway.  In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season the true meaning behind gift-giving can sometimes be lost.  

Giving a gift is intended to show someone you care and there is great delight in giving what you know is the right gift for the right person.  I hope we all know that feeling - it is a testament to the saying "in giving we receive."  But it isn't easy to do.  Take time throughout the year to learn what the person covets, remembering that the more expensive the gift doesn't automatically make it better.  We find that in an increasingly materialistic world the best gifts usually include one's time and the creation of memories that long outlast the life of many material objects.

But giving a nice bauble or some other gift is marvelous too!  Put effort into the gift's presentation - a beautifully wrapped package with a bright bow or pretty ribbon along with a joyful personal note always seem to make one smile a bit more than the fail-safe and convenient gift bag.  Check out Martha Stewart for some tips on gift-wrapping.

For the recipient who opens up the gift and is disappointed - never show it.  Your duty is to graciously receive a gift - put on a smile, act delighted and always say "thank you."  To do otherwise is plain rude.  Be marvelously well-mannered and promptly pen a proper thank you note.  More on that later....


   

TO ERR IS HUMAN, TO FORGIVE DIVINE.

"It is part of the highest civility if, while never erring yourself, you ignore the errors of others." Erasmus

No one is entitled to be the etiquette police and "correct" people for manners transgressions.  We all may violate this rule once in awhile - usually with a close friend or a relative but that doesn't make it right.  

Really, who wants to share company with someone who criticizes others?  I know I don't like to be with "those" people either.   And I like it even less when I have been one of "those" people.  Even though I have done it with the best of intentions, I do apologize for the times I have violated this simple rule of common courtesy.

Marvelously well-mannered people do not correct others, and marvelously well-mannered people especially do not correct loved ones out in public.   If you have done it, apologize.  Remember, marvelously well-mannered people try to make others feel comfortable and welcome. 

Have you ever corrected someone in public and regretted it?  Have you ever been corrected? How did it make you feel?

"THIS NATION WILL REMAIN THE LAND OF THE FREE ONLY SO LONG AS IT IS THE HOME OF THE BRAVE." Elmer Davis

November 11th is Veterans Day and is our nation's opportunity to remember all the men and women who served in the armed forces.  It marks the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice, ending the fighting in World War I.   

Be marvelously well-mannered and thank a veteran. 

It is also the perfect time to fly the American flag, just make sure you do it properly by following these guidelines from the American Flag Store.

"A GOOD LATHER IS HALF THE SHAVE." WILLIAM HONE

Photo Source

Driving into work this past week I caught sight of a man shaving while behind the wheel.   I guess I  should just be thankful he went with an electric razor and not the traditional razor and shaving cream route. 

It was obvious that this guy was ill-mannered and a bad driver (his car looked like it had been in a demolition derby).  And I have to wonder how good a shave he gave himself.

Be marvelously well-mannered and do personal grooming at home and in private.  Be marvelously well-mannered and be a driver who is considerate of others on the road. 

What inappropriate personal grooming in public have you witnessed?

Bread Plates, Coffee Cups, Place Settings OH MY!




Formal Setting Courtesy of USC

Knowing your way around your place setting is a must in dining etiquette.  While I could go on and on about place settings for this post, I will limit it to one fabulously useful tip.  A friend of mine who works in the White House said one of the most useful things they learned from the Social Secretary's Office is how to remember which is your bread plate:  once you are seated, discretely place your hands on your lap under the table and make a circle with each thumb and index finger while keeping your other fingers straight up, like this: 

Courtesy of the Washington Post

Your left hand will form a "b" for your bread plate (which is on the left of your place setting) and your right hand will form a “d” for your drinks  (which are on the right of your place setting).  How marvelously simple is that?  Do you have any other tips that help you maneuver around the dining table?  Care to share?