Q Dear Miss Abigail: When you are introducing someone to someone else, which name to you say first? For instance, is it “Debbi, this is Dr. Bailey-Graff” or, “Dr. Bailey-Graff, this is Debbi”? Signed, Debbi A Dear Debbi: I believe the following excerpt answers your question quite nicely. It’s from The New Book of Etiquette, written […]
Category: Advice
All advice posts go here.
Should Our New Neighbors Welcome Us?
Q Dear Miss Abigail: We recently purchased a home in a new subdivision. The only neighbor to come by so far to welcome us and introduced himself has been a young boy of seven. Since it’s been three weeks, I was thinking of taking the initiative and going to introduce myself. My husband thinks that […]
Hello? Anyone “At Home”?
Q Dear Miss Abigail: What was the meaning of “at home” when visitors presented a calling card? Were some people at home to visitors on designated days? Signed, Win A Dear Win: You got it, babe. Here’s a little description of this long-forgotten tradition (hoorah for us). It’s from a book titled Correct Social Usage, which […]
Tea, Anyone?
Q Dear Miss Abigail: What can you tell me about the proper way to serve tea? If this is too general, would you kindly address afternoon tea service in the home? Still too general? Perhaps you might look at the question of accompanying food service (e.g., pickled jellyfish, toast points, hot buttered brioche &c.). With […]
Odoriferous Food
This week, I’ve pulled out something completely frivolous. Let’s just say it’s in the spirit of getting back to normal. This is from Manners for Millions, which was penned by Sophie C. Hadida, who instructs her readers in the introduction to “take notes upon the points which reveal to you your own shortcomings.” While you’re doing […]
Fingers ~ Chicken ~ Good?
Q Dear Miss Abigail: Can I eat chicken with my fingers? Signed, Cat A Dear Cat: I’m glad you brought up this important topic. It’s about time for a little review on dinner etiquette and the proper use of forks, knives, and other utensils. Shall we dig in? 1897: Dinner-Parties As little noise as possible. […]
A Quick Lesson in Table Manners
Q Dear Miss Abigail: Please tell me ~ have simple table manners like holding cutlery properly and keeping elbows off the dining table gone out of fashion? Signed, Nicole A Dear Nicole: I don’t know about you, but table manners in my house have only improved with the advent of the TV. When leaning back […]
Games and Sports
I’ve never been much of a sports person. It could have something to do with my life as a band geek, or perhaps a desire to avoid confrontation and pain. In any case, I was invited to a Super Bowl party this weekend and decided to brush up on the subject in order to get […]
May I Still Wear Velvet?
Q Dear Miss Abigail: When is the last possible date that wearing velvet is acceptable? Signed, Desperate for an answer A Dear Desperate: This question just came in, and since it was marked “desperate,” as well as being a timely subject matter (thank goodness Spring is here!) I decided to answer it right away. Though […]
Must I Wait to Wear My White Shoes?
Q Dear Miss Abigail: Please help, I’m in a quandary! I just bought a $200 pair of white shoes at a Labor Day sale. Do I have to wait until Memorial Day to wear them?? Signed, Blanche A. LaMode A Dear Blanche: $200! I’m not sure you got such a bargain. Nevertheless, I have found […]