Yesterday a package arrived at the door: a book titled The Answer Book on Naval Social Customs, sent by the mother of a friend who wrote a week or so ago asking if I’d like it for the collection. She said: “It is a first edition, Jan 1956, Military Service Publishing Company. What a kick! […]
Tag: etiquette
Anniversaries, Gifts, and Anniversary Weddings
Today marks the occasion of my one-year wedding anniversary (time really flies when you are having fun!). While perusing my books on the subject, I was reminded of the usual custom of marking the occasion with a celebration or gifts made from certain types of materials. I was somewhat surprised to learn that these appear […]
How to Display the Flag
I’ve seen American flags hanging from bridges overhanging the highways. I’ve seen them attached to cars and motorcycles, whipping in the wind as the vehicles pass by. I’ve seen paper flags taped to windows and doors. I’ve never seen so many flags. But do we really remember how to treat them correctly? Here are a […]
The Best Travelers
Colorado here we come! My friends and I are hopping on a jet plane this weekend to enjoy the splendor that is Southwestern Colorado. And now that I’ve read the following from The Seventeen Book of Etiquette and Entertaining, written by Seventeen’s editor-in-chief Enid Haupt, I’m confident that we’ll be the best of the best. 1963: The […]
When You Are A Week-end Guest
As we creep toward the holiday season, it is wise to think about how to act when we are guests in the homes of our friends and relatives. These tips are also handy for visiting those “special” boys and girls in our lives. 1963: When You Are A Week-end Guest Only when the boy lives […]
Good Manners on the Road
As a reminder to everybody on the road today, here’s a few tips about driving with manners (something a number of people have forgotten about). Please read the following, from a book by William A. Evans titled Everyday Safety. After you’ve done so, please, please be careful and try not to ram into my car. And […]
City Driving Manners
In these crazy days of road rage and cellular phones, I thought it might be nice to bring you some advice from the esteemed Emily Post, all the way from 1945. I guess it is comforting to know that some things never change. 1945: City Driving Manners When driving in the city, remember that discourtesy […]
What to Do and What to Say When Paying Visits in Washington
If you are anywhere near Washington, D.C. this week, you know that today, April 23, is “NATO day” ~ trillions of dignitaries and their cohorts are wandering my fair city (by limo, of course). We are so pleased to host their visit, particularly since a majority of federal workers, such as myself, were granted a […]
In Flight
A few friends of mine recently boarded a jet plane to Great Britain. While they are away, frolicking around the countryside, I’ve been reading a bit about travel etiquette. Here’s a snippet from a book recently acquired. I’ve got the third printing of Etiquette in Public, published in 1924 and written by one of my favorite […]
Thoughts for the Overly Sensitive Bride
Q Dear Miss Abigail: I recently got married. One of my bridesmaids did not give me a wedding gift or a wedding card to wish me and my new husband well. I am so hurt by this. Do I confront her? Signed, Polly A Dear Polly: Was this bridesmaid at your wedding? Did she stand […]