There is nothing more exciting than waiting for a baby to arrive, and hosting a baby shower for one of your friends is a lovely way to show your support and spread the love. But, the reality is that showering a mom-to-be is no easy feat and is very similar to planning a wedding—you want every detail ... [ Read More ]
Search Results for: table setting
Musings on A Cup of Christmas Tea
The Christmas season is upon us, and we are all ready for a holiday celebration. What better way to gather than hosting a get-together with family and friends? Some people enjoy evening cocktail parties, while others prefer a short but meaningful visit to accommodate their holiday calendar. The ... [ Read More ]
Holiday Party Etiquette: Checklists for Your 2022 Event and My Signature Cocktail
Whether you are hosting a few girlfriends or having a formal dinner party for 12, preparation is the key ingredient when it comes to a successful holiday celebration. In today’s post, I’m breaking down holiday party planning into manageable checklists for your 2022 gathering. You’ll also find a ... [ Read More ]
What Is a Charger Plate and How Is It Used?
Setting the proper table is a skill, and having an understanding of the small details specific to dining etiquette pays off when entertaining a guest, a client or an entire wedding party. One such detail is the charger plate. Many people are confused about the oversized plate that sits on the table ... [ Read More ]
Summer Wedding Etiquette Q&A
Warm, sunny days, dream destinations, the perfect dress and endless flowers in season make summertime an ideal time to say “I do” for the happy couple. Attendees are in bright summer spirits and may be more inclined to add a day or two to their trip and make a vacation out of the special occasion. ... [ Read More ]
How To Eat Tricky Seafood: Post-Pandemic Dining Etiquette Refresher
Oscar Wilde said, “The world was my oyster until I used the wrong fork.” There is definitely truth in humor! Many admit their social skills have gotten rusty from lack of use during the pandemic; it’s time to refresh and update our daily routine. Fundraisers, galas and basic business meals are alive ... [ Read More ]
Wedding Etiquette for Happy Guests on Your Big Day
Everyone envisions their wedding as one of the most special days of their life. From the style of the wedding gown to the most divine cake, every detail is discussed … over and over again. The reality is, most things the couple worries about aren’t significant to their wedding guests. Paying ... [ Read More ]
Virtual Tea Party Etiquette
Do you find yourself in a new season, longing for a trip to see the leaves and experience a little slice of fall? Although the pandemic still prevents many of us from traveling too far from home, we can all still have a fall celebration in the form of a virtual "Tea Party." Invite your family ... [ Read More ]
Thanksgiving Entertaining Timeline
The month of November elicits thoughts of friends, family, gratitude and celebrations. No doubt, thoughts instantly turn to the turkey dinner. Whether it’s your first or your fiftieth time to host the meal, planning and executing the feat can be stressful. To make Thanksgiving preparation easier ... [ Read More ]
Office Lunch Break Etiquette
The work days are filled with lunch-related dilemmas. Previously published on Inc. From skipping a meal to dining with a client, there is a right and wrong way to go about handling the office lunch break. The following are a few do's and don'ts to get you through a typical day. Lunch Break ... [ Read More ]
Lettermade Cocktail Napkins: Q&A with Malia Dreyer
Cocktail napkins take front stage and are an important accessory when complimenting your favorite beverage at a party. I have collected pretty pieces of linen for years and was thrilled when I found Lettermade, a successful brand, known for extraordinary linens. Malia Dreyer is the owner and has ... [ Read More ]
Holiday Etiquette: Tips for Being a Good Guest or Host
There is a sense of order and comfort when you know what to expect from a host and guest’s perspective. In a Southern home, you learn early the value of family, friends and good food, gathered together at a party or the dinner table. You may notice at most parties people tend to gather in the ... [ Read More ]
Dining Etiquette for the Entrepreneur
Nowhere are manners more evident than during a business meal. This article originally appeared on Inc.com. There's more to dining etiquette than knowing which fork to use. A real pro will walk away from the table leaving others with a favorable impression, setting the stage for the next ... [ Read More ]
Mother’s Day Etiquette
Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to honor your mother, grandmother, stepmother or anyone else that has played a maternal role in your life. Below you’ll find my feedback on a variety of questions surrounding the special holiday that came in via social media and email. Feel free to tweet ... [ Read More ]
Dining Etiquette: What Is a Service Plate?
This morning on We Are Austin (KEYE-TV, CBS) Chris Saldana, Allison Miller and I discussed awkward Valentine's Day dining moments. After the show we received several follow up questions, and a few regarding a “service plate”. While we didn't have one set up on the set this morning, I thought it ... [ Read More ]