As plans for cocktail parties and holiday dinners begin to take shape, it’s not too early to give some thought to gifts for your host or hostess. If your mother taught you that you should never show up at someone’s home empty handed, she was correct. A hostess gift is a thoughtful way to thank the ... [ Read More ]
Halloween Trick or Treat Etiquette (For the Adults)
If you will be Trick or Treating with your kids this Halloween, set a good example by observing the following tips: Skip the drink until later. Think twice before strolling through the neighborhood, carrying a can of beer or a 64 ounce travel mug filled with liquor. Keep the focus on your kids, ... [ Read More ]
Halloween Party Etiquette: Hosting a Perfect Celebration
What better way to celebrate Fall than by hosting a Halloween party? You’ll surely find yourself in a festive spirit as you get creative with decor and tasty treats. Before you send out your creepy invites, keep the following halloween party etiquette tips in mind: Start with the perfect ... [ Read More ]
Halloween Greetings: Sending a “Spooktacular” Card
Here are a few ideas to get you started on your Halloween greetings: Make your own card. Buy some basic card stock, a fun and spooky stamp, bright colored ink and colorful envelopes. Now get busy creating your own Halloween card! And, hand deliver it to your neighbors with a little treat (I love ... [ Read More ]
Inspiration for a Festive Fall Luncheon
It’s officially Fall and time to start celebrating the new season. What better way than by planning a luncheon to catch up with family and friends? I’m sharing a few of my favorite Fall luncheon entertaining tips with photos. Start with a fun, Fall themed invitation. Whether it is a bridal ... [ Read More ]
Ice Cream Etiquette
In honor of National Ice Cream Month, I thought I’d share a few “hot” tips on the fun and friendly protocol of Ice Cream Etiquette! One of my favorite ice cream makers, Blue Bell Ice Cream, has been creating yummy flavors for 106 years. I asked Jenny Anderson, Public Relations Coordinator for Blue ... [ Read More ]
Fourth of July Fun (plus RSS/email subscriber update)
Quick housekeeping note: If you are an RSS subscriber, please update my feed to https://dianegottsman.com/feed instead of the Feedburner address. If you're a BlogLovin' user, my blog can be found at http://www.bloglovin.com/dianegottsman. Those who read my posts by email: I've switched to a new ... [ Read More ]
Can I Wear Black to a Wedding?
It’s wedding season and I have received multiple emails from women asking "Can I wear black to a wedding?". Here is my response: Absolutely. The LBD (Little Black Dress) is a staple in every woman’s closet and considered an appropriate option when worn correctly. Surely, you wouldn’t want to ... [ Read More ]
Celebrating with a Mother’s Day Tea
If you’ll be spending Mother’s Day with your mom this Sunday, sharing a cup of afternoon tea would be a wonderful way to enjoy the afternoon. Your menu can be as elaborate as homemade scones and petit fours, or as simple as tea and store bought sugar cookies. It’s the time together with someone you ... [ Read More ]
Easter Traditions: Creating a Special Easter Basket
Does your family enjoy creating a special Easter basket together for one another? In our house, everyone gets an Easter basket, including my two pups, Cookie and Charlie. I am thankful for the many creative blogs and “pins” online that give me inspiration for my sweet treats and unique decorating ... [ Read More ]
St. Patrick’s Day Etiquette
Is there such a thing? Of course there is – there is an etiquette to everything, and a big part of it is simply behaving in a manner that allows others to be comfortable around you. Many of us look for opportunities to celebrate special holidays any day of the year. This year, St. Patrick’s Day ... [ Read More ]
A Re-gifting Story to Share and a Few Etiquette Tips on Do’s and Don’ts
Did you receive something under the tree this holiday with a hint of “re-gift?” Or, are you already planning to re-gift or return a few of your own presents? I have a funny story to share with you about a re-gift of my own, and a few words of advice to share on re-gifting eqitquette. I was ... [ Read More ]
Happy Holidays: Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe
From all of us at The Protocol School of Texas (all both of us!), we wish you our sincerest holiday greetings. I am personally grateful for your support this past year through thoughtful tweets, gracious comments and friendly emails, It is my hope that you are spending the holidays with those you ... [ Read More ]
Holiday Travel Tips and House Guest Etiquette
If travel is in your immediate future, here are a few Holiday travel tips and some house guest etiquette to make your time a bit more merry and bright: Holiday Travel Tips Acknowledge those who are tired, frazzled, working over the holiday and attempting to make your trip run smoothly. Don’t ... [ Read More ]
What Your Holiday Office Party Manners Say About You
You already know that attending the office holiday party is a nonnegotiable "do," but have you thought about the message you may be unintentionally sending at the holiday soiree? Keep reading and take careful notes to see what your Holiday office party manners say about you: Sending back your ... [ Read More ]