The season of merriment and magic—filled with holiday baking, cookie decorating, gift exchanges, and more—has arrived! With so much to see, do, and celebrate, it’s also the perfect time to brush up on your best and brightest manners before attending festive gatherings. Here are 10 essential tips for holiday guests in 2024 to help you make a gracious impression. How to Be a Mannerly Guest This Holiday Season 1. Your RSVP is a commitment. Unless there is an emergency, never cancel at the last minute because you ... [ Read More ]
Holiday Wish List Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts
Holiday shopping is in full swing, and it can be quite stressful to decide who gets what on your list. The time and effort you spend guessing can be alleviated when your friend or family member gives you some very direct, pointed ... [ Read More ]
2024 Holiday Travel Checklist
December travel is officially here! Even the most prepared packer may forget the basics in a holiday hurry. I've been known to leave a charger behind (more than once) and even drove away without my cell phone one time—oops! Making a list and checking ... [ Read More ]
Holiday Cheer & Cash: Your 2024 Holiday Tipping Guide
The magic, song, and sparkle of the holiday season are here to lift our spirits and delight children everywhere! As you deck the halls, add tinsel to your tree, and stock up on festive wrapping paper, you may also be turning your attention to who ... [ Read More ]
How to Be a Gracious Thanksgiving (and Every Holiday) Host
’Tis the season for festive gatherings, favorite traditions, and time spent with family and friends. If you’ll be hosting this Thanksgiving—or beyond—there are so many tips and tricks to make the process more enjoyable for everyone involved. Part of ... [ Read More ]
Thanksgiving Etiquette: Friends, Family, and Football Rivalry
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and along with turkey and dressing, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and a football game are probably going to be playing at some point in the background. What do you do when you have serious football ... [ Read More ]
The Good, the Bad, and the Smelly on an Airplane
I’m sure most of you have heard about the man who recently opened a can of tuna during a flight and made little sandwiches, as if he were in his kitchen at home. He even ate it with a fork! At least he was a mannerly passenger when it came to his ... [ Read More ]
Halloween Party Office Etiquette: The Good, The Bad and The Scary
You’ve put in the time and effort to establish a strong professional reputation. It would be a Halloween tragedy to see it go to waste over a silly costume or party slip-up. What is the best way to celebrate spooky season free from any awkward ... [ Read More ]
Dining Etiquette Q&A: How to Avoid Getting Stuck “Splitting” the Bill
It’s happened to all of us. You are eating out with friends and you and your date are having a modest meal while the rest of your group is ordering multiple bottles of wine and appetizers that you are NOT eating and drinking. The bill comes and ... [ Read More ]
The Etiquette for Canceling a Wedding and Related Dilemmas
Getting married is one of the most exciting times of a couple’s life, but what happens when the lights go off before the party begins? There are a plethora of uncomfortable questions that come up when the bride and groom decide to cancel their ... [ Read More ]
How to Politely Decline a Donation Request
Dear Diane, I own a small business, and it seems that lately I have been inundated with requests from clients to donate to their favorite charity – ... [ Read More ]
How to Deal with a Negative Coworker
Dear Diane, I share an office with someone who is stuck in a negative rut. She is unhappy in her personal life and burned out in her career. ... [ Read More ]
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas on a Budget
Dear Diane, This is my first Mother’s Day as a new mom, giving me even more appreciation for the sacrifices my mother made to raise me. My ... [ Read More ]
Preparing for a Business Internship
Dear Diane, I’m enthusiastically preparing for my first summer internship and could use your guidance. I’m on a college budget but need to look ... [ Read More ]