Posts by Arden
Interesting etiquette facts you probably never knew
Did you know that the reason people clink wine classes during a toast is that back in the dark ages people heartily clinked their pewter mugs together to distribute any poison that might be in one of the cups? That way if someone was trying to poison someone, everyone would be poisoned, discouraging a person…
Read MoreNapkin wars
Sometimes etiquette consultants don’t know all the answers. Shocking, I know! And sometimes etiquette consultants don’t agree with each other. I have been amused by a rather vociferous exchange on one of my etiquette consultants LinkedIn groups about what to do with your napkin when you get up during a meal and when you’re done…
Read MoreInterview tips to land the job
Spring is a great time to make changes and that includes a job change. The economy is getting better and better and I’m seeing a lot more job postings out there. Here are some tips for making sure you are a stand-out candidate who gets the job offer. Do your research on the organization. Look…
Read MoreCivility in the age of incivility
Did you know that May is International Civility Awareness Month? The goal is to spread awareness of the meaning of civility and help people to embrace the civility code of conduct: Respect, Restraint and Responsibility. Saturday night, I attended the District 2 Toastmasters contest. There were seven excellent speakers competing to win and advance to…
Read MoreIt’s all in the details
One of the things I love, and sometimes am overwhelmed by, is etiquette is all about the details. When I’m giving a training, on say dining etiquette, I always get questions about the littlest things such as “If I take something like an olive pit out of my mouth where do I put it?” It can sometimes…
Read MoreWhere will you be on April 29?
Since the wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William is just around the corner I thought I’d share some fun facts about the wedding and royal weddings in general. By the way, isn’t it funny that Kate is always referred by her first and last name yet we just refer to the Prince as “Prince…
Read MoreAre little white lies OK?
A few months ago I wrote a blog post about my experience at a networking event where I was talking to someone who was ready to continue networking but didn’t know how to gracefully end the conversation. The blog post was titled “‘I’d like to freshen my drink” and other little white lies.”
Read MoreRépondez s’il vous plaît! – RSVP
This is a guest post by Larry James, a non-denominational wedding officiant, professional speaker and author. RSVP. Fr. Abr. Répondez s’il vous plaît!. Literally, “respond if you please.” Often included in wedding invitations, and when included, etiquette demands a response. Wedding rules typically state that you should be clear in both language and meaning about…
Read MoreWhen the etiquette consultant messes up
I love my job. In fact, despite (currently) making less money than I did when I had a corporate job, I have never been happier. But there are hazards to being an etiquette consultant.
Read MoreWhy Mr. Kinkos makes me smile
There is a FedEx Kinkos near my house that I’ve patronized a few times. The last two times I’ve visited the store I was helped be a very nice man.
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