Dining Etiquette

Navigate office dining & drinking like a pro

By Arden / May 31, 2016 /

Some great tips and information in this infographic by Quill.com. Click to Enlarge Image Infographic by Quill.com  

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Setting a formal Easter table

By Arden / March 25, 2016 /

Spring is here! It’s my favorite time of year. I love the blooming flowers and trees and hearing the birds chirp and sing. I also love the longer days, especially here in dark, rainy Seattle. And, I love having a reason to get together with family to celebrate Easter. (Okay, and I admit I like…

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Avoiding Thanksgiving manners mishaps and misunderstandings

By Arden / November 24, 2015 /

I love Thanksgiving. Not only are turkey, gravy and all the fixings my favorite foods but I love being with family and friends celebrating our blessings. However, with most gatherings over meals there are often manners mishaps and misunderstandings. To keep the peace I thought it might be helpful to share answers to some common…

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The gift of presence: A Thanksgiving message

By Arden / November 17, 2015 /

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I love the focus on gratitude and being thankful for the blessings in our lives. I love spending time with family that isn’t centered around gifts, rather that we share the gifts of our presence with each other. And I have to admit, I also love turkey, gravy,…

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Dinner party dos and don’ts

By Arden / September 18, 2015 /

As we approach fall, the cooler months are a wonderful time to have dinner parties and cocktail gatherings, especially around the holidays. My husband and I love to have friends over to dinner. Whether a casual spur of the moment get together or a planned out dinner party, it’s always nice to enjoy the company…

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Restaurant and wait staff pet peeves

By Arden / June 30, 2014 /

If I had a dollar for every time someone complained to me about the service they received at a restaurant I would be a rich woman. It does seem to be a rare occurrence to get great, attentive service at a dining establishment these days. Here are some of the complaints I’ve heard.

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National Etiquette Week: From poison to throat slitting, the evolution of etiquette

By Arden / May 14, 2014 /

It’s National Etiquette Week; a recognition of the importance of etiquette and protocol in all aspects of our lives. Today’s post is about how the word and emphasis on etiquette began and some etiquette practices that have evolved from centuries ago.

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Dinner party lessons

By Arden / April 25, 2014 /

My husband and I made a New Year’s resolution in December to have people over to dinner at least once a month. With the exception of a scheduling snafu in January, we have enjoyed the company of four people every month. It’s been such a wonderful experience. Not only are we seeing people we haven’t…

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How to handle those occasional etiquette dilemmas you will encounter

By Arden / April 9, 2014 /

My husband and I flew to Baltimore to attend his nephew’s wedding. I love weddings. I love spending time with family, being reminded of my love for my husband and seeing how different people organize a wedding. It’s always a wonderful time.

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To eat or not to eat before a party

By Arden / January 12, 2014 /

Michelle Obama is celebrating her 50th birthday. Hard to believe she’s 50, she sure doesn’t look it. Her party invitation stated it was Snacks & Sips & Dancing & Dessert, and specified to wear comfortable shoes, eat before you arrive and practice your dance moves.

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