Need a gift idea? Etiquette advice? Have a question about modern manners? Please, ask away! Fill out the form below and I will get back to you as soon as possible!
Thanksgiving is Thursday, which means hosts are preparing menus and polishing silver, and guests are anxiously awaiting the beloved autumn feast. Whether you’re attending dinner at your parents house, in-laws, or a friends, I wanted to share some quick modern manners tips to help you be a gracious guest. Wishing everyone safe travels and a happy Thanksgiving!
Be punctual – right on time please!
Offer to bring a dish – perhaps your famous apple pie.
Bring a hostess gift – a little something thoughtful.
Be helpful – offer to help the hostess in any way you can.
Be conversational – chat up your fellow dinner guests.
Be gracious – thank your hostess that night and also write a thank you note.
I’ve always wanted to learn the elegant art of calligraphy, and so I was thrilled when one of my friends invited me to a class hosted by Madeleine Herskind, founder of Madeleine Calligraphy. Incredibly talented and passionate about her craft, Madeleine taught us everything from how to properly hold the pen to how to write the lowercase alphabet – the swooping curves of the “b” were particularly lovely to write. Each student had their own set of tools to practice with and take home, including a sleek oblique pen, tracing paper, and velvety black ink neatly stored in tiny jar. I would love to apply my new skill to our Christmas cards (this might be a tad ambitious) or at a minimum, the Thanksgiving place cards, and am excited to keep practicing and perfecting my style. Here are a few pictures from the workshop, and cheers to the weekend!
Hot Chocolate and Vanilla Marshmallow Set • Gingerbread Mix and Pan • Sea Salt Toffee Popcorn • Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies
Christmas is six short weeks away, and festive holiday party invitations are already being postmarked. We have a couple of parties to attend, and I’m looking so forward to dressing up (more on holiday dresses later!) and celebrating this special season with those who are most dear. Since we all know the time-honored adage of, “Never show up empty-handed”, I created a curated selection of holiday hostess gifts. This time of year is the perfect occasion to indulge, so I included some of my favorite holiday treats – velvety hot chocolate and my personal favorite, spiced gingerbread mix – as well as some precious silver matchbox holders and an intoxicating alpine scented Diptyque candle. These napkin rings are also fabulous for the hostess who loves to throw dinner parties, and these coasters are so clever and cute. Enjoy!
Who doesn’t love to receive a personalized gift? These monogrammed linen coasters are as elegant as they are practical and a beautiful hostess gift.
