Welcome to your cruise. Your planning and packing has concluded, and it’s time to settle in and enjoy the great company, new sights, decadent food, and relaxation. It’s our pleasure to invite you to dine with friends and if you are lucky, the captain. The cruise ship culinary team has gone to great lengths to delight guests. We’ve pulled together a handful of cruise ship etiquette tips to prepare you for your dining voyage. Before we set sail, do you have any questions? Bon Appétit on the High Seas: Cruise Ship Etiquette   Q: What should I wear to dine at the captain’s table? A: Generall ..read more

Social media and news outlets have been abuzz about the 2024 total solar eclipse. NASA reports: “On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, United States, and Canada . . . The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.” NASA reminds us that safety is paramount—review their safety guidelines so you can take the proper precautions. For those of us in the path of the eclipse (hello, my San Antonio friends!), there is much excitement! Keep reading for our total solar eclipse etiquette reminders. Don’t Risk Damaging Your Eyes Eclipse glasses are not the ..read more

Expanding your network is one way to take ownership of who is in your circle and where your career is headed. Meeting new professional contacts allows you to sharpen your conversational skills and may even bring about new ideas in your research. Bianca Miller Cole for Forbes explains, “For many individuals that have succeeded in their career, the causes have largely been attributed to the strong networking channels they have created over time.” If you find yourself dreading the office get-together or monthly chamber mixer, here are a few tips on improving your networking skills that will assis ..read more

Dear Diane, I have a major dilemma that I feel breaches a major etiquette rule. I would appreciate your input. My sister-in-law has decided at the last minute to have an impromptu family and friends baby shower for one of her daughters in the middle of my upcoming Easter luncheon, with my invited guests. While I absolutely adore my niece, her husband, and his family, it’s a bit uncomfortable for the guests in attendance who I invited before this idea came to fruition. A few of them have never met my niece. My sister-in-law didn’t ask me for permission to include a baby shower in my Easter age ..read more

It’s March 2024, and most are completely back to their daily work routine. Many people want to blame the pandemic for the most recent bad manners at the office, and whether or not the isolation and flux has had anything to do with a bad attitude or consistently being late to work or a meeting (which is a stretch!), it’s definitely time for an etiquette reboot. A refresher course on Workplace Etiquette is both timely and a heavily requested session. Here are Office Etiquette Rules for 2024 Set the Example Etiquette is all about how we treat other people, and the example starts at the top. A go ..read more

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner and plans are underway for celebrations of all sizes. After all, any holiday is a great excuse for a party—especially St. Patrick’s Day! We’ve covered the history of St. Patrick’s Day, shared a handful of celebration ideas, passed along etiquette reminders, and more. Today, we’re spotlighting key considerations that guests should be keenly aware of before their next party. And, wrapping things up with etiquette tips to ensure they are on their best behavior throughout the festivities. Cheers to a marvelous and mannerly St. Patrick’s Day! What is an ..read more

So many of us look forward to dining out, whether with a partner, group of friends, or someone new. For those raising little ones, the power and appeal of this time together is undeniable—being able to relax for a moment, savor your food and finally catch up on everything that’s been going on in your lives (or not). There is often some preparation required before you sink into your chair…perhaps babysitters to book, reservations to make, selecting an outfit and getting ready, and the list goes on. Most would agree the prep is worth it, especially with great company and amazing food. That said ..read more

Valentine’s Day is often associated with celebrations of love and open hearts. However, for those dealing with loss, loneliness and feeling blue, the messaging around cupid’s holiday can bring on more heartache. Others feel that it’s a “made up” holiday to boost the retail industry and pressure couples to spend needlessly so close after the December holiday season. Personally, I am in the group that enjoys spreading a little Valentine’s Day cheer. My mom is in a nursing home, and it’s a special treat (for me) to buy a box of relatively inexpensive cards at the grocery store and pass them arou ..read more

The weather outside is nasty, and you want to keep a mud-free home for you, your family, and your guests to appreciate. Or, you simply don’t want shoes worn in the house to keep from collecting dirt, germs, or any number of other reasons. In some cultures, it’s the norm for guests to remove their shoes before entering the home as it can be seen as a sign of disrespect for guests to enter without leaving their shoes at the door. Regardless of your motives, what is the etiquette of asking guests to take off their shoes in your home? According to a survey conducted by YouGovAmerica, most America ..read more

The new year brings with it news of engagements, weddings, and many other exciting changes for the happy couple. The months leading up to a special event, especially a wedding, are filled with celebrations, emotions, and a little angst. From the engagement party to the big event, there are plenty of opportunities to puzzle even the most savvy wedding guest. An often confusing event is the wedding shower, as there are a myriad of questions and often unclear expectations. I was recently interviewed by Southern Living about wedding shower etiquette dilemmas. Keep reading for a few etiquette remi ..read more