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 dining etiquette tips to prepare you for your voyage. Before we set sail, do you have any questions? Bon Appétit on the High Seas: Cruise Ship ... [ Read More ]
2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Manners for the Momentous Event
05 Apr 2024
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 ... [ Read More ]
Strong Networking Skills Build Professional Relationships
03 Apr 2024
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. ... [ Read More ]
Easter Luncheon, Baby Shower, or Both? Ask the Etiquette Expert
27 Mar 2024
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 ... [ Read More ]
Is Workplace Etiquette on the Decline? A Mannerly Refresher for 2024
18 Mar 2024
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 ... [ Read More ]
St. Patrick’s Day Party Etiquette: Guest Considerations
11 Mar 2024
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 ... [ Read More ]
Culinary Courtesy: Answering Your Restaurant Etiquette Qs
19 Feb 2024
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 ... [ Read More ]
Heartfelt Ways To Spark Joy This Valentine’s Day
06 Feb 2024
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” ... [ Read More ]
The Etiquette of Asking Guests to Take Off Their Shoes In Your Home
21 Jan 2024
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 ... [ Read More ]
Answering Your Wedding Shower Etiquette Questions
10 Jan 2024
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 ... [ Read More ]
Ask the Etiquette Expert
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 ]