Welcome to the blog

and other etiquette thoughts

woman in red dress

Is it ok to wear red to a wedding? What is the etiquette around wearing certain colors as a wedding guest? Most of us know white is a color reserved strictly for the bride and it’s off limits for a wedding guest to wear white. But what about other bold colors? Specifically, red. A friend […]

Can you wear red to a wedding as a guest?

Feb 16, 2021

Is it possible to be an over-thanker? It’s important to express your gratitude, but my friend was worried about coming on too strong with a thank you text PLUS a handwritten note. My friend, Loren, sent me a message the other day and asked: What a sweet question, Loren. Send a quick text or email […]

Over-Thanking: Can you say thank you too much?

Jan 25, 2021

If you ever plan to be an adult, you’re going to need to know how to address an envelope correctly. Good envelope etiquette really makes you look like you know what you’re doing to the person who receives your letter and, of course, the main reason for correspondence etiquette is so the post office can […]

How to address an envelope: a 3 min tutorial for teens and tweens

Dec 13, 2020

dia de muertos party first birthday

Earlier this month we had a triple birthday party themed around the Disney movie, Coco, and the Mexican tradition of Dia de Muertos on which the movie is based. This October, our oldest son turned 5, our youngest son turned 1, and I turned 30. Goodness gracious, still can’t believe I’m 30. 😲 Since it […]

Our family’s Dia de Muertos party and outdoor movie night

Oct 23, 2020

Five year old boy at birthday party

I really like hosting parties. I love the invitations and food, the decorations, dress, and desserts. But, most of all, I enjoy providing a pleasant event for our family and friends and making people feel welcome at our home. This week I started passing that idea of being a welcoming host along to our children. […]

How to help your kid be a good birthday party host

Oct 15, 2020

woman hanging American flag outside home

I’m sure you’ve seen flags flying on big flag poles at half-staff, but how do you modify that for flags hanging outside your home or on your porch? Watch the video or read on below to learn how to fly a flag at half staff at home using a mourning ribbon. Flying a flag at […]

How to fly a flag at half staff on a house with a mourning ribbon

Sep 9, 2020

lady wearing large white fascinator being escorted by a gentleman

Here’s a fun piece of etiquette for all you Kentucky Derby fans. My favorite part of the Kentucky Derby (right behind the horses) is the fashion! Hats are a major part of a woman’s derby outfit and are even thought to be good luck on derby day. A variation of hats, fascinators, are the fun […]

Which side of your head should you wear a fascinator?

Sep 5, 2020

student at desk online learning from teacher on computer

A student’s online social skills (or lack thereof) are most noticeable in their two main avenues of online communication: emails and video conferences.

Help your student stand out in the online classroom

Aug 24, 2020

middle-school-cotillion-dance

Cotillion has always been special. But cotillion is different now. What may have been a rigid, memorized, do-as-your-told experience back in the day is now

Should I send my middle schooler to cotillion?

Jul 31, 2020

kids looking out door from covid quarantine

It’s so simple, but it shows so much respect. When they visit a friend’s house, as soon as they step in the door, teach them to ask aloud, “Mind if I…

The new habit to teach your kids as they visit friends in the COVID era

Jul 16, 2020