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Modern Manners, Issue #001 -- teaser here
November 07, 2010
Hi,

Thank you for subscribing to the Modern Manners Guide! This newsletter will bring you the best etiquette tips, thoughts, and tools to make you socially graceful and elegant.

Each newsletter will include tips from some of the most common questions that we receive each month. If there is something that you would like to have covered in the newsletter, please let us know and we will include it in future newsletters.

And now, on to improving your etiquette and manners...


Tips For The Month

As we are entering the crazy holiday season for this year we wanted to offer you some tips on how to enjoy yourself and make a good impression at the same time.

This month we will be chatting about Thanksgiving etiquette. Thanksgiving is a special time of year, as it is when we get together with family and friends and reflect on the ways we have been blessed throughout the year.

One of the things I am thankful for, yearly, is that we are invited to share Thanksgiving with our parents. We alternate years, so it works out for our families. I love the day of, because we spend the time cooking, chatting and eating. The thing I am most thankful for that day is that either my mother or mother-in-law will cook the turkey for us. I have never been gifted with turkey preparation, so when they take over it is wonderful. I will do anything else they need, as long as the bird stays out of my oven.

Many of us will be invited to share the day with family. Here are some good manners suggestions to make the best of it.

1. Call at least a week before to see what you will need to bring. It is a wonderful way to offer your help with the food, seating, whatever is needed. With this call you can double check the schedule.

2.Bring a gift for the hosts. Even if they are family, it is a nice gesture to have something nice for them. It is a simple way to say ‘thank you’ for sharing this time with us.

3.Help set the table. If it is not already done when you arrive, offer your help to get things situated. It can take some of the last minute stress off your hosts.

4.Use your table manners. It is a day of feasting to be sure, however it is not a day of dark ages feasting. Using your ‘pleases’ and ‘thank yous’ are fabulous around a crowded Thanksgiving table. Oh yes, no belching at the table.

5.Help to clear the table. When you are done eating, it is polite to clear your plate, glass and silverware.

6.Ask if you can help with the dishes. Your hosts have spent the day cooking in the kitchen. It is a great gesture to offer to do the dishes for them, so that they can take some time and relax. There are times when you need to use the ‘assumptive close’ and start loading the dishwasher for them.

Taking part in Thanksgiving traditions is a marvelous way to start the holiday seasons. Reflecting on what has been so good over the year will help you feel the blessings you have received. Doing it with family and friends makes it even better. Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving Day!!!


Website Updates

As you can see from the theme of this month's newsletter, the holidays are creeping up on us again. Since the holidays are such a family oriented time, (and an important time to show manners and etiquette) we have added a holiday etiquette section to our site. Learn how to have manners for each of the holidays!

We have recently added a travel etiquette section to our website. You can find those valuable travel etiquette ideas available for all your travel needs. Make the most out of your next trip.

Do you use Facebook? You can "like us" on Facebook to receive automatic updates on additions to the website and other valuable information? You can join us on Facebook today!

If you prefer to use Twitter, you will also be notified of website updates to your Twitter account. Follow us on Twitter!


Recommended Tools

Since this month is all about Thanksgiving, we came across this book on Amazon and thought we would recommend it to you all. It is called:

Thanksgiving 101: Celebrate America's Favorite Holiday with America's Thanksgiving Expert

Sometimes, preparing a meal for a small army (or a large one) can be a daunting task. This is a good read to give you some amazing ideas on pulling off a successful holiday.

Enjoy!

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