Category: Manners

Recently I shared love in the backyard vineyard of my cousin Glynn. My sister and I picked muscadine grapes from our seventy year old family grapevine. We laughed and listened as she told stories. 

With all the “new and improved” ways to live, I have found it helpful to “save” a few of the “olden day” ways. Life seems slower and gentle somehow.

My sister and I enjoyed an evening of sharing the strength of family and the delight of the sweet harvest! Do you have a family heirloom that brings you joy?

Live in Joy this week,

Sepia

Your table manners reveal so quickly your background and practice so it is essential to learn to eat graciously and with confidence. There are certain standards for table coverings which include tablecloths, place mats, and more. An individual setting or cover, includes the dinnerware, silverware and glassware to be used by each person. Table manners are subject to the background of your host or hostess and should be respected always. 

Good table manners include:

How to set a table correctly;

How and when to use a knife, a fork, a spoon, chopsticks or your fingers; 

What the meal consist of and how the food may be served; 

What the difference is between private dining and public dining;

When and how to use a napkin and where to place it.

Practice at home when eating sticky and slippery foods, nuts, fresh fruits and firm cheeses. The next time you are a guest in someone’s home you can dine with confidence and enjoy the evening!

Finishing Touches starts this week at the prestigious FISK UNIVERSITY! 

Private Children and Adult Classes are available through September 2016.

“Influencing the Future from our Past”

Smart phones will be around years from now but pen and paper will not go away! Learn how to address a letter, invitations and yes, social media etiquette is covered!

Common courtesies, manners at home and school and engaging in the art of conversation…

Sharing, magic words and practicing charm and grace are always fun exercises!

How to be a friend starts with the golden rule and many other goodies we have learned along the way! 

Let’s bring good citizenship and civility back in fashion!

Manners take time to learn and to develop good manners one must practice.  I am familiar with Motown and the young ladies who became the Supremes. They were trained in personal development by Lady Maxine from Detroit and the rest is history. 

She taught them to present their best self when meeting the public. Of course conversation, kindness, neatness and building confidence required practice at home, at school or any social setting. Manners became second nature to them! This post is a reminder to polish your pattern for living by being thoughtful and courteous to others. In this day of negative and insensitive remarks we must be mindful of others and their insecurities by cultivating our on inner serenity. Developing your poise starts with how you act, react and interact in unexpected situations. 

Growth takes time and how much time it takes depends on you! Refresh your Manner button and choose to shine bright and I assure you others will take note of a new and improved You!

 Photos from The Story of the Supremes by Daryl Easlea