The Etiquette School of Chicago

09/01/2026

The Black Napkin: Should You Ask for One?

You’re wearing black, and the restaurant gives you a white cloth napkin. Is it okay to ask for a black one?

Yes! And there’s a practical reason why.

This week’s Etiquette Times looks at the black napkin: when to ask for one, what to do if the restaurant doesn’t have one, and why this small detail is also a lesson in exceptional service.

Because sometimes good etiquette really is in the details.

08/26/2026

Ever wonder where phrases like “mind your P’s and Q’s,” “break bread together,” or “the cream rises to the top” came from?

Our latest Etiquette Times takes a fun look at the stories behind five familiar sayings and the lessons in manners that still hold true today.

A little food for thought! 🍽️

08/20/2026

📱 Emails. Texts. Side conversations. Sound familiar?

We’ve received a surprising number of questions lately about meeting etiquette and how some basic professional courtesies seem to be slipping.

Our latest Etiquette Times shares 7 simple reminders for being a thoughtful, professional, and welcomed meeting participant.

The biggest one? Be present. Giving others your full attention never goes out of style.

Read more in our latest newsletter.

We’ve received a surprising number of questions lately about meeting etiquette. With emails, texts, and side conversations competing for our attention, some basic meeting courtesies seem to be slipping. How you conduct yourself at the table says a great deal about your professionalism. Here are se...

08/12/2026

Back to school is the perfect time for a manners refresh for children and adults! 🍎

A friendly greeting, a thoughtful introduction, good listening, and including others are small gestures that make a big difference.

Here’s to a school year filled with confidence, kindness, and good manners!



Back to School Manners

Back-to-School Manners A new school year is a fresh start and a great time to brush up on the everyday manners that build social confidence, strengthen connections, and spread kindness. Here are five simple reminders for students and adults: 1. T.H.I.N.K. before you speak or send. Before speaking, t...

08/04/2026

“I’m sorry” may be just two words, but how we say them can make all the difference.

Is your apology taking responsibility…or accidentally making things worse?

In this week’s Etiquette Times, we look at the language of a sincere apology and why sometimes it’s better to talk than simply hit “send.”



Make "I'm Sorry" Mean Something

The Magic of “I’m Sorry” Please, thank you, you’re welcome, excuse me, and I’m sorry are often called the magic words. But the words themselves aren’t magic; it’s how we say them that matters. A “please” with an eye roll is rude. A mumbled “thank you” doesn’t convey much grat...

07/30/2026

We love hearing what our students, parents, and clients have to say! ❤️

From children and teens to adults and professionals, confidence and good manners make a lasting difference.

Here’s what people are saying about their Etiquette School of Chicago experience. 👇

Here's What People Are Saying

Here's What People Are Saying From children and teens to adults, college students, and corporate professionals, we're grateful for the kind words shared after our programs. "I attended the etiquette class at Pella Signature and absolutely loved it! The meal and learning experience were wonderful. I....

07/21/2026

Your posture speaks before you do.
Discover how small changes in the way you sit, stand, rise, and walk can help you project confidence, poise, and professionalism.

Project Confidence Before You Speak

Posture & Poise: Sitting, Rising, Standing, and Walking Good posture is one of the simplest ways to project confidence, attentiveness, and respect for others. The way you sit, rise, stand, and walk creates a positive first impression without saying a word. Sitting: Sit tall with a naturally aligned....

07/16/2026

🏡 Is your teen staying with friends or visiting family this summer?

We love this article from Raising Teens Today with 10 simple etiquette tips to help teens show respect, gratitude, and consideration while staying in someone else's home.

One tip we'd add: good dining etiquette and table manners. Sharing a meal with confidence and courtesy is an important part of being a thoughtful guest.

Teach Your Teen to Be a Good Houseguest

If your teen is spending time at a friend’s home, traveling to visit relatives, or staying with others this summer, it’s the perfect opportunity to reinforce the importance of being a gracious guest. We love this article from Raising Teens Today, a wonderful resource for parents, which shares 10...

07/02/2026

As we celebrate Independence Day this Saturday, it's a fitting time to remember that George Washington believed character is reflected in everyday conduct.

Many of his 110 Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior still apply today: show respect, communicate clearly, think before you speak, and value others' time. Good manners never go out of style.

Wishing you a happy and safe Fourth of July!

As we celebrate Independence Day and the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, it's worth remembering that America's first president was also a lifelong student of etiquette. In 1746, as a teenager, George Washington copied by hand a list of 110 Rules of Civility and....

06/18/2026

Father's Day is June 21. Did you know there is a flower traditionally associated with Father's Day?

In this week's edition of The Etiquette Times, we're sharing the story behind this simple yet meaningful tradition and how it became a way to honor fathers and father figures.

Read: A Simple Father's Day Tradition Worth Remembering