The Etiquette Essentials

08/28/2026

Yes, you need all 4️⃣ types (at minimum)

The Glass Plate- Oh my word, head to the Dollar store now and buy 5️⃣0️⃣ You will use them for years for parties planned will little notice. Grab great napkins (paper or not 🤗), clip some greenery from your yard and set the bar up—- you can be ready for as nothing with a stash of these plates on hand. And, in my opinion, SO much better than paper plates.

Melamine Plates- Well, Let me tell you, I use them more than I thought. I bought them when my girls were little— cute and they could not break them but then I started using them for Friday night pizza, sandwiches and salads, the list kept growing. Gives a casual supper a little kick!

Everyday China- You must have it. Don’t pick the trendy one. Listen to your mother (and me 😘) on this one.

Fine china - Again, a must have. If you can’t get them all then get 2️⃣. Start there. Use them for those at home date nights when you are young and raising a family. Your date will be a little better while eating pizza or tacos off the fine china— trust me! As you grow, your collection can, too. Stay away from the trendy! I’m biased but Herend is FoREver!

Stay tuned to see what I did a few years back so I would have a Christmas place setting without getting a “Christmas” pattern—— save your money people.

Happy Gathering with those you love!

07/30/2026

5️⃣ Etiquette Tips I’m Reminding My Elementary-Age Child This Week for Back-to-School 📚✏️🤗

As a new school year begins, we’re focusing on more than sharpened pencils and packed lunches (though I do reminder her often to please, please use a napkin at school lunch 🤗). We’re practicing the little acts of kindness and respect that help make every classroom a happier place.

1. Use Kind Words

A simple “Good morning,” “Please,” “Thank you,” and “You’re welcome” can brighten someone’s day. Kind words show respect and help everyone feel welcome.

2. Listen When Others Are Speaking

Whether it’s your teacher, a classmate, or a friend, good manners begin with listening. Eyes up, ears open, and wait your turn to speak.

3. Include Others

If you notice someone sitting alone invite them to join your game or group. A small act of kindness can make a big difference.

4. Take Responsibility

If you make a mess, clean it up. If you make a mistake, say, “I’m sorry,” and try again. Being responsible shows maturity and good character.

5. Show Respect Everywhere

Treat your teachers, classmates, bus driver, cafeteria staff, and school helpers with kindness. A smile, a polite greeting, and good manners never go out of style.

Polished Peyton Reminder:

“Good manners aren’t about being perfect—they’re about making others feel valued, respected, and included.”

Have a GREAT year 🍎📚✏️

07/22/2026

Tips for the Middle School students in your life 😊📚✏️



😊, Everyone’s Etiquette Teacher 📚

07/18/2026

Sweetest private lesson today for Middle School Boys! Yes, boys! — look at the table— lots of food 🍳🥓

Today was all about “Dining.” Eating at home, at restaurants, at a friend’s home, cutting our food, foods we CAN eat with our fingers, where does our napkin belong when I go back to the buffet, where does it go when I leave the restaurant (two different places), do I really stand up when my mom gets up? And on and on!

Y’all know me, I do whatever it takes for these awesome students! After we cut, took a bite and cut, took a bite and we still needed a visual I did this ⬆️⬆️⬆️

I handed one of the boys my phone and said, “take a quick video of me cutting and eatting this watermelon.” He was shocked! He says, “Really?” “Absolutely,” I said.

Why? It helped him. After that, he did it and GOT it!

American or Continental style…..we learn both and talk about both.

Every mom needs one more adult to let their sweet humans know….. this IS important! I’m honored to help!

I here. Let me know how I can help you….. in person, virtually or… I can come to you!

Manners DO matter and the sooner they learn, the BETTER 🤗🍽️

🤗, Everyone’s Etiquette Teacher

04/21/2026

It’s Graduation season and I love it! I grew up in a small Louisiana town and attended the same high school my parents did and the same as my dads parents—fun fact, John Lou was the Homecoming Queen and loved that title until the day she died 👑 She LOVED Neville.

Celebrate the graduates in your life. And, graduates, enjoy these next few weeks. They are some of my fondest memories.

Keep swiping ➡️➡️➡️ for some old school pictures from my Feista 🌮🌯 and the most special handwritten invitation to a luncheon in honor of me and a few girlfriends. And, goodness, Eloise looks like me 💕

Remember, you can’t make old friends 🤗 Those relationships are special! Keep them 🤗

01/08/2026

As we kick off this season of “Seaside Social,” I’m often asked by Middle School/High School parents , “What are you talking with them about first? What’s Important right NOW at this age? How can I help my child after they attended classes?”

I keep these sessions small. I do a number of them, but I believe small is best — we eat and visit and we do a lot of talking. And they have to give me their phones— No phones. Not even when they head to the restroom during dinner.

After years of teaching, I’m honest with parent’s that I see this device (though I have one and I love it) as one of the worst things that has happened to our children.

I want them to learn to be without it. And I absolutely want them to put it away at meal time, family time, dates to dances, church, and so much more.

Teaching our children to visit with others is such a gift we give them by doing it ourselves.

12/30/2025

Toasting Etiquette Reminders 🥂

Keep in mind when you are giving a toast that you are paying tribute to another person during THEIR moment. Maybe it’s a big birthday for them or graduation or retirement. Say all the good, wonderful things about them. Don’t try to steal the show with your toast. Make sure your friend, the person being honored, is the only star of the show.

Cheers 🥂🍻

12/29/2025

https://youtu.be/USdHad67wZo

The Best Etiquette Lesson 🤗

Seinfeld Season 4 Episode 19 - The Implant George receives a lesson in double-dipping a chip. Don't we all know a double-dipper that could use a lesson like ...

12/08/2025

12/08/2025

Grades are important. They are. But, they are NOT the most important when it comes to real life and the 🌎 real world. It’s your people skills. Your ability to create relationships and maintain them.

If you are a young person in college, work hard. Study. Look for mentors and beg to follow them around. And take a Business Etiquette class. You will not regret it.