Traditional Etiquette
The Lessons of the Past can Prepare us for the Future
While etiquette changes and evolves over time, some things do remain remarkably constant. The social expectations that have been the most durable for generations provide a strong framework for understanding how to support relationships. You will find many examples like this here.
The manners that change and evolve over time also teach us things and have the power to reveal what is essential and requires change from us. It can also just be fun (if you are an etiquette geek like we are) to look back at what used to be expected with the understanding and perspective that only the passage of time can provide. You will also find information on anacranistic manners like these from other times and eras.
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General Tipping Guide
When and where and how much to tip: Tipping guidelines for three of the most common times tipping is…
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Announcing a New Baby
The arrival of a new family member (now matter how the baby or child arrives) is one of the most exciting,…
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Official Forms of Address: United States Government
Learn the letter address, salutation, spoken greeting and formal introduction for United States government…
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Official Forms of Address: State Government
Learn the letter address, salutation, spoken greeting and formal introduction for state government officials.
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Official Forms of Address: Religious Dignitaries
Learn the letter address, salutation, spoken greeting and formal introduction for religious dignitaries.
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Official Forms of Address: Professional
Learn the letter address, salutation, spoken greeting and formal introduction for professionals like…
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Official Forms of Address: Diplomatic
Learn the letter address, salutation, spoken greeting and formal introduction for diplomats.
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Seven Holiday Gift Giving Tips for the Office
The year end holidays may be the giving season, but the perennial question is "What do I give to..."…
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Video - Holiday Table Setting Made Easy
In this video, Lizzie Post and her mother, Tricia Post, give detailed advice on how to set a holiday…
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How to Help a Grieving Loved One During the Holidays
The holidays, especially the first ones after the death of a loved one, can be particularly hard. While…
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Holiday Tipping Guide
The holiday season is traditionally the time Americans choose to thank those who provide them with year-round…
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Holiday Tips vs. Holiday Gifts
The holiday season is a budget-stretching season for many. Between your gift list, holiday tips, parties,…
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Holiday Party Planning
With the holidays comes the opportunity to entertain your nearest and dearest, as well as all those people…
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Holiday Houseguest Manners
As a guest, it’s your job to put all your positive qualities on display: enthusiasm, congeniality, consideration,…
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Holiday Greeting Cards
Advice on holiday greeting cards from the number one source on American etiquette.
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Family Holiday Newsletters
An Emily Post Institute survey showed that people have mixed feelings about these newsletters: 53% like…
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Canceling Holiday Plans During COVID-19
With the holidays right around the corner, many people are considering canceling multi-family gatherings…
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Removing the Mystery: Cousins "Once Removed"
Sarah and Luke are cousins. But what are their children to one another... and who is "once removed"?
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Guide to Writing Men's Names with Suffixes
Learn how to use and write men's names with suffixes. All the basics on using Mr., Jr., Sr., II, III…
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Professional Title Etiquette: When to Use Your Dr. Title
Here are some tips on the correct use of professional titles such as doctor, lawyer, or reverend doctor.
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What is Protocol?
Protocol is the glue that holds official life together—the observance of precedence and rank in aspects…
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Traditional Gendered Courtesies
Is chivalry dead? Yes and no.
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The "Mrs." Question
Married and divorced women different have options in how they choose to be addressed.
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Military Titles
Learn how to properly address those with military titles in conversation and in correspondence. This…
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Audience Etiquette
Today, there's a wealth of entertainment offered in widely differing settings, but the following fundamentals…
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Appropriate Applause at Classical Music Performances
When attending a classical music performance, novice guests often worry about when to clap. These are…
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Making Introductions
Many people think that introducing themselves or introducing someone is so complicated that they tend…
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Q&A: The Manners of Downton Abbey, Then and Now
Anna Post joined Vermont PBS for an on-air pledge drive Q&A about the difference between our manners…
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New Neighbors
In today's highly mobile society, it's not so unusual for people to move into a neighborhood almost without…
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Spring Break Travel Tips
Traveling this Spring? Avoid the Stress with Lizzie Post’s Travel Tips. With spring break just around…
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Definition of Etiquette
The philosophy of etiquette is timeless and everlasting, whereas manners – the outward expression of…
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Flag Etiquette for Memorial Day Weekend
The American flag is considered a living entity and never dips to any person or thing. It is the premier…
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Wearing White After Labor Day
Should you wear white after labor day? This article explores the tradition of the guideline and why it…
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Tips for a Happy Thanksgiving
We can’t offer you a turkey hotline, but here are some tips for guests and hosts to help make your Thanksgiving…
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Show Your Thanksgiving Spirit
Let's Celebrate. The fellowship feeling of Thanksgiving is unrivaled among holidays. It's hard to think…
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Why Thanksgiving Is My Favorite Holiday
A Day Devoted to Saying Thank You! I was driving to work today and thinking about etiquette—that may…
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Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Soup with Sage Recipe
Its apple-sage and squash-allspice flavor combinations may well have thoughts of Thanksgiving dancing…
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Good Halloween Manners
Halloween is a fun holiday for children, but it's easy to forget basic manners when there is so much…
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Valentine's Day Gift Ideas
Valentine’s Day, while romantic, can be fraught with gifting and planning stress. Here are some tips…