Etiquette & Advice

Traditional etiquette remains as relevant today as it was decades ago. Whether you’re navigating formal social occasions, hosting elegant gatherings, or seeking guidance on refined correspondence, these timeless principles will serve you well.

Test Your Traditional Etiquette Knowledge

I recently came across a True or False quiz from when I attended Finishing School. Although it was done in the
80s, and seems like a long time ago, “Traditional” Etiquette remains almost the same; even though many people
now read modern manners for modern times such as cellular telephone etiquette, there are equally those who
desire advice about formal situations and matters which have not changed.

If you take the quiz below and score
100% – well done.

If you spill something on the person beside you, be sure to help clean it off. TRUE/FALSE

Answer: FALSE

When lunching as a group of girls, ask for separate bills. TRUE/FALSE

Answer: TRUE

Help the waitress by stacking your own dishes when finished eating. TRUE/FALSE

Answer: FALSE

Always cut your bread roll with a knife and butter all of it at once. TRUE/FALSE

Answer: FALSE (break it with your fingers, buttering only one bite at a time)

In a restaurant, if you drop cutlery or food on the floor, pick it up. TRUE/FALSE

Answer: FALSE 

Placemats should be even with the edge of the table, and are placed in the centre of a two foot space. TRUE/FALSE

Answer: TRUE

Silver cutlery is arranged in the order, in which it will be used, starting from the outside working inward. TRUE/FALSE

Answer: TRUE

Never wait for your host to say a blessing or ‘bon appétit’ because your food might get cold. TRUE/FALSE

Answer: FALSE

Greet your hostess before other guests. TRUE/FALSE

Answer: TRUE

Etiquette demands you bring a present for your week-end/overnight hostess. TRUE/FALSE

Answer: TRUE

If there is a celebrity or talented guest present, ask them to perform. TRUE/FALSE

Answer: FALSE

A woman should remove her glove before shaking hands. TRUE/FALSE

Answer: FALSE

When standing in a theatre queue you must introduce your partner to your friends who happen to be standing there also. TRUE/FALSE

Answer: FALSE

A person’s title is always used in an introduction. TRUE/FALSE

Answer: TRUE

For Personalized Etiquette Guidance and Mentorship

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