Maria Brady's Blog – December 2009 Archive (4)

The holiday season is in full swing and we are closing in on New Year's. As you wait for the clock to strike midnight, a glass of bubbly in hand, do you wonder where the tradition of toasting and clinking glasses came from?



As with many of our food traditions, the clinking of glasses traces its root to the health and safety of the drinker. In this case, it goes back to the tendency of nobles to kill each other off by poisoning their food! One story about the clinking of glasses is… Continue

I was shopping in a department store the other day and there were three people in the line. Only one register was open…I'm second of three. Behind me is a woman with an armload of items…I have one!



Another sales clerk arrives on the scene…opens a new register…and says the usual "may I help the next person in line." The woman in front of me, who technically was next in line, starts to move toward that register, but the one behind me, with the armload of stuff, makes it there… Continue

Regifting is a grand old holiday tradition that many practice and pretend they don't. Even Peggy Post, etiquette advice columnist, admits she's done it. So, if you are going to regift this year, here is how to do it right.



Do update the wrapping

There might be a personal message or gift card inside that would make your regift obvious. Besides, raggedy old wrappings are a sign the recipient is getting a regift.



Don't give partially used gift cards

As… Continue

This week’s social etiquette tip was inspired by good friends who were invited to a quiet Thanksgiving dinner at the home of a dear friend. During their meal the doorbell rang...at the door were several friends of the hostess who decided to just ‘drop in’ to say hello.



Was this ambush visit rude? Absolutely! Uninvited guests can often disrupt your planned evening whether it is a holiday celebration, dinner with friends that was booked long ago, or simply just some quiet time. ..or… Continue