Maria Brady's Blog (24)

In today’s fast paced world many people have forgotten, or were never taught, the basics of dining etiquette. When do I touch my napkin? How do I pass? What is the charger for?



Knowing the basics of dining etiquette is very empowering because it allows you to relax and enjoy your dinner. Following are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about dining.



Your napkin goes in your lap, folded in half, as soon as you sit down. Some people will wait until the food… Continue

Whether it’s an invitation to a wedding, a shower or a dinner party, an invitation usually comes with an important obligation…RSVP!



RSVP comes from the French phrase "répondez s'il vous plaît", meaning "please respond". If RSVP is written on an invitation it means that you must tell the host whether or not you plan to attend…no problem right? But what is the proper protocol when that familiar ‘fill in the blank’ reply card is not included?



Once upon a time, reply cards… Continue

Standing by a table of guests at a recent wedding, I just couldn't help but overhear their conversation. "Which bread plate is mine?" “Is that your water glass or mine”?



It's okay to admit that you get anxious when you see a plethora of stemware on the table…and there’s nothing wrong with confessing that you're not sure where to put your bread!



Figuring out which water goblet is yours could be one of the first decisions you would be required to make as oftentimes, napkins… Continue

As a wedding planner I get to attend many weddings and I am constantly reminded of how little most people know about the proper etiquette of a toast.



Offering a toast is a fabulous way to show gratitude, praise, or admiration to someone special. That person may be the guest of honor at a celebration or a business function, a guest in your home, or your host at a dinner party. Below are some accepted forms of behavior when giving or receiving a toast.



Unless it is a very… Continue