I was hanging out at Rodney’s Bookstore the other night in Central Square perusing the shelves for interesting books and came across this, “The Amy Vanderbilt Complete Book of Etiquette - Entirely Rewritten & Updated” by Nancy Tuckerman and Nancy Dunnan.I grew up in a household where manners were important, where my mother taught me how to set a table for a 12 course meal (complete with finger bowls), I learned how to choose the right kind of linen napkins and how to press them, etc, etc, etc. Manners were important to say the least.This book takes it next level though. Part of me bought this for entertainment value (Nancy & Nancy, what should I pack for a weekend vacation and are traveller’s checks really the best way to carry money in foreign countries? and what if I have to write a formal invitation to a state official - which of my two types of stationary should I use?) but part of me also likes the idea of having a reference around for social situations that merit a guide of sorts (appropriate ways to send condolences for a funeral, accepting invitations to more formal events, etc.) I should also note that I walked away from this book for 24 hours, but after talking about it with Steph was convinced that it had to be purchased.  There is something beautiful about being able to tap into the history of etiquette and not being casual with every interaction I have with the world.The return of (some) formality in 2008 is on.

I was hanging out at Rodney’s Bookstore the other night in Central Square perusing the shelves for interesting books and came across this, “The Amy Vanderbilt Complete Book of Etiquette - Entirely Rewritten & Updated” by Nancy Tuckerman and Nancy Dunnan.

I grew up in a household where manners were important, where my mother taught me how to set a table for a 12 course meal (complete with finger bowls), I learned how to choose the right kind of linen napkins and how to press them, etc, etc, etc. Manners were important to say the least.

This book takes it next level though. Part of me bought this for entertainment value (Nancy & Nancy, what should I pack for a weekend vacation and are traveller’s checks really the best way to carry money in foreign countries? and what if I have to write a formal invitation to a state official - which of my two types of stationary should I use?) but part of me also likes the idea of having a reference around for social situations that merit a guide of sorts (appropriate ways to send condolences for a funeral, accepting invitations to more formal events, etc.) I should also note that I walked away from this book for 24 hours, but after talking about it with Steph was convinced that it had to be purchased. 

There is something beautiful about being able to tap into the history of etiquette and not being casual with every interaction I have with the world.

The return of (some) formality in 2008 is on.