Same Great Blog – Fresh New Look
We have been working on a new look for the Etiquette Daily and it is almost ready! With the launch of Etipedia® at www.EmilyPost.com completed we have turned our attention back to the Daily and it has been great to give this blog a little TLC. The web team at The Emily Post Institute has a special affection for the Etiquette Daily. It was the project that the current group cut its teeth on and has been a continuing source of challenge, joy and inspiration. Sometime in the next day or two we will unveil the new look. Most of the changes are cosmetic and the blog will continue to function in much the same way it always has. There will continue to be a new question and answer every day and a chance to discuss etiquette topics as well as ask and answer questions of your own.
When this blog was launched on St. Patricks day a year and a half ago it was a grand experiment for The Emily Post Institute. After almost 80 years of direct correspondence with the etiquette hungry across America we decided to open up the conversation and invite all Emily’s true believers to join the conversation. The regulars here who provide such sound advice and model civil discourse for the curious as well as the confused have become an important part of the Emily Post tradition. Thank you for your contributions and the example you help set. I hope you like the new look when it arrives and invite you to leave comments about the transition here. All the best from the web team at Emily Post and we hope you like the Etiquette Daily version 2.0.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m very sorry if this is not the right place to ask a question, I’m not very good with internet (yet) and I being having this question for a long long time. I apoligize in advance if this is an inconvenience for you, but if someone can answer this question for me would help me very much.
I see many people from Latin America crossing their silverware (literally forming a cross sign with fork and knife) after they finish eating, is that correct here in America? what is the meaning? do people do the same in Latin American countries or is only people of Latin America descend living in USA?
I appreciate your help.
Olga
Dear Olga,
Welcome to Etiquette Daily; you posted your question in exactly the right place! As to your question of Latin diners crossing their knife and fork upon completion of their meal, this is a charming derivation of a signal commonly used in many parts of the world, particularly Europe. In Europe, the knife and fork are often left at four and eignt o’clock on the plate, letting the waiter know they are finished. The Latin habit of twelve and three o’clock acknowledges the strong influence of the Cathlolic church in many Latin countries, and by extension, signaling thanks to God for the repast, in addition to the earthly signal of “fini” to the waiter or host. You will (or should) see some variation of this habit in the United States on occasion, though regretfully we haven’t all caught on yet.
Great question, Olga!
G&H
Our daughter is engaged. Her fiancee wants his name on the response card along with our daughter’s name. I feel this would indicate they are living together (which they are not). To whom should the RSVP card be addressed to? Parents of the bride if we are paying for the wedding, or our daughter? Daughter and Fiancee? Help please.
You may tell him, Mary Kay, that we say response cards are addressed to the hosts; in this case, you/and your husband. While his name with hers might not necessarily be interpreted as them living together, nevertheless, your concern is understandable. Thankfully, though, that is immaterial to the fact you are the hosts.