As seen on: Cuisine Noir Magazine The wedding proposal is one of the special “happenings” in a couple’s life that will be forever remembered.  If you conducted a survey with married couples to inquire about their engagement, it is likely that each couple would recall the event, even down to the minute details of the marriage proposal. The “story book” proposal involves romance and creativity and will create a fond…

As seen on: Cuisine Noir Magazine Are you a good neighbor? Good neighbors respect others’ property and privacy and exercise good manners around the neighborhood. My good friend and neighbor, Veronice, has all the attributes of a model neighbor.  She is highly regarded by our neighbors because she consciously exhibits proper and neighborly behaviors. Learn and live – By emulating some of the actions and practices of my friend, you can help…

As seen on: Cuisine Noir Magazine You are dining out with friends and having a great time.  The meal is delicious, the conversation interesting and the atmosphere lively.  Later, the bill arrives and awkwardness accompanies it.  Someone has to take charge and oversee the payment.  It’s too late to ask for separate checks.  Now what?  Do you split the bill equally, ask everyone to pay an approximate amount for what…

As seen on: Cuisine Noir Magazine One day, I had the pleasure of having lunch with my etiquette teacher, mentor and friend, Mrs. Peggy Newfield, president and founder of The American School of Protocol® in Atlanta. We arranged to meet at a restaurant in the Buckhead region of Atlanta. Feeling slightly apprehensive and wanting to make an exemplary impression while dining with the renowned Peggy Newfield, we (my son, a…

As seen on: Cuisine Noir Magazine Are you ever annoyed by the mannerisms or lack of decorum by people in public places? Have you made the comment “someone needs to teach him/her some manners?” When attending entertainment venues, be it a food & wine festival, concert, theater, sporting event or museum, your manners are always on display. Being courteous and respectful of others is essential. Many etiquette experts share my…

As seen on: Cuisine Noir Magazine Are you one that hates shopping at grocery stores? Is it because of the prices, people or quality of food? What causes you to have an unpleasant shopping experience? As an etiquette resource, I am not able to reduce food prices or change the freshness of meats and produce, however, I can provide some grocery store etiquette tips on behaviors that can positively affect…