Ladies, Let’s Be Ladies: A Refresher On Proper Etiquette

Your Quinceañera celebration is the perfect time to demonstrate proper manners. After all, it is the celebratory event to your coming into adulthood. Therefore, before you reach across the plate of the person sitting next to you, bite more than you can chew (literally), or say something extremely out of place, freshen up your manners with guides that have teenagers and special engagements (such as your Quinceañera) in mind.

“Tiffany’s Table Manners for Teenagers“
First published in 1989, Tiffany’s Table Manners for Teenagers was written by Walter Hoving in response to his then five-year-old grandson’s lack of table etiquette. The book, all 96 pages of it, uses a candid tone of voice to describe the proper use of silverware, how to be a lovely dining companion, and goes over the proper place for your napkin (hint: contrary to famous bbq commercials, it’s not around your neck). The guide is a quick, to-the-point read with illustrations by Joe Eula, a prominent fashion illustrator whose work appeared in many publications, including Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.

“Prom and Party Etiquette”
Hot off the printers, so to speak, is the Emily Post 2010 release, “Prom and Party Etiquette”, a guide that speaks the language of social party do’s and don’ts. Homecoming, sweet sixteens, sports games, prom, graduation, and all the parties in between are covered in the book. who asks and who pays for a date? can you dance with someone other than the person you came with? and what should you wear to the prom? are all themes of discussion. Cindy Post Senning, Ed.D., and Co-Director of The Emily Post Institute, Inc., is coauthor of “Prom and Party Etiquette” with her sister-in-law, Peggy Post.

“How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World: The Art of Living with Style, Class, and Grace”
With chapter titles such as “Keep your chin up and your skirt down”, “Choose your friends wisely, “Let him come calling” and “Dress to impress”, Jordan Christy’s guide to being a lady covers modesty, friends, relationships, and jobs, as well as work ethic, makeup and fashionable yet modest clothing, and how to retain your values in a fast paced age. The music industry publicist has been featured everywhere from The Today Show to The London Times, and speaks to young women around the world on topics such as self-respect, fashion, and relationships. The guide uses assignments, recognizable celebrity examples and some of the author’s own experiences to show you how to be more Audrey Hepburn and less The Jersey Shore.

“How Rude!: The Teenagers’ Guide to Good Manners, Proper Behavior, and Not Grossing People Out“
If you’ve ever been faced with a rude family member, have been sandwiched in a subway, or have ever been at loss for words when having to express condolescenes to a friend who lost a loved one, “How Rude!: The Teenagers’ Guide to Good Manners, Proper Behavior, and Not Grossing People Out” is a great source of information. In fact, it covers just about any topic or uncomfortable situation where you might have found yourself confused as to what they proper thing to do, or say, might be. Here’s an etiquette book that teens will want to read—because it keeps them laughing, doesn’t preach, and deals with issues that matter to them, as teens themselves reported in a nationwide survey. Author Alex J. Packer uses a humorous tone to talk about these and other topics from A-Z, literally, like Dr. Seuss except on a mission to teach you proper etiquette rather than get you to try green eggs and ham.

This post is also available in: Spanish