I guess that's what makes us good at our jobs - it's a job in and of itself to stay on top of the trends in etiquette though. One site that I love, is Kim Goddards Proper Protocol she has listed the Top 10 Do's and Don'ts -
Do's
- Respond immediately when receiving an invitation
- Use the Bread Plate to your left (why do people always go to the right?)
- Sit straight with both feet flat on the floor
- Begin a letter with "You" instead of "I"
- Smile when you greet someone
- Do unto others as you would have do unto them
- Stand when someone comes to your table
- Give the receptionist your business card when entering
- Open your car door for business clients
- Place your napkin on your lap as soon as your seated
Don'ts
- Write a Thank You note by email or fax
- Have dirty finger nails
- Ramble or Repeat yourself
- Ask for a drink unless offered
- Take the bosses seat or the one next to it
- Placed used silverware back on the table
- Hold the wine glass by the bowl of the glass
- Stand in front of the opening elevator doors
- Tear your bread in half and eat it
- Fight over the bill
I think we are all guilty of at least one of these! Check out a fun book on Wedding Etiquette!