Sunday, May 9, 2010

A GIVEAWAY TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL ETIQUETTE WEEK!

Yes, there is National Etiquette Week. It was established by Sandra Morisset in 1997 and will be observed May 10th - 14th. This is a time to recognize civility and good manners...and it begins with you! During this week, I hope that y'all examine and improve your etiquette skills. Here's a list of Miss Janice's top five etiquette faux pas:

~Failure to R.s.v.p....will surely get your name taken off Miss Janice's party list!
~Not sending a thank-you note...how very ungrateful!
~Talking while chewing your food...so disgusting!
~Using a toothpick in public...Miss Janice absolutely cannot stand this!
~Forgetting to say "Please, Thank You, Yes Ma'am/Sir, or Excuse Me"...a sure sign to others that you have no class!

In celebration of National Etiquette Week, I'm having a "Very Proper Giveaway." Last year I had a giveaway during National Etiquette Week and the winner received Letitia Baldrige's book, "New Manners for New Times." This year, I am offering the same book and a couple more of Ms. Baldrige's books to the lucky winner...This is Miss Janice's go-to etiquette reference book!
Another book included in my giveaway--It all starts in the home..."More Than Manners, Raising Today's Kids to Have Kind Manners & Good Hearts"


One more book for giveaway--This title says it all...it's not a question of money! "Taste, Acquiring What Money Can't Buy"


Ms. Baldrige is recognized universally as the country's leading authority on business and social etiquette. She was the White House Secretary for Jacqueline Kennedy and since that time has published more than twenty books.

Here's a photo of Letitia Baldrige at a White House State function in the 60's. Can you even imagine having such a wonderful job???


In this photo, the First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy is arriving at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Ms. Baldrige is seen emerging from the limo. November 3, 1961. I adore this photograph!




Here, you see Miss Janice with Ms. Baldrige at the Southern Lady Event in Destin, Florida. I begged the editor of Tea Time magazine, Barbara Cockerham, to schedule a sit-down for me with Ms. Baldrige. I was honored to meet her and receive her wealth of information regarding my role as an etiquette consultant in today's world.


So, here are the rules of the giveaway...
~To receive one entry, you must leave a comment and tell me what you consider to be the biggest etiquette faux pas.
~
To receive two entries, please let me know if you are a follower of my site or if you are a new proper friend & follower!
~For a third entry, please let me know if you posted about my giveaway on your blog, Twitter, or Facebook.

The winner will be announced on Saturday, May 15th. Good luck to you and please remember to practice proper etiquette always!

101 comments:

c said...

such a wonderful woman, and a wonderful giveaway! my biggest pet peeve when it comes to etiquette is people with bad table manners. I just had breakfast the other week with friends from school and it was appalling! (I'm a follower!)

LC said...

The biggest faux pas I see a LOT is reapplying make-up at the dinner table!
*yes I am a follower!

Sheltiemama said...

OK, my test worked, now for my comments.

First entry: I think one of the rudest things you can do is ask a couple when they're going to have children or, if they have one, when they're going to have more. Appalling!

Second entry: Yes, I'm a follower.

Suburban Princess said...

What a wonderful giveaway! I was just looking for copies of these books!

Failure to rsvp is my biggest pet peeve - I never reinvite someone who doesnt acknowledge an invitation!

I am a follower :O)

I am going to pop this onto the sidebar of my blog right now!

Anonymous said...

Hi Miss Janice! You know I love your blog and of course observe this holiday : ) I think the biggest faux pas is when people don't introduce one another when in a social setting! It drives me nuts! Have a great week!

E. said...

First entry: A current pet peeve is applying makeup on the subway.

Second entry: I am indeed a follower!

Anonymous said...

Love your blog and am a definite follower!

My pet peeve (among many) when it comes to etiquette are men that wear their hats inside. Usually baseball caps in restaurants.....that really gets me. Miss Betty would probably snatch them bald-headed if she were still here!

Will post about your giveaway on my blog and Facebook group page!

Thanks! TCP

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Hi Miss Janice -- This is a week I would certainly like to see take wing! I guess my pet peeve would be people who act boorish, rude and unmannerly in any setting. You know I'm a follower!

Preppy Pink Crocodile said...

I'm a follower of course!

Biggest pet peeve: talking on your cell phone in a restaurant. And I mean ANY restaurant-even one that is casual. Perhaps it doesn't bug the person at their table but it bugs the heck out of me. People speak at a much higher volume on the phone than in person. Oh and a tie would be not cleaning up after your dog when walking the pup. You know what I mean- gross!!

Amy B. said...

Miss Janice,

I would have to say failing to RSVP is the biggest etiquette faux pas. If they only knew the trouble it causes when planning a wedding reception! Thank you for doing what you do - helping to keep proper manners alive. Keep up the excellent work :)

P.S. I am a follower.

Shavon Hankins said...

Dearest Miss Janice,
I teach first grade, and am so saddened by the fact that so many of my sweet children come to school without ANY manners. They don't know how to properly address adults, or even use the most common of courtesy phrases, such as "Please" and "Thank You". We won't even go into their table manners!! I would love to be able to start an afterschool "Etiquette Club" for our young students.
I am definitely a follower of your delightful and informative Blog.
Thanks so much - Shavon

Bama Girl said...

Dear Miss Janice, I absolutely loved the photos! Thanks for sharing. :-)
The lack of a handwritten thank you card to acknowledge a gift or kindness is one of my biggest pet peeves. In my previous life, I was responsible for an office of 12+ workers, with all hiring responsibilities. I absolutely refused to hire someone who was interviewed but didn't follow up with a thank you note (NOT just an email). Where are the manners???
And yes, I'm a follower, please enter me twice. Thank you! XOXO

Needles Everywhere said...

My pet peeve is "call waiting". Putting someone on hold in the middle of conversation with them is the ultimate in rudeness. I am new follower of this blot and I just adore it. I wonder how manners have changed to the 'new times' and I wonder if it's really any different.

Socially Savvy said...

Thank you for following me Miss Janice. You warm my heart and I am glad we are celebrating National Etiquette Week this week. And I adore Letitia "Tish" Baldrige.

Anastasia Schembri said...

Oh Miss Janice, what a fabulous giveaway!
I would have to say one of my biggest pet peeves is the distasteful use of the cell phone by everyone and everywhere these days. In restaurants, in the checkout at the grocers, while getting their hair done, and in the middle of a graduation ceremony if you can believe it!
You know I am a fan and follower!
I will definitely post about your giveaway on my blog on Monday.
Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Lori said...

Cell phone rudeness and no thank-you notes. Hummm... they are pretty close to a tie.

Still waiting on a couple wedding gift thanks. How do you take the gift back without being more rude!

I follow, because I like being reminded of "propers" from time to time.

Joy D @ A Glass Act said...

1. One of my biggest pet peeves is when dining with my fiance' or family members and they don't let the women order first... I also can't stand when a gentleman doesn't open the door for a lady. Old times, they are not forgotten!

2. I'm a follower.

3. I'm posting this giveaway right not to my blog: http://aglassact.blogspot.com

Suburban prep said...

Since it is a problem that has begun happening and happening more and more these days it is when people are constantly on their cell phones, blackberries etc when they are checking out at a store and they make the cashier wait because they need to continue the conversation. They are putting the cashier and the people in line behind them in an imposition.

I am a follower.

Rinny said...

Dear Miss Janice,
My answer may land me in the older etiquette group, but the faux pas that troubles me each and every Spring is seeing women wearing white shoes before Easter. I now have a daughter of my own and know in my heart that white shoes will not grace her feet after Labor Day or before Easter Sunday.

I am a new follower, and proud to be. Etiquette is a passion for me. I will also be posting this to my twitter account (@khmccormick). Thank you for who you are and what you do.

Lexilooo said...

What a lovely giveaway! These photos are amazing!

My biggest etiquette faux pas is people not sending thank you notes! I think it is just horrible, because they are so important to send, and so appreciated!

I am a follower of yours as well.

ABC said...

Miss Janice, it drives me nuts when folks insist that referring to someone older than yourself as "Sir" or "Ma'am" is inappropriate. I had a professor who embarrassed the sweetest Southern gentleman you could find on a college campus for always calling him "Sir." I was outraged! Luckily, my dear friend simply insisted to the professor that his momma raised him to say "sir" and "ma'am," and he didn't think there was anything that could change that!

I follow your wonderful blog--it's one of my favorites!

I also posted a link to your giveaway on my sidebar!

Sweet Southern Prep said...

Hi Miss Janice. I just found your blog and love it! I actually post a Monday Manners every Monday, and it's so much fun to think of what to write. These books would be great to use as references.

1. The biggest faux pas is definitely chewing with your mouth open.

2. I'm a new follower.

3. I posted about your giveaway on my blog.

What a great giveaway! :)

emcr1229 said...

What a wonderful give away. I am a follower.

On of my biggest pet peeves today is when people do not offer their seat on a train to either the elderly, disabled, pregnant, or young mothers with children.

mFw said...

The biggest problem is no manners in the college generation. I am the complete opposite of most people. I am a new follower! I will post this on my blog in a couple minutes!

Kristin said...

I'm also a new follower!

the pink prep said...

what a wonderful giveaway! my little muffy wants to take your course for children! And in today's world, i think the trip would be well worth it! Three entries for me, please.
1) I am a devout follower
2) I will blog about this on my blog TODAY
3) my biggest mannerism must is table manners! Specifically KEEP YOUR ELBOWS OFF THE TABLE.
Goodness gracious -- we have our work cut out for us in training the next generation, don't we?!

Kristin said...

Hello! What a fun giveaway. Never knew there was an etiquette week! Oh goodness, don't get me on my soapbox - I guess if I had to pick a couple I'd go with the lack of RSVPing, and the lack of thank you notes. I host lots of events, so those are two I encounter on a regular basis.-

Anonymous said...

Hello! I am a new follower, however I have been reading your blog for a while. My biggest manner pet peeve is people who answer their cell phone at the dinner table. So very rude.

Karena said...

Wonderful giveaway, so many people have forgotten how to be mannerly.

Rudeness in any form!

Karena

Art by Karena

Unknown said...

This is a fabulous giveaway! I just came over from Sweet Southern Prep! I think the biggest faux pas is a new one, talking on cell phones or texting in public, eg. at restaurants, in stores, etc. SO rude!

KAK said...

Wonderful giveaway, how lucky are you to have much such an amazing woman! You've already mentioned my biggest etiquette pet peeve, not writing thank you notes. Not sending a thank you note will result in not another gift from moi!

Also, I am a follower!

Unknown said...

I'm a new follower,

and

I tweeted! shariknight@twitter

Tara said...

My biggest pet peeve is definitely the lack of thank you notes!

There have been instances when we not only did not receive a note - but we did not even receive a phone call or acknowledgement of any kind.

I am a follower!

Unknown said...

What a wonderful giveaway, thanks for sharing these books with us.

I have a few faux pas: First, not writing thank you notes. Second, not sending an RSVP, Third, elevator courtesy, ladies first and please let the people on-board exit before trying to get on.

Of course I am a follower!

midnight macaroons said...

Wow, I can't believe you met Ms. Baldrige!!! That must have been exciting. I would have loved to have been there. What was she like? What did you discuss? So many questions.

My etiquette faux pas is:
Talking or texting on the cell phone while seated at the table. I witness this at dinner parties, social events, restaurants, and business luncheons. It's rude! Take it outside.

I'm a follower and I've posted your giveaway on the side bar of my blog.

A Texas Gal said...

I am so excited about this giveaway!

1. What I consider to be biggest etiquette faux pas is when people chew their food but not with a closed mouth- so gross- it is like watching a cow chew grass!
2. I am a blog follower- I absolutely adore your blog!
3. I am posting this giveaway on my blog! :)

Bethany said...

What a fantastic giveaway! It bothers me when people do not R.S.V.P. It makes it so difficult to plan a party and it is so rude. Of course, I follow you. Two entries for me, please.

North of 25A said...

What a wonderful giveaway! One (of many) things that bothers me is when someone does not make eye contact while being introduced.

So glad to have found you - am now a follower!
Best,
Colleen

James said...

Just found your site through Lily Lemontree"s post. I am a super snob about bad manners so those books look very interesting. My biggest etiquette peeve is easy, men wearing hats indoors. Yes, ball caps are hats. To see someone, even at a fast food place , eat with their hat on drives me crazy.I am now following your site and look forward to your posts.

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

How fun to have met Ms. Baldrige! And what a nice giveaway, Miss Janice! To me, the biggest faux pas is men wearing hats indoors...and at the dinner table! Whaaaat??? I cringe every time I see that! And of course...we are big time followers here at the Plate Addicts! Happy week!...hugs...Debbie
PS And another one...men who see a woman struggling to put her coat on and don't help! Just call me old-fashioned, I guess! lol

living well said...

Fantastic giveaway! The faux pas that may not be the biggest, but that bothers me the most, is poor table manners. I can't stand when people chew with their mouths open or talk with food in their mouths. It makes everyone around them uncomfortable!!

I'm a follower! Thanks for a great giveaway!

The Red Velvet Shoe said...

I just found your lovely blog via the also lovely "Lily Lemontree". The books you are offering would be very welcome in my library! Please enter me in the drawing.
*From an endless list of etiquette faux pas pet peeves, I think the lack of sending (in the mail!) a handwritten thank you note & store clerks walking away from you to answer a phone without excusing themselves are at the top of the list.
*I am a new follower
*I added a link to your give~away on my blog's sidebar.
Thank you for this opportunity!

Marcie said...

Great give away! I can't stand it when people chew with their mouth open or take an entire cube of butter, and smash it on their bread!

Best,
Marcie

augustvows said...

Hello Miss Janice! I love your blog.

I think the biggest faux pas is when people ask very personal questions when they don't know you well at all, or worse, in public. I've had people ask me about my timeline for children, which I hate. I also had a man at work as me if I'd put on weight! So incredibly rude.

I am a follower of your blog.

Marilyn *Pink Martinis and Pearls* said...

I love Letitia! She got me through my 1983 wedding. I read her book from cover to cover.

Anyway, I believe texting and email is making us all antisocial but I'll save that for another time, but, the worse offender in my book, is the cell phone conversation people have in public or it could be someone picking up their text messages while you are trying to speak with them or having them check to see who is calling when you are speaking with them. People can't seem to simply ignore the electrical sound at the moment and just be present. So, with that said, I guess you can take your pick! :) Of course, I am your ardent and most humble follower. Love you, Miss Janice! :) xoxo

All Things Cherish said...

Fabulous giveaway! I'm a new follower, but long time fan! My biggest faux pas would have to be talking on a cell phone during a meal and failing to RSVP to an event.

Paris Pastry said...

Hi Janice! To me, the biggest etiquette faux pas is sweatpants and gym shoes in every day life. Sweats & sneakers should stay at the gym!

Teresa Jane said...

Miaa Janice,
As you well know, since you were involved with me on this, my pet peeve is not sending an RSVP to the host of an event to which you were invited.

After spending hours on homemade coordinated invitations, nametags and thank-you notes for the mother-to-be and preparing food and my home for my niece's baby shower we had only 4 people show up. Not one of them had rsvp'd. Two of them brought their children. 11 out of the remaining 12 people didn't come or RSVP. The only one that did ended up not coming. It was very sad for me after spending all that time but more so for the mom-to-be. These people were supposed to be her friends. Very, very rude.

Obviously, since I have these books, you don't need to include me in your contest. Keep up the good work girlfriend.

Jenny said...

I believe that failure to RSVP is the worst etiquette faux pas! I am a new follower and a fellow south Floridian!

Jen in Ft. Lauderdale

Nancy Grayson said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Pink Champagne said...

Thank you for reminding all how very important manners are!
1. My biggest pet peeve is when someone RSVPs yes and fails to come - so very rude to the hostess! (And cell phones when at dinner - this one really gets me.)
2. I'm a follower and 3. will be spreading the word about your giveaway on my blog.
Have a lovely day!

Anonymous said...

The biggest faux pas I witness nearly every week is men who refuse to offer their seats to ladies. Oftentimes, an elderly or disabled woman will walk into a waiting room or similar place and it will be another woman who stands and offers her seat while the men just sit happily in their chairs. How rude!!

Yes, I am definitely a follower!!

Mary Ann said...

my biggest downer is not keeping up promises and not acknowledging it. i will surely be a follower as i love to be enlightened by etiquette tips... i will be posting this giveaway on my next post in a couple of days..lovely giveaways! verbena cottage

xo Queen Bee xo said...

Dear Miss Janice,
The biggest faux pas in my book would have to be people who think they have the "go ahead" to touch a pregnant womans belly. I'm currently pregnant & have been BLOWN AWAY with some peoples audacity!! Just because I am pregnant you think it's ok to TOUCH ME!!?? eeeewww
Complete strangers in parking lots, people who wouldn't normally ever touch me... uughh.

I am a new follower of your blog & am so glad to have found you!
I'll most certainly post this on my blog & Tweet about it

Have a wonderful day!

Nicole-Lynn said...

My biggest faux pas is a man not holding the door open for a woman, or anyone not holding the door open for the elderly or women with babies/strollers.

I'm a follower!

Seasidesmitten@aol.com

Nicole-Lynn said...

Entry 2

Follower

Seasidesmitten@aol.com

Jaime said...

Such a great woman! Loving this giveaway.

1)My biggest pet peeve when it comes to etiquette is when people talk on their cell phones in restaurants.

2)I am a follower.

3) I posted this giveaway on my blog. http://www.friedpinktomato.com

Thanks for this great giveaway!

BAH said...

Wonderful giveaway, Miss Janice! My pet peeve when it comes to ettiquette is when a man doesn't hold the door open for a lady! Drives me crazy!

And I am a follower, of course :)

Unknown said...

Miss Janice I am a twitter follower, a blog reader and a facebook fan! I have posted on my facebook wall regarding your giveaway.
My biggest etiquette faux pas are those people that fail to instill manners in their children. Nothing is worse than meeting a child that cannot properly greet an adult or act appropriate in public.

bj said...

This is an awesome giveaway, Miss Janice.
Failure to RSVP is a very unexceptable one for me.
I do believe I am a follower but I will check it right now.
Thanks for giving us the chance to win these amazing books.
hugs, bj

Princess Freckles said...

I just started reading Letitia Baldrige's book A Lady, First. What an incredible woman!

My #1 faux pas is when I'm at work (in a library) and parent's walk into our department either talking on their cell phones, or if they answer it in the library! I find it very inconsiderate of the other patrons, which often includes children studying.

Such a wonderful way to honor National Etiquette Week! I set up a display again this year in our Children's Department, and the books are flying off the shelf...a good sign, I think!

I'm also a follower of your beautiful blog!

Stefanie Valentine said...

Fantastic giveaway! I am a new follower :)

I think that children with no manners is the biggest etiquette faux pas; it really doesn't take much to teach your children to say please and thank you and to behave themselves in public.

I love your blog!

Miss A said...

Miss Janice,

Thank you for hosting this exciting giveaway! ( :

One thing that I find very rude these days is people texting continuously when you are trying to spend time with them. Very sad.

I've been a follower for some time now.

Thank you again,
~Miss A

From the Kitchen said...

Miss Janice, what an appropriate giveaway! I'm not sure if mine is the greatest etiquette faux pas but I am much annoyed by guests, either in my home or at a restaurant, who start to eat before everyone is served!!
I've only had a few guests who do that and I am loathe to invite them back.

I'd post your give away to my blog if I knew how!!

Best,
Bonnie

Tammy B said...

I just love Latitia Baldrige. I think it is so cool that you were able to meet her.

One of my pet peeves is men wearing caps indoors. Just because it has a bill, does not mean it is not a hat. Another is people entering an elevator before everyone has exited.

I am a follower of your blog, plus I posted about the giveaway on my blog.

Tammy B said...

I just love Latitia Baldrige. I think it is so cool that you were able to meet her.

One of my pet peeves is men wearing caps indoors. Just because it has a bill, does not mean it is not a hat. Another is people entering an elevator before everyone has exited.

I am a follower of your blog, plus I posted about the giveaway on my blog.

Anonymous said...

I just found your blog and immediately became a follower!! I think that manners have lately been thrown to the wayside, so I appreciate this blog SO much--THANK YOU, Miss Janice!! I think the biggest faux pas is people showing up to an event uninvited. I'm from a small town where, sadly, this happens more than it should. It drives me crazy!

etheljr said...

I enjoyed your post and photographs very much...

What bothers me is...loud cell phone conversations in public. Oh my goodness, the things people say!

Thanks so much.

etheljr said...

I enjoyed this post and the photographs very much...

What bothers me are loud cell phone conversations in public, my goodness, the things people say!

Thanks for the nice giveaway, Miss Janice!

G said...

Miss Janice -

My biggest etiquette faux pau is cell phone useage. I think it is absurd how often you find two individuals engaged in conversation, eating dinner together, etc and one or BOTH of them are looking at or talking on their cell phones.

I am a recent follower and excited to see all the new etiquette tips. I can always use the refresher.

Since I think some of my friends could use the refresher as well I am also going to pose this to my blog & facebook.

Thank you.

Anonymous said...

You are so lucky to have met her! I just adore her!
PS. Talking with your mouth full is my NUMBER 1 pet peeve!! Grr, can't stand it!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

To work with Jackie O...I can't even begin to imagine how fabulous that was!

annie said...

Hi Miss Janice,
I love that photo with you and Letitia Baldridge.

1.One faux pas that is quite thoughtless is being far more than "fashionably late" to a dinner or party.
Another is receiving cell phone calls while with someone else.

2.I am most definitely a follower and

3.I have very happily linked to your giveaway on my site.

I hope your Tuesday is lovely.

Joan said...

What a generous give away! How to properly use a cell phone is one of my greatest concerns.

I am a proper follower!

Southern Living: Preppy Style said...

Dear, dear Miss Janice. We had this discussion the other day. I cannot stand chewing with your mouth open. It makes me angry and Miss SLPS when she's angry is not pretty. It just digs into my skin. Gum is the worst! We are not cows, we are humans. I could go on.

That and people standing directly in front of elevator doors waiting to get on and refusing to move so people can get off the elevator.

I would love the kids book. We are working very hard with Lallie to raise a proper southern lady. Unfortunately, I see very few young southern ladies here in South Florida! Hopefully Lallie will be in the minority.

lollyc said...

ohh I checked this book out at the library! Thanks for hosting this giveaway!

1. A manner faux pas that really bothers me is people who are cashiers who are not friendly!
2-3. I am now a proper follower!

Thanks!

Jenifer Helton said...

Oh Miss. Janice!!! I would love to recieve these books, especially the one for children!
My biggest etiquette pet peeve is tardiness. I cannot even begin to describe how rude I think it is.
I am a follower, and I am mentioning it on Facebook this afternoon!

Leilani B said...

Miss Janice,

This is very exciting. I think another social faux pas is not sending a thank you note for a wedding gift. In the past 4 years, I have given 2 wedding gifts with absolutely no acknowledgement whatsoever. I'm happy to say I am a follower on Facebook.

Andrea said...

I am a new follower, but a longtime fan. I retweeted the post about the giveaway on Twitter and posted on Facebook. In my opinion, the biggest faux pas is taking a call or texting during a meal. If you must take a call, please leave the table, then return. I think that is so rude. Thanks!

Unknown said...

My biggest peeve is just the lack of manners overall -- table manners, saying excuse me or parden me, nobody holds doors anymore, taking cell phone calls while talking with someone else, I could go on and on.

I am a follower.

BC said...

asking "what's for dinner/lunch/breakfast" when you invite guests to an event! Or, "who else is coming? " SO RUDE!
Miss Janice, thanks for keeping us all in line! :)

Mara Mattia said...

I was raised UP NORTH, live now in California, and lived briefly in the south until my husband's work brought us back to CA! And I do care how we do it UP NORTH (the tea napkin). That's why the link to your site has been on my Watercolor Art blog since before you had your blog! I love it's grace & loveliness in this troubled world! Biggest faux pas: Making your hostess feel inadequate by purposely displaying an arrogant, more highly developed sense of etiquette that draws attention to her lack of experience or social skills. Yes, I am a follower but I will become a PROPER follower today by signing up for your RSS feed! We will be attending a 3-day wedding weekend in Italy this summer and it includes a black tie event...We've never been to a black tie event! We have a lot of "learning" to do!

Beaufort Belle said...

Although I would love to enter this excellent giveaway, I am passing this time. My daughter was lucky enough to when the Etiquette Week giveaway last year and we have fallen in love with Miss Baldrige's book. I must say it has even more information and very helpful information than I dared imagine. I do plan to look for the other books in this giveaway and I can promise each and every one of you that you will not be disappointed if you win this giveaway. Best of luck to all!

As for my pet peeve, I have many...tardiness, using vocabulary to make you sound more educated when you don't know the true meaning of the words and end up sounding less educated than you are, parents ignoring their crying children in public. I could go on. However, I do believe my biggest pet peeve right now is cell phone usage. Texting and talking ALL the time, anywhere, anytime, no matter the company. It is very distracting when that phone rings (especially if you have some wild or very loud ringtone) in a restaurant or play or theater, the bright light on the screen when you can only text instead of watch what is going on on stage, etc. I will admit that I have already thrown down the gauntlet and told those going on my daughter's graduation trip with us that when we are all together, no phones will be used. "This is a special trip, I appreciate you spending your time with my daughter instead of your phone."

Miss Janice, you have done it again, excellent giveaway!

DC GOP Girl said...

The biggest faux pas I see (OK this is really just relevant to me today) is wearing white undergarments with white pants when you have a tan. They glow through the clothes. I mean, come on ladies -- your skin isn't WHITE, pleeeease go with a more neutral color!

I most definitely follow your blog.

And I just tweeted about your giveaway @DCGOPGirl

XoXo!

Day Old News said...

Hello! I think speaking on a cell phone when with another person is the biggest faux pas that I see all the time.

Kara said...

Such a great blog...LoVe it, put it on my "twits", and FB page.....
Faux Paux:
#1- People talking to their kids while on the phone talking to me...after all they did call me...
#2- People who don't RSVP to a social function or fail to inform bringing a guest to said function
#3-Answering the cell phone while eating dinner with guests...horible.
LoVe Ya!

Leilani B said...

@BC...I completely agree. It's as if they're deciding whether or not they're going to accept the invitation based on the menu and guest list. Horrible.

Dawn said...

1)One of my biggest pet peeve social etiquette faux-pas's is when children (as a result of their parents) improperly address another adult. I was raises to say Mr or Mrs So & So. I raise my boys, age 8+12 to greet people this way. "Hello Mrs. So + So" with proper eye contact etc.

2) I am a brand new follower! I don't know how I came upon your blog, but how charming! So excited to check in again & again!

3) I will definately mention you on my blog, as I am a realatively new blogger myself...this stuff has to be shared!

Jo said...

These books are a must have. What a wonderful giveaway to celebrate what could be my new favorite holiday.

My biggest pet peeve is the nonstop usage anywhere, any time of cell phones. This is just in front of not dressing properly for an event or venue.

I'm a new follower.

Thank you for hosting~
Jo

Living Life in the Lowcountry said...

Well, I have been a follower for a while!
Oh my, the etiquette faux pas!!!! I have many that really bother me, but the one that I seem to see the most is not responding to invitations! I had a dinner and asked for a reply by a certain date and had not one, but two people show up that I had NO idea were coming! I was at an event a few weeks ago and a few people that said they were attending just didn't show up and never bothered to let the hostess know. I think that is so rude!

Shawn Fountain said...

What a great site. I had not seen your blog until today. I am definitely a follower now.

I have to agree with Suburban Princess. Failure to RSVP is a huge problem. I ponder if people even know what it is anymore.

Another big faux pas is when parents bring uninvited children to a party. If Bobby is invited, please don't bring his older/younger siblings.

Thank you for your site and keep up the wonderful work.

AngelaV said...

The biggest faux pas is not writing thank you notes when someone sends you a gift.

I am new, but I have been faithfully following you for about 2 weeks now and I love your blog!

Sara said...

I think the biggest faux pas we face in this generation is texting/emailing at the table.

Also, I'm a new follower!

Trish {Pink Preppy Lilly Lover} said...

Hi Miss Janice! Thanks for kicking off National Etiquette Week with such a fantastic post and fabulous giveaway!

1) Poor table manners ranks close to the top of my faux pas list, this one was especially important to me when I was dating. There is nothing worse to me than being out with a man who doesn't offer to pull out your chair, who doesn't sit properly at the table, chews with mouth open, poor fork/knife skills, all around general rudeness...It is the worst!

2) I am of course a loyal follower!

3) I tweeted the giveaway! :)

What Kate Wore said...

Oh good heavens Miss Janice, where to begin? How about not treating another with the same respect you would like to be treated with? Or cell phone answering and conversing at the table..?!

You actually met Letitia Baldrige? TDF, absolutely TDF. Good on you!

Sending you asmile,
tp

The Second Half said...

What a great give away. I would say the faux pas I see is the lack of a written thank you note. An email isn't the same. I am a follower and will post about this on my blog. Thanks so much!

Unknown said...

I love those old pictures. I am going to follow your blog to make certain I'm doing everything correctly.

take care

Tardevil said...

How cool that you got to meet her! I have always wanted to attend a Southern Lady event! And go to Destin, FL! ;O) My two biggest pet peeves are failure to RSVP and failure to send a thank you note, or at the very least, send a thank you e-mail or call to say thanks. I already follow, but you know that! Thanks for hosting a great giveaway! Loved the picture of you. I don't remember seeing your hair down before.

Kittie Howard said...

Jackie Kennedy was/is my idol, with Ms Baldridge next to her. I totally applaud your faux pas list but would add one that irks me: a person who looks everywhere but at the person to whom h/s is speaking. Such rudeness tells me exactly how this person was raised! I am a follower but my schedule doesn't permit a post prior to Sat. (And a compliment to you...in the photo I think you were more elegant than Ms Baldridge!)

Sit A Spell said...

What wonderful photos! How excellent that you were able to spen time together.

I was a teacher before I became a sahm and it brike my heart to see the over all lack of manners in the children. I love that you are helping this to change, child by child.

Now, poor table manners tops my list, followed by not writing thank you notes. A "new" manner issue is with cell phones. I could fill a page on this topic.

My daughter, 14, and I took a walk tonight at sunset. She was texting a friend as I was getting ready. All I had to do was look at her and she responded, "I know, Mama." and she put her cell away. ~smile~

Why yes, I am a follower.

highheeledlife said...

I was enlighted of your blog by Suburban Princess, and have now added you to my visit blog list. I will be visiting often.

As for the biggest faux pas is to not RSVP to an invitation.