Emily Post's Etiquette, The Centennial Edition

by Lizzie Post, Daniel Post Senning

This centennial edition of Emily Post’s classic guide to etiquette has been completely rewritten with up-to-date and comprehensive advice on the need-to-know manners, customs, and best practices of today.

For the past one hundred years, Emily Post has been America’s definitive source for how to navigate—and enhance—every social interaction. In an increasingly diverse and intersectional world, the need for a trusted primer on how to put people at ease and treat others with confidence and kindness has never been greater.

Lizzie Post and Daniel Post Senning—the great-great grandchildren of Emily Post and co-presidents of The Emily Post Institute—provide a fully updated and relatable guide. From advice on entertaining, table manners, and using titles and pronouns, to personal and professional communication etiquette, this stylish and essential reference provides thoughtful guidance on how to do it all well. Rooted in a foundation of consideration, respect, and honesty, this edition continues the Post family legacy of upholding traditions while moving forward with the times. The book


This book also includes handy reference guides for each chapter that make it easy to find the Posts’ most searched for content, like a gender-free attire guide, a soup-to-nuts entertaining chart, sample invitations, and more.

With Emily Post's Etiquette, The Centennial Edition you’ll have everything you need to build successful relationships in all aspects of life as you move through your world with confidence and ease.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Reference, Cultural, Sociology

416 pages, Hardcover

Published October 4, 2022

About the author

Lizzie Post, another of Emily Post's great-great-granddaughters, is the first member of the fourth generation of Posts. Her book is titled How Do You Work This Life Thing? (Collins 2007). Lizzie also writes about twenty-something life and etiquette at her blog Not Gonna Lie….

Reviews

[The Woke Reporter · Rating 1 out of 5]

This would have been a fantastic book, if not for all the woke posturing and groveling to agenda going on in it. Within 10 pages, there it was. The evil snake reared it's ugly head, and spit out some crap about respecting pronouns. Like we're the ones who are crazy and not them. Actually no, Lizzy and Daniel, I will not use the incorrect grammar to refer to a disillusioned individual. I would be agreeing with their lies and as such, doing them a disservice, along with myself. I will not conform to the pattern of this world. It's a shame really, because there are parts of the book that are quite useful. But I'm certain the original Emily Post is turning in her grave at the dishonesty and agenda towards children that's going on in her "centennial edition". I would have given it almost 4 stars had it not been woke. But as such, this weary Woke Reporter gives this serpentine work a -2/10.

[Lindsay Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great updated info. Presented in an interesting and balanced way. For those who think the Emily Post world is just snooty, this book should clear that up.

[Bart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming, of course, and timeless, too, but also surprisingly fresh

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a witty reminder of all the things my grandmothers taught me. Now I want go send some handwritten letters and host a dinner party.

[Carolyn Appleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a few decades since I read Emily Post's Etiquette. But following the social media of those carrying Emily Post's legacy forward the past few years inspired me to purchase The Centennial Edition. I am so glad I did!

I was pleased to see the familiar discussions about table manners (and table settings - I continually need to refresh my memory about those), gift giving, entertaining, the gestures of greeting (including a helpful chart about what to do, and what not to do in a variety of situations), conversation pointers, and more. "We consider the magic words - please, thank you, you're welcome, excuse me, and I'm sorry - to be some of the most effective politeness tools at our disposal."

I continue to appreciate the list of proper greetings for Ambassadors and government officials, as I have been writing my elected officials about issues of national and international concern for such advocacy organizations as ONE Campaign, AARP and Citizens' Climate Lobby.

This latest edition includes modern day discussions about social media, as well as the "high five" and the "fist bump," and greetings for nonbinary and gender-noncofrming people. "Let consideration, respect, and honesty guide your interactions" online. There is also a helpful section about how to behave in outdoor concerts and festivals. The tipping chart has been updated for every imaginable service and it is very helpful.

"Etiquette is for everyone. We experience it whenever people interact. It is the social expectation that we have of ourselves and others. Contrary to the cliched images of staffed homes, Stepford wives, and silver dinig sets, etiquette can be seen in the most humble and simple of interactions and spaces, and even between perfect strangers." I recommend Emily Post's Etiquette The Centennial Edition highly.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the 18th edition of Emily Post's Etiquette Manners for a New World (2011), which has a lot of information that one could carry out when interacting with others. But I also think this centennial edition is a must-have. First, compared to former editions (yes, I have also read the 16th edition published in 1997), this one is conveniently light-weighted, which makes it much easier to hold in hands and read through. Second, I especially like the Reference Guide at the back of each chapter. The arrangement makes it more efficient and easier to look up for references and examples.

[Suzanne Kramb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though I already knew a lot of the habits and traditions listed, it didn't stop me from being super excited to read this. I've always wondered about etiquette (and I'll definitely need to check out her 1922 version) but I feel like my knowledge base has expanded and I could now throw a killer 4-6 course meal, as well as, start hosting tea parties (which is something I've always wanted to do). So look out world, I now know where to start...but please know, I still have a lot to learn.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend anyone who is anxious, or even just a little self concious or awkward in social settings to read this book. It will give you assurance that you are doing and saying the right thing, and gives helpful examples of how to polietly communicate with others. Anyone looking for definitive answers on what is considered acceptable and polite eating out, on an airplane, with houseguests, etc. Should also consult this book.

[Jesse Pamintuan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book offers an eloquent and detailed guide for manners in post-Covid. It’s remarkably impressive how inclusive they are when it comes to gender identity and how it fits in the framework of some well-established social norms. The material provides a sense of clarity to better navigate those around you, whether loved ones or strangers, that encourage a sense of respect and reciprocity.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish someone gave me this book when I turned eighteen. It is more than a book about manners. This is a reference book on so many topics: which fork is used for which dinner course, how to throw a cocktail party or baby shower, etiquette as a host or a guest, and on and on....

[Spencer Robelen · Rating 4 out of 5]

While still contemporary and super helpful, this centennial edition sounds a little out-of-touch when directly quoting the 1922 Emily Post or using imaginary characters to illustrate examples of good manners. Despite being more cumbersome, the previous edition is more relatable and easier to read.

[Terri Fangman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE the topic of etiquette and this book is the gold standard! Emily’s legacy is being kept alive by her great grandchildren and they are coming at it from a place of kindness and respect. Their advice is refreshing and modern without disregarding tradition.

[Kaitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning so much about etiquette! I feel much better prepared to handle conversations and social situations now.

[Ezra Peace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must read for literally anyone who speaks English.

[Natalie Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every household should own a copy!

[Katherine Houston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative & interesting audiobook

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly more about being a good, kind human being, friend, neighbour, family member, rather than being pompous and uptight. A great audible read (just rather long and very detailed)!

[Leslie Butikofer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent reference

[Ben Preston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too 2022. Already outdated. Writing this during Covid, I can’t blame them. But I’d pick a different revision unless you’re specifically interested in Covid masking guidance and neo-pronoun etiquette

[Scarlett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too modern. I'm definitely going to get the 1922 version

[Jacqueline Moore · Rating 2 out of 5]

In terms of everyday etiquette, it falls a little short of the level of detail I was hoping for. That said, it’s still a practical reference to have, and I don’t regret buying it.

[Chaitat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I understand now why Ang Mor like to say hi to strangers.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Etiquette has been updated for the 21st C, including information on how to deal with texting, social media, and cell phones, in addition to the guidelines for proper behavior on everything from invitations, thank you notes, parties, and more.
An essential handbook for those who wonder what the appropriate behavior / response is in various situations.

[Tess · Rating 4 out of 5]

They did a great job rewriting and reorganizing the sections for this edition—a massive undertaking. I loved the Emily Post quotes at the beginning of each section, and the places where they highlighted passages from the 1922 edition really served to keep that strong connection to the text while highlighting the big differences between expectations then and now. Dan and Lizzie are so thoughtful about how they bring the EP legacy into the future, and you can hear them working that out weekly on the podcast in a very earnest way. It was gratifying to see all of that thinking show up in a polished way on the pages of the Centennial Edition.

I also really appreciated all the tables and visual aides that were provided in the book. They're clear, simple, and provide easy-to-understand examples. Aside from an initial skim of the whole volume, etiquette books tend to become reference tomes and ones that I only grab off the shelf when I have a specific question about something. Any kind of shortcuts that make it easy to find what you need (like those tables) are super helpful in that moment.

I subtracted one star simply for pandering. I completely support the idea that etiquette needs to grow and change as it reflects the current era's standards, but it feels cringey to throw around trendy terms that are very much in flux and haven't quite solidified yet—especially when some of those topics are already well-covered under the basics of consideration, honesty, and respect. And I think the team would do well to avoid anything that approaches psychological pronouncements or armchair diagnosing, as that is, well, just plain not the etiquette wheelhouse.

[Colson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“the fabric of society is very complex, George.” - Jerry, Seinfeld