Social Graces: Manners, Conversation, and Charm for Today

by Ann Platz, Susan Wales

This fun and fabulous course in old–fashioned manners reclaims genuine hospitality for today’s busy lives. Against a backdrop of luxurious paintings, find etiquette gems as you learn to put people at ease with graceful manners, cultivate the art of conversation, influence others with good cheer, and create a personal, heartfelt style.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

112 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1999

Reviews

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a treasure of a book. I have studied proper etiquette for many years, but this small volume is the best source I have found. It will teach you how to be a gracious host or hostess, how to be a charming guest. How to handle those sticky social situations. Have you ever wondered if asparagus is eaten with your fingers, or with a knife and fork? Look no further than this invaluable tome! This isn't just your typical "never put your elbows on the table" sort of a book. It shows that etiquette and good manners are not things that should be admired as lovely things of days long gone. It is a witty and charming book filled with amusing stories, and examples of how important manners and etiquette are in our everyday lives. I dearly hope anyone - Lady or Gentleman - reading this review will do their best to find a copy of this book!

And a note to the gents - you need to read this too! It has excellent advice for us all, and many many invaluable tips for those in the business world!

[Heather Laaman · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a bit stuffy and probably needs some updates, but it has mainly good information. I learned how to put a napkin on my lap correctly, so that was a win. I’m still gonna wear white after Labor Day though, so catch me outside, how ‘bout that?

[Hollie D · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a bit outdated and mostly geared toward formal dinner parties. There's some good advice on conversation, being a hostess, and social faux pas. It was a fun and easy read.

[Hollie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a bit outdated and mostly geared toward formal dinner parties. There's some good advice on conversation, being a hostess, and social faux pas. It was a fun and easy read.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I collect books on etiquette, manners, and homemaking and this one is in my personal collection (and a reread). I enjoy flipping through these books periodically when I feel like I am due for a refresher. I particularly enjoy this one because it is both concise and comprehensive, covering everything from hospitality, to the art of conversation, to how to eat tricky foods. It’s a short book and even though it was published 20 years ago, it contains very relevant information.

[Thejerseyhomesteader]

This is a great little book. In times of forgotten manners.