The Art of Cooking & Savoir-Vivre

11/04/2025

A repetition of a lesson in Etiquette:
One of my pet peeves! Was watching a commercial on TV a while ago and the spokesperson was introducing all of us watching to the windows of the company being advertised!
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The text went like “we would like to introduce you to the windows by (name of company).
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Think about it. We are being introduced to the windows instead of the windows being introduced to us!
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How about “we would like to introduce to you the best windows ever by (name of company).
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And since we are on the subject your friend did not introduced you to sushi, to a hotel or any other object. These objects/items were introduced to you.
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I know it will take a while to get used to the new way of making an introduction.
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On another post, I will talk about proper business and social introductions. And yes there is a difference in the way we make a business or a social introduction.

09/28/2025

It is no secret that people like doing business with people they like. In addition, a large amount of business is done during meal functions which appear to be social events. But remember that your behavior is being observed and you are judged by the way you handle yourself and others.
A few tips:
When extending an invitation, specify the reason why you are inviting the person
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Remember you invite, you pay.
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Always confirm the appointment the day before
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Do not ask your guest for restaurant suggestion. You put your guest in an uncomfortable position as he or she does not know the “limits of your hospitality” The responsibility of the restaurant selection belongs to the host/hostess.
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Do not let your guests wonder what to order; take the lead. You may suggest a drink, an appetizer, or just a main course. This will create an air of ease.
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Do not order an alcoholic beverage even if your guest does. This way your decisions will not be affected by alcohol.
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Do not order dessert if your guest does not order one.
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Discuss business after the entree plates have been removed, unless your guest starts the conversation.
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Never bring up subjects about illness, politics, religion, or s*x.
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And the most important of all is the payment of the bill:
If you would like to appear in control and avoid uncomfortable moments with a bill arriving at your table, especially if you are a woman entertaining a male client, here are the two ways to handle the bill, to avoid awkward situations during your meal:
Arrive at the restaurant early and ask the manager to take your credit card and make an imprint of it. Sign the copy in advance and ask them to ask the customary 20% tip.
Ask them to give you your copy before you leave the restaurant.
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Alternatively tell them that you would like to be discreetly informed by the waiter when the bill is ready, usually at the end of the meal. After you get the sign, you excuse yourself, find your waiter and settle the bill.
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When the time comes to leave the restaurant, you can tell your guest that the bill was taken care of. No other explanation needed.

04/16/2022

Today I will put my ”etiquette” hat on, again.

I listen to reporters and see commercials on TV or read articles and I am amazed at how we, the masses of people , are being introduced to a medical pill or a building or a language, as is the example below, instead of the other way around.

So, an example of the correct introduction, will be: “I would like to introduce to you this pill (give its name) which will make you lose 100 lbs in a day. Or in the case of the content below, it should read:

“ …the earlier you introduce a second language to children, the easier it is for them to master it.”

Hope the above examples will make you aware of how a correct introduction is being made

10/07/2020

Unable to sleep decided to look at old papers. I found this advice and thought to share. For the second advice I will add: don’t promise anything when you are happy or had a little bit more to drink. Especially if the person you promise it to is a client!

Do not answer to anyone when you are angry
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Don’t promise anything when you are happy
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Never decide when you are upset

Read and re-read the above!

04/30/2019

Thought I would share some tips!

"I quit!" a business associate told me the other day. "I do not have another job to go to, but I could not stand my supervisor and I told them so in my resignation letter! I was so upset that I did not even give them the normal two-week notice.

04/29/2019

I do find this fascinating. And yes, I follow it.

I love this.....

04/29/2019

01/01/2019

Yes, yes and yes! Every day is a day to enjoy and use all the things you have. Do not wait for that one special day. That day is today! Enjoy it!

12/29/2018

As the New Year arrives remember this!