How Do I Shake Hands?

Q Dear Miss Abigail: I was wondering what the proper etiquette is when a man comes up to you to shake your hand. Should you offer your hand or should he? Signed, A Shaker and a Mover A Dear Shaker: I have a few tidbits for you from Ruth Tolman’s Charm and Poise for Getting Ahead. […]

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Tea, Anyone?

Q Dear Miss Abigail: What can you tell me about the proper way to serve tea? If this is too general, would you kindly address afternoon tea service in the home? Still too general? Perhaps you might look at the question of accompanying food service (e.g., pickled jellyfish, toast points, hot buttered brioche &c.). With […]

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May I Still Wear Velvet?

Q Dear Miss Abigail: When is the last possible date that wearing velvet is acceptable? Signed, Desperate for an answer A Dear Desperate: This question just came in, and since it was marked “desperate,” as well as being a timely subject matter (thank goodness Spring is here!) I decided to answer it right away. Though […]

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So So So So Sorry

Q Dear Miss Abigail: My uncle died last week and I just sent a sympathy card to his daughter. His daughter has two children (age 14 and 16) and I noted in the sympathy card that they were very lucky to have had such a great grandfather. However, I incorrectly called her children Amy and […]

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