| One of Reader's Digest's "50 Little Etiquette Rules" is with 8 or fewer people at a table, wait until all are served to do this |
eat |
200 |
May 16, 2018 |
| One of Emily Post's "Ten Conversation Stoppers" is asking a woman, "When are you" this 3-letter word |
due |
400 |
May 16, 2018 |
| In a traditional wedding recession, the bride & groom bat leadoff, then the flower girl & a young person with this job |
ringbearer |
600 |
May 16, 2018 |
| It's often said to those with hay fever, & columnist Miss Conduct says it's okay to say it to an atheist |
God bless you |
800 |
May 16, 2018 |
| Miss Manners says not "Miss" but this Joe Friday palindrome works for a woman "old enough to do her own banking" |
ma\'am |
1000 |
May 16, 2018 |
| At NYC's International Debutante Ball, all girls are expected to wear gloves & gowns, both of this color |
white |
200 |
December 4, 2017 |
| Millennials prefer texts & think it's a waste of the recipient's time to leave this, except maybe to say happy birthday |
voicemail |
400 |
December 4, 2017 |
| U.S. flag code says a flag in bad shape should be "destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by" this method |
burning |
600 |
December 4, 2017 |
| Anna Post says sending a wedding invitation means you expect this, so it's not nice to invite people you know can't come |
a gift |
800 |
December 4, 2017 |
| The United Spinal Association says a wheelchair is part of the user's "personal" this--don't invade by touching it |
space |
1000 |
December 4, 2017 |
| Although some use "regrets only" with invitations, this 4-letter abbreviated request is still common |
RSVP |
200 |
October 24, 2016 |
| (Kelly of the Clue Crew shows a place setting.) Set silverware on the table in the order of use--first course fork on the far left, the knife on the right, the spoon on the right of the knife, & utensils for this go horizontally above the plate |
dessert |
400 |
October 24, 2016 |
| Business Mag Inc. says to limit this punctuation mark to 1 per email or you appear childish & unprofessional |
an exclamation point |
600 |
October 24, 2016 |
| This young boy usually enters a wedding ceremony along with the flower girl |
the ring bearer |
800 |
October 24, 2016 |
| At a funeral the honorary ones of these leave the church ahead of the casket & the not-honorary ones |
pallbearers |
1000 |
October 24, 2016 |
| English speakers have been using this "magic word" since the 1300s, & when you ask for something, you should, too |
please |
200 |
December 3, 2014 |
| In a traditional table setting, this should be placed so that the blade faces the plate |
the knife |
400 |
December 3, 2014 |
| When doing this, blot your palm if it's damp, look the other person in the eye & use a firm but not crushing grip |
shaking someone\'s hand |
600 |
December 3, 2014 |
| When you're at the dinner table, turn off this Apple device introduced in April 2010, even if you're winning at Fruit Ninja |
an iPad |
800 |
December 3, 2014 |
| You don't have to down your whole soda after you clink glasses for one of these ceremonial drinks; a sip will do |
a toast |
1000 |
December 3, 2014 |
| On an invitation, this 4-letter abbreviation of a French phrase means "please respond", so please do |
RSVP |
200 |
January 22, 2014 |
| When seeking a job, keep the cover letter to one page & this summary of your skills to one or 2 pages |
a résumé |
400 |
January 22, 2014 |
| Emily Post says to think of this "as an aerosol spray of infection", so if there's no tissue, use the inside of your elbow |
a sneeze |
600 |
January 22, 2014 |
| The family of the deceased should make sure that those chosen for this funeral job are physically up to the lifting |
the pallbearers |
800 |
January 22, 2014 |
| During the wedding ceremony, this person holds the groom's wedding ring & the bride's bouquet |
the maid of honor |
1000 |
January 22, 2014 |
| Formerly, a servant answering the door would have a silver tray ready to receive this identifier from a visitor |
a calling card |
200 |
February 20, 2013 |
| A birthday invitation that was sent to dozens of people is one type of email that does not call for this reply option |
reply all |
400 |
February 20, 2013 |
| By setting your used knife & fork parallel on your plate, fork tines up |
you indicate that you\'re finished |
600 |
February 20, 2013 |
| Remember, Catholics are not allowed to serve as these for children of other faiths |
godparents |
800 |
February 20, 2013 |
| To show mourning, a flag that's carried has one of these attached to it |
a black crepe (or black ribbon) |
1000 |
February 20, 2013 |
| Miss Manners says that the only safe place to keep damaging love letters is in this place, "between burning logs" |
the fireplace |
200 |
March 11, 2009 |
| If a bride's principal attendant is married, she isn't called a Maid of Honor but this |
a Matron |
400 |
March 11, 2009 |
| Add one letter to "etiquette" to get this word for online etiquette |
netiquette |
600 |
March 11, 2009 |
| A fairly stiff handshake & a pat on the shoulder may help you avoid one of these, even the "air" type |
a kiss |
800 |
March 11, 2009 |
| This should never precede a lady into a room, even if it's Caleche or Diorissimo |
the perfume (the scent) |
1000 |
March 11, 2009 |
| Traditionally, this man who writes a lot of checks gives the first toast at an engagement dinner |
bride\'s father |
200 |
January 24, 2005 |
| For rich apartment dwellers, Emily Post recommends tipping a helpful super & a helpful one of these $50 at holiday time |
a doorman |
400 |
January 24, 2005 |
| It's the only fork ever placed to the right of the plate |
a cocktail fork |
600 |
January 24, 2005 |
| This 7-letter courtesy title for lawyers is never used in a personal introduction |
esquire |
800 |
January 24, 2005 |
| When the band strikes up this appropriate serenade from 1911, it's time to get your hat, coat & spouse |
"Goodnight, Ladies" |
1000 |
January 24, 2005 |
| This red gem, July's birthstone, is the traditional gift for a 40th wedding anniversary |
Ruby |
100 |
September 16, 1997 |
| In a business, this abbreviation should precede a woman's name when her marital status is unknown |
Ms. |
200 |
September 16, 1997 |
| "Emily Post's Etiquette" says this should never be viselike, nor should it feel like a jellyfish |
Handshake |
300 |
September 16, 1997 |
| At a formal dinner, this object is often made of damask & placed on the guest's plate, not beside it |
Napkin |
400 |
September 16, 1997 |
| A Catholic archbishop is addressed as "Your Excellency" while a cardinal is "Your" this |
Eminence |
500 |
September 16, 1997 |
| You may write "No Gifts, Please" on invitations to this event at which you receive your diploma |
Graduation/Commencement |
100 |
February 7, 1997 |
| If a prom date gives you one of these floral accessories, you must wear it or at least pin it to your purse |
Corsage |
200 |
February 7, 1997 |
| Of powdering your nose, applying lipstick, or combing your hair, the one you shouldn't do at a restaurant table |
Combing your hair |
300 |
February 7, 1997 |
| If an elevator is crowded, a gentleman needn't remove this when a lady enters |
His hat |
400 |
February 7, 1997 |
| In weddings, small boys may serve as train bearers, or as this more common type of "bearer" |
Ring Bearer |
500 |
February 7, 1997 |
| On rainy days, be careful not to poke other people with the point of this device |
Umbrella |
100 |
January 7, 1997 |
| It's a charming custom to give each guest at a wedding reception a slice of this in a white box |
Wedding Cake |
200 |
January 7, 1997 |
| French for "good trip", it's the kind of party you throw for someone leaving on a cruise |
Bon Voyage |
300 |
January 7, 1997 |
| The "high" form of this meal should feature sturdy food such as eggs rather than dainty little sandwiches |
Tea |
400 |
January 7, 1997 |
| Swedes toast each other with this word derived from Old Norse for "bowl" |
Skol |
500 |
January 7, 1997 |
| Of the host, guest of honor or other guests, it's who should enter the dining room first at a formal dinner |
the host |
100 |
September 16, 1996 |
| As soon as diners finish their lobster, waiters should put these at the side of each place |
finger bowls (moist napkins or towels) |
200 |
September 16, 1996 |
| "Car Hops and Curb Service" says you did this for service at old drive-ins; the girls couldn't tell who honked |
flash your lights |
300 |
September 16, 1996 |
| If a bride chooses to wear short, loose ones of these, she'll have to take one off at the altar |
gloves |
400 |
September 16, 1996 |
| "Colorful" designation of the most formal men's evening wear |
white tie |
500 |
September 16, 1996 |
| It is always appropriate to write one of these to a person who gave you a birthday gift |
a thank-you note |
100 |
May 17, 1996 |
| Obituaries often state that a contribution may be made to a charity "in lieu of" these |
flowers |
200 |
May 17, 1996 |
| If you see an adult wearing a bib in a restaurant, he's probably eating this large crustacean |
a lobster |
300 |
May 17, 1996 |
| In a wedding party, it's the male equivalent of the maid of honor |
the best man |
400 |
May 17, 1996 |
| At a formal dinner, this should hang down about 18 inches; it should not reach the floor |
the tablecloth |
500 |
May 17, 1996 |
| As its name implies, this decoration should be placed in the middle of the table |
centerpiece |
100 |
February 23, 1996 |
| In the past proper tennis attire was this color |
white |
200 |
February 23, 1996 |
| Never fly this national symbol upside-down except as a distress signal |
the flag |
300 |
February 23, 1996 |
| A letter to Prince Charles should be addressed to H.R.H. The Prince of Wales; H.R.H. stands for this |
His Royal Highness |
400 |
February 23, 1996 |
| Serve this expensive sturgeon roe treat in a small bowl inside a larger bowl lined with ice |
caviar |
500 |
February 23, 1996 |
| We're told this "doesn't grow on trees", but it may be tied to an artificial tree at an anniversary party |
money |
100 |
December 25, 1995 |
| Caudle is the traditional drink once widely served at the party following this baby ceremony |
a christening |
200 |
December 25, 1995 |
| Etiquette books dispute the propriety of serving this popular shrimp appetizer in sherbet glasses |
shrimp cocktail |
300 |
December 25, 1995 |
| Once left at the homes of friends, this kind of card shares its name with a card the phone company sends you |
a calling card |
400 |
December 25, 1995 |
| For an audience with the Pope, this scarf with a Spanish name is an appropriate woman's head covering |
mantilla |
500 |
December 25, 1995 |
| When sending or bringing flowers to a person in the hospital, provide one of these, hospitals have few |
Vase/container |
100 |
November 25, 1994 |
| Traditionally, this person pays for the marriage license |
Husband/groom |
200 |
November 25, 1994 |
| At a private audience with the Pope, visitors should immediately do this when he enters the room |
Kneel |
300 |
November 25, 1994 |
| Emily Post says a man may put his hand under this part of a woman only when helping her into a car or upstairs |
Elbow |
400 |
November 25, 1994 |
| You don't have to wear tails to a formal party; a tux will do unless the invitation says this |
White tie |
500 |
November 25, 1994 |
| You shouldn't eat or smoke while this song is being played in a public place |
the national anthem |
100 |
February 2, 1994 |
| To cut in during a dance, a man should first do this to the chosen woman's current partner |
touch his shoulder (tap him on the shoulder) |
200 |
February 2, 1994 |
| A strolling musician in a restaurant shouldn't be tipped unless he does this |
play a request |
300 |
February 2, 1994 |
| At the bridal table, he sits to the bride's right |
best man |
400 |
February 2, 1994 |
| Elizabeth Post says a thank-you note isn't necessary after a dinner party unless you were this |
the guest of honor |
500 |
February 2, 1994 |
| After a family meal, you may fold this item & place it back inside its ring |
a napkin |
100 |
June 29, 1993 |
| The most formal evening wear is this color "tie", but black tie is much more popular |
white tie |
200 |
June 29, 1993 |
| Some small wedding receptions eliminate this greeting line that was once de rigeueur |
the receiving line (the reception line accepted) |
300 |
June 29, 1993 |
| Black ribbon streamers on a family's front door were once a sign of this |
mourning |
400 |
June 29, 1993 |
| In 1922 Emily Post wrote, "A gentleman takes off" this "when a lady enters the elevator" |
his hat |
500 |
June 29, 1993 |
| Don't wear too much of this cosmetic to a dinner party because it looks gross on the rim of a glass |
lipstick |
100 |
February 25, 1993 |
| When you attend a concert, you should always do this when the conductor appears onstage |
applaud |
200 |
February 25, 1993 |
| Usually, Europeans keep this in the left hand after cutting meat & Americans do not |
fork |
300 |
February 25, 1993 |
| Vogue's Book of Etiquette says a bride's silver should include at least 4 of these demitasse utensils |
spoons |
400 |
February 25, 1993 |
| When several debutantes "come out" at the same ball, it's traditional for all of them to wear this color |
white |
500 |
February 25, 1993 |
| E. Post says this table decoration named for its position should be low enough for guests to see over |
a centerpiece |
100 |
November 30, 1992 |
| Some people wrote "Regrets only" on an invitation in place of this 4-letter abbreviation |
RSVP |
200 |
November 30, 1992 |
| Traditionally, wines of this color are served at room temperature |
red |
300 |
November 30, 1992 |
| A bride often gives each of these people a present at the rehearsal dinner |
her attendants (her bridesmaids) |
400 |
November 30, 1992 |
| Though male guest may wear tuxedos to a debutante's coming-out party, her father should wear this |
white tie and tails |
500 |
November 30, 1992 |
| Emily Post's "Etiquette" says you should try to put these tomatoes in your mouth, whole |
Cherry tomatoes |
100 |
November 16, 1992 |
| At a funeral, a honorary one of these is not expected to help carry the coffin |
Pallbearer |
200 |
November 16, 1992 |
| The custom of tapping a man on the shoulder when you want to dance with his partner is called this |
Cutting in |
300 |
November 16, 1992 |
| It's traditional to serve this expensive treat with toast, chopped hard-boiled egg & onion |
Caviar |
400 |
November 16, 1992 |
| Serving champagne in a tall glass with this floral shape helps preserve its fizz |
Tulip |
500 |
November 16, 1992 |
| Cosmopolitan says to do this if a dinner guest is an hour late |
serve dinner anyway |
100 |
October 13, 1986 |
| Of 10, 12 or 15%, the minimum amount a waiter should be tipped for satisfactory service |
15% |
200 |
October 13, 1986 |
| As with birth announcements, it is proper to send notes when an older child joins a family in this way |
by adoption |
300 |
October 13, 1986 |
| Introduced in the late 1800s, individual holders for this vegetable made it "respectable" |
corn on the cob |
400 |
October 13, 1986 |
| After the ceremony, the 1st person to kiss the bride |
the groom |
100 |
March 17, 1986 |
| You should do it when the star appears & at end of an act, but in church, never on Sunday |
applaud |
200 |
March 17, 1986 |
| Amy Vanderbilt calls this the proper direction to tip a soup dish to get at the last spoonfuls |
away from yourself |
300 |
March 17, 1986 |
| According to Ann Landers, if you meet a blind person you shouldn't do this to their dog |
pet their dog (talk to it) |
400 |
March 17, 1986 |
| At a formal party, between 20-60 minutes after coffee is served or when guest of honor does it |
when is it proper to leave |
500 |
March 17, 1986 |
| Amy Vanderbilt said a man should not refer to this woman as "The Missus" |
your wife |
100 |
December 26, 1985 |
| Thought "unmanly", through 19th C., British sailors were forbidden to eat with knives & these |
forks |
200 |
December 26, 1985 |