By CommonCurtsey

CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON ETIQUETTE Whether visiting D.C. specifically for Cherry Blossom festivities, or you are a native Washingtonian, there are few things we can all do to keep Cherry Blossom season pleasant. Hanami. Hanami, a centuries old Japanese tradition literally means “flower viewing” but is commonly used in the context of cherry blossoms. From strolling down the Tidal Basin to a cruise on the Potomac, cherry blossoms are an amazing sight to behold by day

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By CommonCurtsey

We're excited about our upcoming Fine Dining & Business Etiquette Dinner at Eddie V's Prime Seafood located in Tysons Corner on April 21, 2016. Take our quiz below to see if you have the chops to master any dining situation. Not certain which bread plate is yours? Tired of sitting through dinner with your husband on his cell phone? Or wondering the easy way to handle the check when dining with friends? We have answers!

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By CommonCurtsey

Bless You!?! Cold & Flu Season Etiquette There are many things I love about winter. The crisp air, an excuse to mix chocolate into every beverage and the hope of snow days! While winter weather brings about some positive aspects, there are negative things that come along with it, such as cold and flu season. The good news is there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting sick. Here are my

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By CommonCurtsey

I love New Year’s Eve! It’s the perfect time to bond with friends, while reflecting on goals and aspirations for the new year. I really believe in the power of intention. Starting the year off with good intentions sets the tone for the rest of the year. That being said, some people can get a bit unraveled during the New Year’s Eve festivities. You know, alcohol has a tendency to make us a bit more,

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By CommonCurtsey

Place de la Comédie, Montpellier, France Last weekend I had the extraordinary opportunity to travel to Montpellier, France to meet with world-renown etiquette expert, Anne Debard of EAF-Etiquette à la Française we discussed "savior vivre" (the ability to live elegantly, and the observance of polite society). Along with our conversation on French culture, fine dining and politesse, we spoke of how technology and globalization have sculpted modern manners. Having the opportunity to truly immerse myself

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By CommonCurtsey

SMITH FRESHMEN GET SCHOOLED IN ETIQUETTE Excerpt by Philip Peker, Smith Class of 2018 As hundreds of polished freshman Smith students filed into the Riggs Alumni Center on a brisk April evening for their final Smith Start event, there was a celebratory feeling of accomplishment shared by all. On Thursday, April 23, 2015, the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business partnered with The Etiquette Institute of Washington to give business freshman students

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By CommonCurtsey

I'm beyond excited to announce our 2015 Mother's Day Etiquette Lesson and Afternoon Tea! Last year it was held at the Borgata Hotel, Atlantic City, but this year, the goal was to bring the tea home to Washington. Held at the City Tavern Club of Georgetown, the tea will include an etiquette lesson on poise, posture, tea history and table manners. With a delicious 3-course tea menu and bellini bar, prepare to amaze your senses.

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By CommonCurtsey

HELLO 2015! OUR NEW LOCATION & NEW OFFERINGS! Join us at our new F Street location for private etiquette consultations. Whether preparing for an upcoming recruitment weekend, business dinner, job interview, graduate or professional school interview, consider a private business consultation to give you the Etiquette Edge. Understanding how competitive D.C. area private schools are, don't leave interviews and visits to chance. We work with students as they prepare for private school interviews in honing

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By CommonCurtsey

With Thanksgiving just weeks away, I thought I would broach the subject of decorum at family functions. Here is an easy to follow list of my  Top 5 Thanksgiving Dinner Dont’s 5. Don’t Knock It Til You’ve Tried It. That macaroni and Jello casserole might be the next best thing since sliced bread. (Doubtful. But a possibility). At minimum, try one of things you have always said you hated like corn pudding, stuffing or cranberry sauce.

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