Guide to Etiquette and Modern Manners

The Debrett's indispensable guide to etiquette and modern manners is a book that has been in my house for years, and is occasionally bought out by my mother to correct mistakes made at supper or to satisfy particularly snobbish guests. However I had never considered reading it all the way through until yesterday, it offers some very intriguing advice about marriage, children, parties, and general household activity. The chapter on 'social kissing' was of particular interest as it seems to be the 'in' thing to do when greeting someone- to kiss on both cheeks. 'Some people - skilled practitioners of the air kiss - manage to do without any physical contact whatsoever, but making the stagey mwah mwah sounds social lift-off. Others gently bump cheeks like dainty dolphins.' (pg 216) So other than how to socially kiss someone, the book illustrates how to conduct oneself when others are present. This book is a fascinating and humerous read, although the ideas in some cases are very traditional, it would benefit many people to take heed from what this book suggests.