101 Common Mistakes in Etiquette and How To Avoid Them

by Emily Post

""101 Common Mistakes in Etiquette and How To Avoid Them"" is a comprehensive guidebook written by Emily Post that outlines the most common social blunders people make and provides practical tips on how to avoid them. The book covers a wide range of topics, including table manners, introductions, dress codes, communication, gift-giving, and more. Each mistake is explained in detail, with examples and advice on how to correct it. The book is written in a clear and concise style, making it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you are attending a formal dinner party or a casual gathering with friends, this book is an essential guide to navigating social situations with grace and confidence.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Genres: Self Help

102 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1939

About the author

American etiquette authority Emily Price Post wrote Etiquette (1922) and a popular syndicated newspaper column.

This United States author considered and promoted "proper etiquette." She wrote books, surrounding the topic of etiquette.

Her family continued the etiquette-genre books:
Elizabeth L. Post, granddaughter-in-law
Peggy Post wife of Emily's great-grandson, Allen Post
Peter Post, great-grandson
Cindy Post Senning, great-granddaughter and a director of The Emily Post Institute
Anna Post, great-great-granddaughter
Lizzie Post, great-great-granddaughter

Reviews

[Erin Andruss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course I always skim over this as a reminder before going out.

[ANGELIA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Lessons in etiquette from decades past are now lessons in social history, and a glimpse back in time to manners and customs very different from today (and that's not all good news).

When I was a kid, and my table manners left a lot to be desired, my cousin would make comments like, "It's a good thing Emily Post isn't around anymore", or "If Emily Post were here, she'd have a lot to say to you, none of it good." I never forgot that, and the time came when I decided to check out what she was all about.

While some things can put a sardonic smile on your face, like the part about how to serve dinner when you have no servants (as if only a few people fall into that category), or how to ask for a cigarette at a party where there's none on the table (they would actually include cigarettes in table settings!), there are some things she says that can still be useful today. She gives good advice on what to do about guests who overstay their welcome, or ones who just happen to show up before dinner and don't seem to have a clue. While most people now aren't concerned about separate forks for salad or which side of the table to serve from, they can still benefit from some of her decorating advice, which still holds up today.

When she talks about how to dress for certain occasions, it makes you realize how many rules there were, like women didn't leave the house without wearing a hat and gloves and wore pants only on picnics and other outdoor country events (never in the city). There's info on where and when to remove hats and gloves, and it all sounds like a bit much, but in some ways, it was nice. People cared about their appearance and the impression they made (there were rules for men, as well), whereas today it's everyone for themself. That's kind of sad.

This is a book worth reading, for both a glimpse into the past, and some still sound advice for the present.