Proper Living

I was saddened to receive a pop-up notification of Emily Post's death.  Not that I was a die hard fan, not that I knew she was ill or even that old, or not even that I ever agreed with everything posted in the Post Etiquette Books, I do however love etiquette and proper living. I like baking and keeping a clean, organized home. I like handwritten thank you letters and welcome baskets for new neighbors. I like gentlemen or any male for that matter, holding the door open for me. I do not like them pulling my chair out for me. Maybe if we are at a formal event or I've got a huge dress to work with but not generally.

I have read/browsed through the original Emily Post Etiquette book from the 1920s as well as the latest version by the Emily Post whom  passed away recently-difference abounds! It amazes me how much society has changed over the past 100 years, what is accepted and if anything still, what is shunned. I suppose though, that the etiquette books have to change with the time, they have to address those unpleasant etiquette topics such as divorce, pregnant brides, printed invitations, etc. to keep people interested, to keep people aware that etiquette still exists and should be exercised.

I'm currently reading The Wedding Machine by Beth Webb Hart and it references etiquette in the South. Specifically weddings with showers, china, invitations, titles, etc. It's a delight to read and I'm not yet 1/3 into the book. It reminds me how casual things have become. I of course don't have such gorgeous penmanship to handwrite the calligraphy on invitations and I don't have silver or crystal but the thought of hosting a bridal tea and see with monogrammed napkins, family silver, and all the 3 china patterns from my wedding excites me. Perhaps someday.

Until then I'll strive to have proper etiquette (to some extent!) and be polite, and when The Captain and I have 2-legged children of our own they will write thank you notes. I think that is terribly important.

Cheers!