Etiquette for Dummies [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

by Sue Fox (Author) "Etiquette is often associated with experiences away from home..." (more)
Key Phrases: etiquette mistakes, gracious guest, building better relationships, United States, Building Better Relationships, Conducting Yourself (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Etiquette for Dummies is an entertaining and useful guide to improved manners, it may also make you laugh." -- Saturday Evening Post

Product Description
Good manners matter – and not just during formal events. Etiquette isn’t just about which fork to use or how to hold a teacup. Good manners and etiquette are as important in the supermarket checkout line as they are at a state dinner. They are the key to surviving every human contact with your sense of humor and self-esteem intact. In most cases, it’s just a matter of good old  “Golden Rule” common sense – do unto others as you would have them do unto you: for example, staying home from a dinner party when you’re sick. And yes, sometimes it is about the right fork or the right form address.

Wise, funny, and practical, Etiquette For Dummies is just what you need to be on your best behavior in every situation. From office parties to extended families, email to introductions, Sue Fox covers it all in this smart, sassy guide. Among other things, you’ll find out how to:

• Be more attuned to the needs and feelings of o thers
• Beha ve considerately in everyday situations
• Communicate graciously at home and at work
• Avoid e-mail blunders and beeper bloopers
• Eat out and entertain with confidence
• Rise to the occasion at weddings and other formal events
• Put others at ease in almost any situation
• Raise well-mannered kids

Once you start it, you’ll probably want to read Etiquette For Dummies from cover to cover. But you don’t have to. This ready reference was designed to let you plunge in anywhere and get what you need on:

• Building better relationships through good etiquette – with family, coworkers, clients, friends, and lovers
• Projecting a positive image with good grooming and body language
• Dressing for formal events
• Entertaining and being entertained
• The ins and outs of dining etiquette – includes a chapter on wine etiquette
• Conducting yourself during special occasions – at home and abroad

Packed with practical tips and examples, this anything-but-prissy primer explains how to behave with courtesy and consideration, whether you’re answering your cell phone, opening a gift, attending a bat mitzvah, or addressing your father-in-law.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Wiley & Son's, Inc.; illustrated edition edition (November 24, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764551701
• ISBN-13: 978-0764551703
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #294,784 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Never Get Caught Doing The Wrong Thing!, December 20, 1999

By	Frank O'MAHONY "SantaFeFrank" (Santa Fe, NM) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I picked up this book prepared to learn nothing new. Boy was I surprised! This is a well written, concise primer that can be read straight through (as I did, again to my surprise) or dipped into as specific needs arise. Getting what you want out of business dinners, greeting new business acquaintances, dressing for 'semi-casual' events, picking up the right knife and fork at a formal dinner. All the unspoken signals that say you know what you're doing - they're all here!

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reference volume, January 1, 2001

By A Customer

I found this book both a useful tool and an easy read.

I originally purchased this book to resolve some light hearted family disagreements regarding such items as; the correct "title" of a married woman in the 21st century or the correct method of setting the formal table for Thanksgiving dinner. I ended up reading the book cover to cover. The author has done an excellent job of making this potentially dry topic, fun and enjoyable.

I particularly enjoyed the chapters on etiquette as it relates to new technology such as; cell phones, call waiting, and e-mail. None of these things were around when I originally learned "Manners 101". It was useful to review the "do's and don'ts" of modern technology.

An excellent purchase and I would recommend it to others.

31 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful and fun to read -- don't miss this one, January 23, 2001

By	C. Barker (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've always been a little skeptical of the Dummies books but when I received Etiquette for Dummies as a gift I couldn't help but get caught up in it immediately. The author takes a refreshing look at how we all get along in society (the good, the bad AND the ugly!) and gives us insightful yet friendly advice on communicating better with each other on a daily basis. This is a must read for everyone, even if you think your etiquette is already up to snuff.