Etiquette On The Red Carpet at The Emmys: 2008.
Reprinted from The O.C. Register:
"Ask The Etiquette Lady"
Learn the rules of 'Napkin in the Lapkin'
These tips can be used for all types of dining experiences, from fast food to formal.
Ask The Etiquette Lady Column
Q. Dear Etiquette Lady,
I'm a 30-year-old account executive and I've been invited to my company's annual black tie dinner at a local hotel. I've asked my new girlfriend to join me and I don't want to embarrass myself in front of her or any of my co-workers. I can never remember what to do with my napkin and if I'm suppose to help my girlfriend with her seat. I try to follow the others at my table, but half of them don't know what to do either and I'm too embarrassed to ask the ones that do. Can you give me a few pointers?
Larry of Irvine
A. Dear Larry:
I commend you for wanting to learn the proper way to seat your date and use your napkin properly. These tips can be used for all types of dining experiences, from fast food to formal for children and adults. Here are some tips I learned from my old Auntie Allie Mae that are called "Napkin in the Lapkin."
The rules of seating yourself and others, and proper napkin etiquette:
- Always seat yourself from the right side of the chair and exit from the right as well.
- If you are with a female or there are unescorted females at your table, always seat them first by pulling out the chair for them. Once they are seated, help them to scoot their chair it in a bit. They can take it upon themselves to scoot in it further if needed.
- If you are in a "hosted" dining experience, always wait for the host or hostess to pick up their napkin first, which signals the start of the meal. Otherwise, place your napkin on your lap when you first sit down.
- Pick up your napkin and place it on your lap, with the fold facing your middle and the opening facing your knees. Never unfold your napkin like a cape flapping in the wind, quietly unfold it on your lap.
- Use the napkin to dab your mouth, never wipe.
- If leaving the table for a moment, exit from the right and place your napkin to the left of your plate. Note: No need to announce to the world your reason for leaving the table, simply say "excuse me" and quietly leave.
- In upscale restaurants, the wait staff may refold your napkin and place it on the arm of the chair or to the left of your plate. Sometimes restaurants will replace your napkin with a fresh one.
- Your napkin stays on your lap until everyone is finished and ready to leave the table.
- When you are finished with your meal and leaving the table, place your napkin to the left of your plate and exit your chair from the right.
- Never put your napkin on your plate or push your plate forward when finished.
- Never stack your dishes. Leave everything in its place until your server removes them.
Whenever I'm teaching my etiquette and manners workshops, I'll always share the "proper" way to do things because that's my job.
But I also give clients permission to break the rules from time to time and use their own common sense when confronted with different situations. The key to proper etiquette is and always will be "respect." Self-respect and respect for others.
I hope these tips are helpful. Enjoy your event and always remember to be yourself.
Kim Maxwell is a graduate of The Protocol School of Washington and is a certified Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant.
April 21, 2009
Youth group taps new leader with experience
By HEATHER McREA The Orange County Register
PLACENTIA
With two capital campaigns and 11 sites that need managing, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Brea, Placentia and Yorba Linda have tapped a 30-year veteran of nonprofit organizations as their new executive director and CEO.
Though she has already rolled up her sleeves and gotten to work, Kim Maxwell will officially start May 4.
But even before then, she will be on hand Saturday to help out when Rebuilding Together Orange County sends an army of contractors and workers to help finish work on the new clubhouse in Brea, at which construction had stalled. Maxwell said work crews have been at the club since last week, but the bulk of the $250,000 to $300,000 of work that is being donated will be done Saturday.
After the work day, club officials will figure out how much more needs to be done to finish the facility and plan for the purchase of all the equipment, and fundraising for an operating budget, Maxwell said. “Realistically it is six months to a year before that club opens.”
The other big project for the organization is the campaign to raise money for the construction of a new clubhouse in Placentia. The present facility on Crowther Avenue is for sale.
Maxwell's experience with capital campaigns was one factor in the board of directors' decision to hire her, said Burr Anderson, board president. During her years as executive director of the club in Laguna Beach, Maxwell managed a $3.4 million campaign that expanded that facility from 18,000 square feet to 25,000.
“It is absolutely gorgeous,” Maxwell said. “I am so proud of it.”
Maxwell spent 15 years locally with the Girls Club of America before it merged with the boys' group. She then served the Laguna Beach club for 13 years before retiring in 2007 to start a consulting business, The Etiquette Lady. She specializes in teaching business etiquette and protocol.
Anderson said Maxwell offers a perfect blend of being able to manage corporate and fundraising aspects, along with supporting the children and staff.
“The kids come first,” Maxwell said. “Kids are kids. It doesn't matter if they are in Placentia, Brea or Laguna Beach. They all need a safe place to go where they can have fun and to keep them healthy, happy and safe.”
A Southern California native, Maxwell lives in Laguna Niguel.
Peter Greenberg lists "Kim Maxwell's Art of Etiquette".
Excerpt from online article: "Travel Etiquette Lessons" / August, 2008
Emily Post would tell you that having good manners is still an important skill. Here are some ways for to brush up on proper etiquette, even when you’re on the road.
The Montage Laguna Beach in Laguna Beach, California, offers the Art of Etiquette classes for kids aged five to 17. Students learn the art of conversation, dining etiquette, and how to host a luncheon, hosted by Kim Maxwell, The Etiquette Lady.
Download the following Acrobat PDF press reprints.
Marin Magazine. August, 2008 - Travel Buzz section.
MANNERS MATTER
by Lois Everzich, OC Register
MISS MANNERS
by Christa Woodall
The Buzz About The Etiquette Lady