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Welcome to OSE’s Blog!
Teaching Etiquette at Home
A question I receive quite often is “What are the best ways to incorporate lessons about manners and etiquette with my children at home?” Here are some of the methods that I recommend!
Thank You Notes: A Q&A
Mariah is answering all of your questions regarding thank you note etiquette!
Afternoon Tea Etiquette & My Favorite Tea Services in NYC
If you have plans to enjoy an afternoon tea service in the near future, or simply want to enhance your knowledge on the subject, this blog post will be filled with all of the tips you need to know. I will also share my favorite places to enjoy afternoon tea in New York City.
How To Ace a Networking Event
Learn what Mariah recommends doing before, during, and after a networking event to ensure you make the most out of it!
Stopping the Gossip
So, what happens when you find yourself on the other end of an extremely gossipy conversation? Here are some responses you can use that will be polite and respectful, but also allow you to put up that boundary that you do not want to partake in any of this funny business.
Compliments: How to Give & How to Receive
A compliment is a lovely way to spread kindness! Let’s discuss the proper way to both give and receive a compliment from an etiquette perspective.
The Etiquette for Handling Allergies and Dietary Restrictions
What is the difference between a true allergy or dietary restriction and a preference? How do I politely notify my host of my allergy? If I am bringing a side dish to someone’s home, do I need to consider everyone’s restrictions? What if I don’t have a true allergy to something being served, but I already know I do not enjoy it?
27 Lessons for 27 Years
In celebration of my 27th birthday on the 27th of June, here are 27 lessons I’ve learned in life so far.
Overnight Guest Etiquette for The Host and The Guest
How can I make my guests feel more at home? How do I tell someone I don’t want them to stay with me? To strip the bed at the end of my stay or not to strip the bed? You will find the answers to all of your overnight guest etiquette questions here!
Five Common Table Setting Mistakes to Avoid
These are the most common table setting mistakes I see out in the wild…and how to correct them, of course!
Summer Travel: Beach Etiquette & Hotel Tipping
“Those lazy-hazy-crazy days of summer” have come again! We must not forget about our manners as we embark on our summer vacations and visit the beach. Let’s discuss some important points about beach etiquette and hotel tipping.
How To: Responses for Rude/Personal Questions & Comments
Something I like to remind people of often is the fact that kindness and boundaries can coexist. If someone comes at you with a question or comment that is rude or far too personal, here are some strategies you can use to handle your response with poise and grace.
Back to Basics: RSVP Etiquette
It’s always a good time to get back to basics. Let’s discuss everything you should know about RSVP etiquette plus how to gracefully decline an invitation.
A Guide to Giving and Receiving Host Gifts
You know how the old saying goes: “Don’t show up to someone’s home empty handed!” Here you will find a guide to giving and receiving host gifts with a bonus host gift guide!
Graduation Etiquette Tips + Gift Ideas for the Grad
Whether you are a graduate yourself, have a child or loved one graduating, or you’re receiving graduation announcements and/or invitations, you will find the answers to all of your graduation etiquette questions in this blog post!
Dedicated to The Mothers and Mother Figures
YOUR recommendations for how to care for a new mom plus a gift guide for all of the mothers and mother figures in your life
Etiquette Tips for the Wedding Guest
Wedding season is officially upon us! While I may have written an entire wedding etiquette book for the couple and their loved ones and families, we mustn't forget that the guests are also an important part of that special day.
I Know Small Talk Isn’t Always Easy, But it Can Be!
I know small talk isn't easy. I know for a lot of people it can feel like pulling teeth. (I see you, introverts!) But, it doesn’t have to be something you dread. Sometimes, all it takes is a mindset shift and a bit of preparation.
Mariah’s Vault: Makeup Must-Haves
These makeup products are truly my “ tried and true”. Most of these products have been on my dressing table for many, many years.
Five Soft Skills to Master
A Harvard-Stanford study tells us that 85% of professional success comes from well-developed soft skills. What truly makes a person stand out? What makes a person gain someone’s trust? What gives a person a memorable edge?