Etiquette Books

I absolutely loved reading this book. I hated to put it down to go to work! Not only are the stories in the book shocking, they are funny and entertaining. I also learned a few etiquette rules that I had not thought about yet in the process of planning our wedding. I highly recommend this book for all brides!

I am a fan of the author's Etiquette Hell web site (which covers more than weddings), so when I became a bride-to-be I picked this book up. What sets it apart from other etiquette guides, besides not having hundreds of pages, is that it uses real-life stories and covers only the areas that people are most likely to care about. In other words, it's relevant. She introduces etiquette rules and uses stories to illustrate them. Some of the stories are a bit extreme, but it is effective to get the point across.

Some people may think that it is petty, but I don't think it is. Personally, I stopped talking to a friend when she didn't invite me to her wedding (and made it clear from the get-go that I wasn't invited) but still waved her engagement ring in my face and invited me to her bridal shower. Those are the things people really care about. No one's really going to remember or even care about whether the train on your gown was cathedral or chapel-length or what flowers and cake you chose and this book doesn't even address it. Instead, it covers things like being sure you have enough seating, having a venue that is appropriate, how to treat guests/family/the wedding party, invitation and announcement etiquette, registry etiquette, and generally not becoming a bridezilla.

I subtracted a star, though, because the wedding planner/bride conversation sections probably should have been left out of the book. they just rehash what she had already spent the previous several pages saying and are unnecessary. Overall, though, this is a must for any bride-to-be.

This is not a guide, it's a collection of wedding horror stories other people have submitted to the author's website. You can read those stories for free.

The author's attempt at wit falls far short of the mark...she comes across as a mean-spirited boor. For real wedding advice, pick up Peggy Post's updated edition of Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette instead.

As a recent MOB I found Jeanne Hamilton's book an indispensible guide to navigating the complicated maze that wedding planning and etiquette has become. Using razor-sharp wit, humor, and old fasioned common sense, Hamilton takes us by the hand and leads us to the promised land of "wedding prep bliss." This book should be the first purchase in the MOB's bridal budget.

i read this entire book from cover to cover and I found it to be not only hilarious, but extremely helpful, as it covers basic etiquette concerning weddings that maybe not everyone is already aware of. i guess the main thing is that it basically illustrates how doing little "harmless" things that an ignorant or just plain naive person would do (i.e. putting wedding registry info along with an invitation, "forgetting" to give thank-you notes) could result in people getting really offended and/or hurt. the examples (true stories!) are quite interesting and funny to read, and make you realize how you really don't want to become one of those bridezillas! This is probably the book equivalent to that show on WE (can't remember the name) featuring "bridezillas" going nutso during their wedding planning. The thing is, once you see how ugly and nasty people like that can become, you'll want to do everything in your power not to turn into one of them. :)

What fun and what great ideas! This book is so unique. It shows how even the littlest gift can be made creative, clever and charming. Ms. Spizman's style is so joyful, that it's truly contagious. Since using her book, I find that I can be a "gift artist" at a moment's notice, turning each opportunity into an occasion to make someone feel cared for in the most meaningful way. This book is definitely an outstanding resource for those of us lacking the time or energy for gift-giving inspriation.

I like this book. I think she has some clever ideas. I can't wait to use them in the New Year. I love to give unique gifts. My friends and family have come to expect it and now I have some new ideas to use! Thanks Robyn.

The Giftionary was a great book. I had several different birthday events to go to and for each one I used this book for my gifts. Everyone loved their gifts. It is so easy to use and can help you on ANY occassion. I have recommended this book to several of my friends and they absolutely love it!!! It is definitely a book that should be in everyone's home.

I have to disagree with the reviewer who said the gift ideas were "tacky." "Corny" is the word I would've used. Virtually every idea in this book involves including a note with a bad pun with your gift. That would be OK, if the note were optional. The problem is, most of the gifts don't make sense without the note. If you leave out the silly note that says, "Sorry I've been driving you nuts," just imagine the confused look on the face of the person to whom you just gave a bag of mixed nuts.

There are a few genuinely good ideas here, but not enough to make the book worth the price, or to justify having it take up valuable bookshelf space. I'd advise checking it out of the library, sneaking a peek at the local bookstore, or as a last resort, buying it used.

This book was everything I'd hoped for - and more. When I first heard about it I was interested to see just how creative gift giving can be. My husband is so difficult to shop for and I felt like I've exhausted all of my options over the years. And following the holiday rush, I felt burnt out on buying gifts and fresh out of ideas for upcoming birthdays, anniversaries and other assorted gift-bearing occasions. The Giftionary really came to my rescue and opened my eyes to a whole new way of expressing myself through gift giving. Gone are the days of trudging through the mall for hours on end only to escape with another unoriginal, dreadful sweater or impersonal gift certificate. Robyn Spizman gives thousands of unique tips on how to really personalize your presents and show the giftee that you put a lot of thought and heart into the gift. What I love most about her unique tips is that they focus on the cute, memorable little details, like heartfelt poems and touching words that accompany each gift so you make a statement not by impressing people with the cost of an item, but by being thoughtful enough to make each gift meaningful with a message. I highly recommend this book for anyone in search of fun new ways to shower people with great gifts for every occasion imaginable. Overall, it's a very clever, super helpful guide that I'm sure I'll refer to over and again for years to come.

Kinky profiles his stereotypical, neighborly Texans, fellow Kerrverts, etc. in yet another of his hilarious classics.

Gov. Friedman knows his State and is not afraid or embarrassed to admit it.

James Joyce writes about Dublin like Friedman writes about Texas.I suspect the Dubliners could no more understand Kinky than could Texans understand James nor do I expect either would want to.This book is a collection of stuff that, though not too deep, is very enjoyable.
How's this for some simple philosophy that can be applied to anywhere..
"It's no disgrace to come from Texas;it's just a disgrace to have to go back there."
Or think about this...
"Somewhere in the universe there is a planet inhabited principally by sentient armadillos who occasionally carve up dead humans and sell them as baskets by the roadside."
Enjoy!

I disagree with the reviewer who stated that Texans would not find this book amusing. I am a Texan and I find This book to be absolutely fantastic, hilarious, and honest. Kinky is not disrespecting people from the lonestar state, just having a laugh. He is proud of Texas and this book shows that in addition to making fun of things we make fun of all the time! Texans, you need this book- you'll understand it perfectly. Non-Texans, you need it as well, I promise that you will laugh.

Even though I'm not from Texas I found this book to be both funny and informative. Once again Kinky has penned yet another satirical classic that everyone should enjoy. Not a "who-done-it" but a hilarious look into The Lonestar State and what makes it great!

Kinky is at his irreverent best here in a scrap book style book that generally talks about Texas, but wanders onto other topics without any particular reason. If you can't laugh at this book you can't laugh at all.

RACE MANNERS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY is a valuable book that seeks to open up dialogue about race in America. Since the author, Bruce Jacobs, is African-American and shares many of his personal experiences, the book deals primarily with issues about blacks and whites in this country. However, in this new, revised version, there is also some attention paid to other "race manners," particularly the post-9/11 treatment of Muslims and people of Arab descent. The book is well organized and each chapter includes "Survival Suggestions" at the end of the discussion of the various themes. RACE MANNERS IN THE 21ST CENTURY touches on such subjects as Hurricane Katrina, 9/11, black music, ethnic jokes, and interracial relationships. I particularly enjoyed the discussion on what the author calls "rage radio," which highlighted the impact of the wave of ultra-conservative talk show hosts have on limiting dialogue about important topics. I also found the chapter on commonly held bigoted views useful.

RACE MANNERS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY should be read by anyone living in this country. While there is a slant towards issues of black and white, the author does an excellent job sharing his perspective and experience as a black man living in America. Some readers may disagree with his views on various subjects, but the purpose of the book is not to agree with Jacobs, but rather to discuss the subjects openly and honestly. To that end, the book is filled with suggestions on how to put topics of race on the table and discuss them intelligently. Avoiding talks about race doesn't make those issues go away and RACE MANNERS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY provides a toolkit to help navigate these conversations.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

This one of the best books on American society that I have ever read! This book is what people who try hard to understand the source of racial tension in this country have been waiting for. There is really something in here for everyone and must be read from cover to cover. No matter who you are, examples extracted from life in this book will disturb you in its honesty and you actually see yourself. This is not an overly intellectual essay but an accessible and poignant work that is completely plucked from real life and experience. It just required a brilliant author to put it all together.

Put simply, this quick read of a book is one of many to be experienced by anyone who truly wants to gain some operational insight on race -- one of the final frontiers of human understanding. Until we come up with a workable (or definitive) solution to the strange phenomenon that is "race," (other than complete avoidance of the topic, that is,) 'Race Manners' does a good job of being one of many tools for one's sociological 'toolkit.' It doesn't have all the answers...but then again, who does?

This book is an excellent examination for Race in America. Mr. Jacobs offers insight and solutions. He is honest and compassionate. I have even tried some of the recommendations in this book with excellent results. Don't just read it, buy one for a friend.

There are several points made in the book that get the reader to think about how they view races. However, it is definitely slanted towards black views. I think the book could be very powerful if re-written with a white co-author. I was hoping to find a 50/50 view. It was more of a 70/30.

Oh what a beautiful book. However, I was shocked that many of the place settings were set incorrectly. I look forward to trying the recipes.

I first borrowed this book from the library and found it to have a lot of helpful ideas for table settings, menus saggestion , and recipes. It also has an informaive section on glasswre. Beautiful picturess to inpire you. It is a nice combination of a recipes, table settings, and entertaing book.

Every single tablescape is beautifully done. The author has great style and tasteful sensibility for creating perfectly balanced and artistic table settings. This book is a must have for those who are passionate about the art of the table!!

This book is full of wonderful tablescapes and recipes. Great photos. Gives great ideas for entertaining from the formal to the casual but with elegant appeal. Love this book would recommend to anyone - and have purchased for gifts to friends for the holidays.

Pretty book. Title suggested table decoration and various how to's, but it's more
of a cook book...not nearly enough table scapes.

I'm using this book as a basis for teaching a Manners class to fourth graders. It's organized and easy to follow, making the lessons short and to the point. The children love the class and are practicing what they are learning.

I found Ms. Thompson's book well written and knowledgeable.
It is simple enough for children to understand, yet contains
information useful for adults.
I have purchased it for my grandchildren and well as gifts for
friends. In turn the friends ordered for their children.
I particularly found the "Image Makers" and "Image Breakers" helpfull for myself.
I strongly recommend it as a teaching tool for children and teens.

Good manners have never gone out of style. "Be the Best You Can Be" not only teaches good manners and proper etiquette in a very readable format, the book also encourages and inspires young people to achieve poise and self-confidence. Well-written and easy to read, this book covers a wide variety of topics, including good posture, phone etiquette, table manners, personal grooming and image. Parents will also likely discover some interesting etiquette tips. Still not sold? My 12-year-old daughter liked the book so well that she wanted - no, insisted - on reading it twice! How's that for reaching one's target audience? Great job, Ms. Thompson!

I ordered this book to share with my 4 grandchildren;2 fourteen year olds, 1 eleven year old and a ten year old. My eleven year old granddaughter and I are reading it together. I am so very pleased with the content and the style of writing - very interesting for a young one. Robin Thompson covers so much, from nurturing self-esteem, consideration of others to appropriate table manners, etc. I, too am enjoying it immensely. I choose to give this book a 5 star rating.

REALLY WONDERFUL BOOK! I BOUGHT IT FOR MY 14 YR-OLD NEPHEW, GLANCED AT IT AND DECIDED IT HAD GOOD INFO FOR ME! I ORDERED A SECOND COPY, SHARED IT WITH A FRIEND, AND SHE WANTED IT FOR HER DAUGHTER. I JUST ORDERED MY THIRD COPY, AND HOPEFULLY THIS ONE WILL REACH THE KID I BOUGHT IT FOR IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!!!!!

I read this book because I too, was the unfortunate maid of honor in a wedding which was for the biggest Bridezilla of them all... Greedy stories about greedy brides to be and their greedy, manipulative mothers and bad behaving Grooms.
Please read this if you are planning your own wedding.
The authors have really thought provoking tid bits which may save you from becoming a Bridezilla yourself!

...and irritating at worst. I read the reviews here, interlibrary loaned it right away, and sat down expecting a hilarious, jaw-dropping bunch of howlers. Instead I feel like I've spent the afternoon with someone's snooty great-aunts. There are a few stories in here that live up to the hype, but the "Bridezilla" phenomenon (described by the author as what happens to otherwise normal women who suddenly find themselves the center of the party) doesn't seem to be what's going on here. It's no fun to read about people who seem to have etiquette/behavior issues on every other day of their lives (including a few physically abusive grooms, which I don't think is necessarily caused by being a groom), and especially when at least half the people contributing to this book appear to think that the only "proper" behavior for a bride is that of a blushing concubine with bound feet. Admonitions that a "gracious" bride "thinks of others before she thinks of herself" (yes, really) are straight from 1950. Oh, and bacherlorette parties are the height of bad taste (agreed) because the bride will one day be somebody's mommy (HUH?!?!?!) This book has madonna/whore complex written all over it, and the horror stories aren't particularly horrifying: (paraphrase) "I carefully selected and purchased a thoughtful gift, and did not receive a prompt thank-you note." Sounds like Ann Landers's worst nightmare, but no one else's.

I think my favorite is the guest who bought and sent the couple (the presumed "Bridezilla and Groommonster") a book, found it months later in a used bookstore, and bought and sent it to them again. Makes you wonder who's got the real issues. The message: show any creativity, spark or gumption at all, step away from rigid 19th-century convention just once, and you are a Bridezilla. See you in Etiquette Hell.

I won't even mention the historical and grammatical violations this book commits. But the authors condemn the bride who wanted her wedding party to go into the neighbor's yard and steal flowers for the cermony for "not caring about the style and quality of the flowers," and, oh by the way, for "putting her guests' reputation on the line." Would it have been better if she'd swiped 'em herself?!?!? The chapter on bridesmaids and shower hosts who deliberately sabotage the bridal shower and/or ignore the wishes of the bride is particularly sickening.

...since so many of them don't bother to read Emily Post, Amy Vanderbilt, or Miss Manners. If they did, we wouldn't have Bridezillas, now, would we? In this era of dreadful bridal blunders (relatives hosting showers, registry information on wedding invitations, money dances...) it's wonderful to know that someone is brave enough to stand up to spoiled Princess Brides and scream, "ENOUGH!" in their faces. A right entertaining read as well as an admonishment of What Thou Shalt Not Do At Thy Wedding!

A collection of some of the best, or I suppose worst, stories from the fantastic Etiquette Hell website. It's as scary as any horror movie. You'll gasp as brides rip their best friends apart because they're "too fat to be a bridesmaid!" You'll groan as Momzillas shriek at innocent bystanders for ruining their baby's special day! And if you are one of the poor unfortunates who have behaved this way, there are etiquette guidelines at the end of each chapter that will help salvage your relationships.

Sort of the same appeal as reality TV shows. My jaw dropped, I laughed out loud, and I thanked the good Lord above that I have never been in the wedding party of a bride like these self-centered, obsessive, neurotic, nasty women. Just when I thought there couldn't possibly be a worse example of a Bridezilla in the book, another story topped the list. I was moved by this "etiquette expert"'s very down-to-earth take on how a bride should act; there was nothing here about when to raise your pinky or why everything must be "perfect." Instead, she presents a healthy and positive outlook about why a wedding is a celebration and not a theatrical show with the bride as "director," insisting on getting her way and forcing the wedding party to conform perfectly to her "vision." Amusing, horrifying... these stories led me through a gamut of emotions, but mostly, they made me feel good about my own upcoming wedding, and gave me a great sense of what NOT to do if I still want any friends left after the honeymoon! A fun gift for a down-to-earth bride-to-be.

--Jenna Glatzer, editor of AbsoluteWrite.com and author of OUTWITTING WRITER'S BLOCK AND OTHER PROBLEMS OF THE PEN

If anything, it at least makes for an interesting read. I keep mine around the house in case I want to write a letter or throw a party. Not just for the dummies.

I have given this book to all my nieces and nephews and other young people. It gives excellent tips and hints about how to avoid social mistakes and how to feel more at ease in social situations. It is very easy to read, with a good format, and highlights special tips to remember. It is a good preparation for high school students and those going off to college as well as young people who are entering the business world for the first time. A good summary of the basics.

I have liked the book and it covers many social, family and work environment situations, so it is good to have. However, in some instances it mixes American and European Etiquette (and twice already I have found mistakes between the two). It is really "for dummies" so if you are knowledgable in this area you will find this far too vague. However, it still had points to learn although I will still have to buy another one more advanced to complement it.

Everyone should touch up on their etiquette every few years.
The world would be a better place if more people read this book.

This is a fabulous way to reinforce life lessons for upper elementary to middle school aged children. It covers the basics to the contemporary. I love it.

The Food for Fifty (12th Edition)cook book is a good reference book for an institutional kitchen. It has some HACCP information , as well as numerous charts and guides to serving,portioning and preparing food.

Food for Fifty (12th Edition)Excellent book great recipes and helpful tips throughout the book

I had to buy this book for my Quantity Foods course as a part of my Dietetics major. I actually liked the book, and I am going to keep it for later use. I thought the book was organized very well. Some of the charts in Chapter 2 and 5 that we used quite often were a little hard to find (because there are so many!).
It also presented a good overview of things you wouldn't think would be in the book, such as the school lunch program, etc.
I liked it!

Very well written book, leaves nothing for the mind to question,I would highly recomend this book!

I had seen this book at a friends business and thought it was good. Since I have ordered and received it I have had the chance to really review the contents and find it one book that I can use daily. The CD rom is also fantastic in the number of recipes it contains. One nice feature is that you can size the recipes to what you need. Another great plus. Well worth the money. Tom Elliott, CEC

I am a fan of the Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle books, and I love how she relates to children, but this book does not show much of that. This book mostly shows parents at their wits' end with their kids, and then magic pills or powders that "cure" them.

While admittedly ridiculous and full of good, memorable scenes, this book is not up to the same level as "Mrs. Piggle Wiggle" or "Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle's Farm". In those books, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle uses a love and understanding of children, plus reverse psychology, to bring about changed behaviors. No magic dust. Love, patience, and understanding.

My favorite cure in this book was the bullying cure: substituting leadership for bullying. But I think it's better to do it without the pills.

Miss Piggle Wiggle is the charmingly little woman who lives around the corner of an unnamed neighborhood. Could it be yours? Children love her because she lets them paint, woodwork, sew, and ride bicycles in her yard. And parents love her because she seems to be the only one who keep their children under control. In this collection of short stories, Mrs. Piggle Wiggle digs through her old sea chest full of magical cures (which was left to her by her husband, the pirate) to find remedies for crybabies, show-offs, and whisperers.

Hilary Knight's ink sketch illustrations depict hilarious scenes such as Melody Foxglove drowning in her own tears, Jimmy Gopher bullying Priscilla Wick, and Harbin Quadrangle slowpoking his way out of bed. The illustrations are just ridiculous enough to compliment the entertaining stories, while remaining realistic enough to flatter the moral of each tale.

In this, the second collection of Mrs. Piggle Wiggle stories, Betty MacDonald once again uses her creative writing to teach children that it isn't nice to whisper, bully, or show off. Just as relevant over half-a-century since it's first publication, children everywhere will relate to at least one of the many interesting characters, and delight in the magical cures doled out. Perhaps the lure of leadership pills, whisper sticks, or crybaby tonic will have a troublemaker you know searching for the Mrs. Piggle Wiggle in your neighborhood.

HELLO, MRS. PIGGLE-WIGGLE is a well-written collection of short tales about miscreant children who are cured of their bad behavior by a neighborhood specialist in magical elixirs for children. This expert on children, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, is the unifying element in these stories about a show-off, a crybaby, a bully, a few whisperers, and a slowpoke. Although the plots are formulaic--the problem is revealed, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle is consulted, the magic is applied, and the problem is cured--the writing is lively and humorous; the author, Betty MacDonald, has a good ear for dialogue, even if the colloquialisms, some fifty years old, are now terribly dated. (See the vintage television shows "Leave it to Beaver" or "Dennis the Menace" for lessons in Fifties' children's slang as they appear in this book!)

What also strikes me about these stories is that they are all about children who might now be regarded as having psychological or socialization problems; some of them today might even be treated with drugs. In these stories, all of the children are being drugged by their parents, surreptitiously, and they come to enjoy the happy side effects of the various pills, powders and sprays they are subjected to. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, some fifties years later, reads like a neighborhood drug dealer!

My elementary-school aged daughter, however, says that I'm reading far too much into the book. She appreciates the stories for their humor and for their verisimilitude, albeit with exaggerated effects. There is something of Roald Dahl here; I think of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (better known through the movies as WILLY WONKA), with its quasi-morality tale of bratty kids and their just comeuppances. My daughter, hearing this, would tell me to get off my high horse, relax and just enjoy the stories.

Hello, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle is a humorous book! Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle's husband died and left her a trunk of magic cures for children's horrible habits. Parents in town often phone her about their children's bad habits. A few examples of terrible habits are slow poke, whisperer, and bully. For the bully, there are leadership pills, and for the whisperer, there are whisper sticks. They taste like candy, but you can only whisper after you eat one. For the slow poke you spray on their clothing. Will the cures work? " I recommend this book for young girls, because I think it's best suited for their maturity," I said.

I'm actually sorry to say that I preferred this to the first Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle book. Or maybe I just like the magical cures in some cases. Anywho, this is a delightful addition to the wonders of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle and is ful of thoroughly entertaining and hilarious stories that gently nudge everyone (not just kids!) into recognizing not-so-good habits. It's sweet, friendly, and never condemns, though it will always bring a smile.