Last Minute Christmas Shopping Ideas

For those of you who are running under the wire on getting your Christmas shopping done. I've got some great etiquette advice on how to give a last minute gift with style!

These tips are quick, easy and for some you don't even have to leave the house to get!

Food – Do you have a favorite recipe you’d like to share? Place the dry ingredients in a jar or basket. Add pretty ribbons and bows. Then write or print the full recipe and directions on a nice piece of paper or cardstock. Tie with a ribbon and you’re done!

E-certificate – Most websites offer e-certificates that can be emailed directly to the recipients. If you’re meeting them face-to-face on Christmas day just write or type the information about your gift on pretty paper, roll it like a scroll, tie it with a bow and embellish with an ornament.
Keep reading more last minute gift ideas

Watch me on STYLE NETWORK Jan 2nd 9pm

This past summer, yours truly Elaine Swann the Etiquette Lady, was contacted by the Style Network to be a part of a brand new television series they were developing. I agreed and traveled to Los Angeles to tape the show back in September 2009. Back then it had a different title which has now been changed to what is today. And since then the entire cast & crew has been working hard with other experts on developing the production.

The show is makeover show for women entitled “What I Hate About Me”. In the show women tell the host, Lisa Arch, the 10 worst things they hate about themselves. Afterwards Lisa enlists the help of experts in various fields to work with the ladies to correct their problem areas. I was brought in as the Etiquette Expert to help one young lady with her manners dilemma.

I had a wonderful time working with the crew. The feedback I received from the network was extremely positive and I’m told if the show gets picked up for another season I will be invited back. (Unfortunately we were barred from taking any photos so I don’t’ have any to share)!

Back when taping the show I was told I’d appear in the 2 nd episode or later. Two weeks ago the network contacted me to let me know I would actually be in the Premiere Episode! This is VERY GOOD because the show is brand new and any network would want to put their best foot forward so I’m very happy to be a part of the first episode.

So….Watch me Saturday January 2nd 9pm on STYLE!

And in the mean get your Diva Hostess on because you’re invited to join in on my nationwide viewing party get details on my website elaineswann.com.

Elaine Swann on KPBS

Behind the scense at KPBS.



How to get along with friends and family during the holiday's.

Don't be a Party Crasher by Elaine Swann

elaineswann.com

Wedding Etiquette - At Dinner

Wedding Etiquette - The Reception

Wedding Etiquette - At the Ceremony

What to do before the Wedding

Wedding Etiquette with Elaine Swann Pt1

How to Ask for Money

For the Bride and Groom, here's my advice on how to ask for money rather than a gift. Read it in Exquisite Weddings Magazine.

How to Ask for Money - Exquisite Weddings - Fall-Winter 2009 - San Diego, California

7 Minutes of Manners in 7 Easy Steps!

Exquisite Weddings Magazine Launch Party

Elaine attends the launch party for the 2009 Fall issue of Exquisite Weddings Magazine at the US Grant Hotel in San Diego.

Elaine give tips on how to write the perfect thank you card! On page 44 of Exquisite Weddings Magazine, you will find more tips from Elaine. And don't forget to visit elaineswann.com for more Lifestyle and Etiquette Tips!!

Day Of The Diva 2009

Yesterday I Attended Day Of The Diva at the Heritage Museum in Orange County.

Conference Call Information

Conference call information

FREE Telephone Seminar

Do you get a little flustered when a conversation takes a wrong turn?

Do people sometimes annoy you with nosey or “a bit too personal” questions?

Are you sometimes left speechless when you’re talking with someone and they just “cross the line”?

Of course you do. This happens to even the best of us. I’ve got some tips that will help you get your point across with grace and style

I’d like to invite you to a FREE 30 minute Telephone Seminar

Learn How to Deal With Awkward Conversation Moments
On the call, you'll discover:

- Learn what to say without saying too much
- How to tell someone to mind their business without being rude
- Learn how to deflect rude and embarrassing questions
- An important lesson on using body language to get your point across
- Tips on how to use my “Shut it down” method when dealing with a gossip

Wednesday September 30, 2009
11:00 am - 11:30 (Pacific Standard Time)
and
4:00 pm - 4:30 (Pacific Standard Time)


To register for this call, which is free except for
your normal long distance charges, go here now:http://elaineswann.com/freephoneseminar1.html

Once registered, you'll receive all the details via
return email within five minutes.

I look forward to "seeing" you on the call.

Elaine Swann
Author, Speaker, Lifestyle & Etiquette Expert
www.elaineswann.com
760-754-9891 office
760-754-9230 fax

Email Etiquette

For more information on Email Etiquette go to elaineswann.com

Let Crazy Be Crazy!

For more information go to elaineswann.com

The Business Meal

Get your audio CD with full advice on the Business Meal here.

For more information visit elaineswann.com

What do you do to take your foot out of your mouth

"

For information about Lifestyle and Etiquette go to elaineswann.com

What Do You Do When A Friend Experiences Death In The Family

For more information visit elaineswann.com

Cell Phone Manners

Can lack of cell phone manners be a deal breaker?

For more information and tips visit elaineswann.com

NABJ Day Two - Te Presento Johnny Wright

Here I am, chatting it up with hair stylist extraordinaire Johnny Wright . He hails from Chicago but now lives in Washington DC. Its there that we have a mutual friend, Namon Mitchell, who is also an amazing stylist in DC. Johnny is here to present a workshop on image and redefining our look. I really wanted to attend but am unable to. Well, thanks to Namen I was able to connect with Johnny before his workshop began.




Oh, did I mention that Johnny has styled such fab ladies as Vivica Fox, Rebecca Gayheart and Lauren London. Earlier this year he was selected as the personal stylist to our nation’s first lady, Mrs. Michelle Obama. Yes, that’s why he moved from Chicago to DC.

NABJ DayTwo - Mutimedia Resources on the Web

I attended a really cool multimedia workshop. Wow, there are some really great online resources to help produce online projects! I’m definitely going to bring this information back to my team at home. It’s amazing to know how people are out there creating programs to help us run our websites better. Good stuff!

Day Two - Networking with a Passion

Even though I’m looking forward to the meeting tonight I’ve still got some networking to do. Here I am at the Meredith Broadcasting and Print booth. I’m looking for a new home for my etiquette advice column.

NABJ Day Two - Persistence Pays Off

Today started off really well. I’d been corresponding with a heavy hitter in the industry. So far we’ve yet to solidify a defined business relationship. Low and behold we run into each other here. We had a brief meeting today (always be prepared) and will have a power dinner tonight. Good deal!

NABJ Day One - And so it Begins

I started my day off zipping pretty quickly through registration. A good amount of people are here today but the mad influx of attendees has yet to begin.

Today I am attending an all day workshop “The Business of Freelancing Having a Career You Love and Making a Good Living”. Although I run my own company I am in essence a freelancer in this business because I am not working a 9 to 5 and on the regular payroll from any one company. I am a business, a brand. So I’ve got to sell the Elaine Swann brand.

Lights out. Time for the journalists to relax and mingle at the welcome reception. We stopped in for a moment then headed out to Largo to have dinner with my hubby's friend from childhood back in DC

Getting the 411 on the business of freelancing

Chatting with one of the workshop presenters

Pre NABJ

I just arrived in Tampa, FL for the annual NABJ conference. Everything starts tomorrow. I am looking forward to learning new things and connecting with some great folks in journalism. This year’s theme is Refresh Reinvent Reclaim. We need it.

Home Sweet Home for the next week

Went over to the convention center to check things out. Sponsors galore!

NABJ

Elaine Swann was the host for the ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening of the Wall Mart super center in Oceanside. visit the web site at- http://elaineswann.com/

Networking Ettiquette Work Shop

Just a reminder that Elaine Swann is having a Networking Etiquette Workshop on Wednesday July 29th, 2009 at 6:30 PM PST



We have limited seating so do not hesitate to call and reserve a seat right away for yourself or someone you know!
call 760-754-9891
or register directly on the website at
http://elaineswann.com/networkingworkshop.html

Question of the Week - Black Tie Affair

Dear Elaine,

Q If an affair is "Black tie" 7:00pm does the dress have to be a long gown or can it be a very dressy just below the knee black taffeta 3/4 length sleeve very classy "Audrey Hepburn" type dress?

A Thank you for sending in your question. Yes your 3/4 length Audrey Hepburn style dress is just perfect for your "Black Tie" affair. For women the proper attire for Black Tie is a formal floor length gown or dressy cocktail dress. With men it's a black tuxedo jacket with matching trousers, black tie, and black vest or cumber bun.

Great you asked, enjoy your gala and I LOVE the sound of the way your Dress looks! Rock on honey!

Shine at any Business or Social Event Part #1

When you attend various events for networking it sometimes can be difficult to navigate through the entire process. Figuring out what to wear and even what to say can be a bit challenging. The following are a few quick tips that can help you shine as you Eat, Drink, Talk and Mingle.

ETIQUITTE TIP:

Whether you are in a business or social situation, always dress appropriately. Find out in advance what the attire for the event is. If you’re ever unsure, always dress in moderation. Choose something that’s not too dressy and not too causal. A middle of the road wardrobe choice is great.

Question of the Week

I received this question this past week. Since wedding season is gearing up I though it would be nice to share this one with you.

Dear Elaine,
Do you take a wedding gift to "fish Fry" honoring the couple and how do I dress for this event?

Samantha

Hello Samantha,

Since the “Fish Fry” is in honor of the new couple it would be a good idea to bring a gift. Find out if they have registered somewhere and if not then pick a thoughtful gift out on your own.

Keep in mind regardless of the style of event the purpose remains the same – to honor the newlyweds so wedding etiquuette would dictate that a gift would certainly be in order.

This sounds like a causal event but because of the occasion I’d suggest bumping it up a half a notch. For example rather than wearing denim shorts perhaps you can choose a denim skirt and cute top. Or you could even wear a nice “summer” dress with cute flat sandals.

Here's a few examples:

These fine piceces can be found at Kate Ross. Visit the store online.

Burping and Slurping - it's okay

Yesterday I did a live segment on San Diego Living, a show that airs on the local CW station. I've got some interesting tips on dining etiquette for various cultures. Check out the clip!

Talking to a Jobless Friend

Elevator Etiquette

Here’s a few elevator etiquette tips when you are out and about:

The person getting on the elevator should stand to the side and wait for others to exit before stepping in.

The person inside and closest to the elevator door exits first.

The person nearest to the control panel should offer to push the elevator buttons for others.

A person who is standing far away from the control panel should “politely ask” if the person nearest the panel would push the button for their floor.

Now, if the doors are closing and:

You are inside the elevator and you see someone coming, at least make an attempt to push the button to reopen the door.

You are outside the elevator and you see the door wide open, people inside, enough room for you (and your stuff) and you are just 2 to 3 steps away, then and only then may you say “Hold the door please”.

You are outside the elevator and you see the elevator door inches from closing. Just accept it as a sign that you were not supposed to get on that elevator and wait for the next.

Finally, for everyone’s safety, don’t thrust any body parts, briefcases, or bags, strollers or children in between a closing elevator door.

The 10-5 Rule

We encounter strangers daily, on your way to the mail box, while walking your dog, or when walking to your car. Yet for whatever reason we just pass one another by as though we're all non existent. This has got to stop!

Don't be so distracted by talking on your cell phone or so busy you're unable to share some cheer. We've got to start interacting and socializing with one another more often.

Here's a tip for those "passing by" moments.
Follow what I call the 10-5 rule for meeting and greeting.

If you make eye contact with someone within 10 feet of you, it's important that you at least acknowledge them with a nod or a smile.

At 5 feet, I suggest you say something-"Hello," or "Good morning".

That's pleasant, polite and simple enough. It really is nice to be nice!!

You Have Got to Be Kidding Me- J Lo's Gold err... Dress

Now I don’t usually say too much about what celebs are wearing but I just couldn’t keep this one to myself. Jennifer Lopez really went to the left what the “golden dress” she wore to the Golden Globe Awards. One look and I immediately though of the green Versace number she wore back in her Diddy (Puffy, Puff Daddy) days. But that was several years and a set of twins ago.

Don’t get me wrong showing off one of her best assets (her beautiful skin folks) is definitely a plus. I believe if you’ve got it then flaunt it honey. But this dress was just a bit too naked. And although her body is definitely banging for a mommy of twins, one wrong twist or bad camera angle has her looking a little roly-poly around the middle. Not so hot (according to Hollywood starve yourself standards).

So after so many years of great hits on the red carpet she and her glam squad (I’m really wondering if any of her peeps told this girl NO) has literally pulled the rug out from under her. To the critics I don’t know which got more attention her dress or her wedding ring-less finger.

Oh, but you know what? Maybe this was all part of the plan – to get folks talking about her. If that’s the case then well done it worked!


Etiquette Expert Opinion:
Jen is a celebrity she can afford to make this fashion mistake while “at work”. Don’t try this at home honey. Heading to a work related event? Less is more – true. But less dress sometimes will equal a hot mess.

New Year - Same You...Just Better

Happy New year folks. It's about now we all get wind under our feet and decide to turn over a new leaf, do some things different, be better. It is possible... for the first few months then kuput!!! We loose steam and in many instances we just quit.

Don't beat your self up, just jump back up dust yourself off and start over again. Don't be so hard on yourself and don't be hard on others.

A couple of really popular "Resolutions" for the New Year is one, the lose weight commitment and two, get that work out going. Ive got some etiquette tips for both.

Read my, Sweatiquette - Using Your Manners at the Gym. And another great resource is Delightful Dieting - for the Dieter and Their Friends. They're sure to help in your endeavor toward a better you.

Read on Enjoy and be well!