Reviews (9)

A must have for the professional military officer.
This book is an invaluable tool for an officer serving in the military today.I recieved an earlier edition as a gift from my father, who recieved it when he was at The U.S. Naval Academy.The only substantial difference between the two versions is the Fourth Edition has some improved drawings of cards, settings, and other helpful pictures.This book is certainly current and should be used as a reference tool by all officers.

I'm not in the military, it's just nice to do things right.
This book is pretty much just etiquette with a few insights into military behavior. I stumbled across this book quite by accident, but it has been very useful. Whenever I read this book I feel like I'm getting to look in the minds of ultimate-gentleman characters suchs as James Bond or the like. It's nice to be able to apply there tactics to my own life. There are probably other etiquette books around. I've never looked. This one has satisfied all my needs.

Published in 1989, but reads like 1959
I have often referred to this guide over the years for 'etiquette' advice, but the information about addressing invitations, etc has really dissappointed me.This book is sorely out of date.Ms. Swartz, please release a new, updated edition to reflect the equal status of men and women servicemembers! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Armed Forces    2. Etiquette    3. History - Military / War    4. Military - General    5. Military Personnel    6. Military life    7. Sociology    8. United States    9. Warfare & Defence   

Reviews (18)

Loved It!!
I am going to order a copy of this for my sister and my friends. It is something every african american female 21-35yrs old should have in their collection. It had some great tips on beauty, health and finances. It also has some great tips on how to get started on appreciating yourself and loving yourself. Take time to remember you and to focus on you. It was just what I needed to get out of the "I don't care I am not going to worry about how I look anymore rut". I keep it in my totebag and pull it out to refer to it periodically. It is chic just to be seen reading it!

Just the right timing
I loved this book because it showed me that with the right attitude I "a plain jane from way back" can be a diva too. It also showed me that there was no difference between me and Lena Horne except our attitude about ourselves.It was great and I highly recommend it to any woman not just black who want to take on the world.

I am gonna be beautylicious
This book is helping me make some good New Years Resolutions and stick to them. By this time next year I will be that Beautylicios bombshell.
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Subjects:  1. African American teenagers    2. African American women    3. African American youth    4. Beauty & Grooming - General    5. Beauty, Personal    6. Diet / Health / Fitness    7. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    8. Etiquette    9. Fashion & Grooming    10. Health and hygiene    11. Manners And Customs    12. Reference    13. Sociology Of Women    14. Women's Studies - General    15. Reference / Etiquette   

Reviews (2)

Mystified
My 60s something father gave me this book. I am a 45-year-old middle-class man with a 6-year-old son using my wife's account. I don't understand for whom this book is written. It is full of painfully obvious advice such as "Don't play with your food" or "Do not throw golf clubs... in anger." Anyone raised in America (presuming that is the author's intended audience) who doesn't already understand these things and take them to heart isn't going to be interested in reading about them in a book, if they can even read. Chapter 15 deals with Staring and differences where the author admonishes: "Do not repeat racist, sexist or ethnic jokes or tolerate them in your presence." If you were not a racist you would obviously already understand and agree with this. If you are, this book isn't going to change your attitude and you would probably want to burn it. I found this book useless for any reasonably sophisticated person unless you happen to be from a third world country or another planet. If the book was intended to teach good manners to the unsophisticated, dream on! I think the author has a Professor Henry Higgins Jones. I am also concerned about my father's opinion of me, I mean "Do not expect a child to endure a lengthy shopping trip unless it is to a toy or candy store." Duh!

good guideline
It is an easy read with practical advise.This book basically uses examples to illustrate real life situation.For example, when kids are in the car and someone releases gas, come up with a code word (hers was safety) that alerts other of this uncomfortable situation.This book also talks about basic etiquette and how and when to illustrate it for your kids such as introduction or not correcting other peoples manners, etc.Buy either this or How to Raise A Lady.Don't buy them both, THEY ARE THE SAME BOOKS.One just uses her son for the example, the other her daughter. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Child Development    3. Child rearing    4. Etiquette    5. Etiquette for boys    6. Etiquette for children and tee    7. Etiquette for children and teenagers    8. Family & Relationships    9. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    10. Parenting - General    11. Child care & upbringing    12. Etiquette & entertaining    13. Reference / Etiquette   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Entertaining - Party Planning    4. General    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Management    7. Planning    8. Reference    9. Special events    10. Business & Economics / General    11. Etiquette & entertaining   

Reviews (4)

Good if you're already at advanced-level Spanish proficiency
I find this book really helpful for reviewing conversational idioms and Spanish medical vocabulary, but this book could be risky for beginning-level Spanish speakers. There are so many typos--wrong gender and especially missing accent marks! (ex. cardiaco, nausea--without the accent marks you will be pronouncing these wrong!)--if you don't already have a pretty good grip on Spanish, you could embarrass yourself, or worse, fail to make yourself understood.

Good if you're already at advanced-level Spanish proficiency
I find this book really helpful for reviewing conversational idioms and Spanish medical vocabulary, but this book could be risky for beginning-level Spanish speakers. There are so many typos--wrong gender and especially missing accent marks! (ex. cardiaco, nausea--without the accent marks you will be pronouncing these wrong!)--if you don't already have a pretty good grip on Spanish, you could embarrass yourself, or worse, fail to make yourself understood.

Watch: Lots of typos and mistakes in Spanish!
I bought this book because it is an interesting tool bothRead more

Subjects:  1. Conversation and phrase books    2. Conversation and phrase books (for medical personnel)    3. Dictionaries    4. Dictionaries & Terminology    5. English    6. Medical    7. Medical / Nursing    8. Medicine    9. Nursing - Reference    10. Reference    11. Spanish language    12. Spanish: Adult Nonfiction    13. Medical / Nursing / Reference    14. Medicine: General Issues    15. Nursing    16. Reference works   

Editorial Review

Setting a stunning table need not be confined to special occasions. As renowned author and designer Barbara Milo Ohrbach brilliantly demonstrates, any meal can be made special with the proper visual approach. The ingredients need not be fine china and matching silver; the real key is to develop a creative look for your table. Read more

Reviews (11)

useless
This book has no useful information in it.The pictures are pretty, but I don't spend good money on a book just to look at the pictures.Even the ideas aren't all that creative. If I had cupboards full of antiques and drawers full of beautiful linens, I wouldn't need a book to tell me how to use them. Other, better books show the same techniques and ideas, and show them with materials more easily available to us mere mortals.
No new ideas for a woman of culture
I regret this purchase.As one reviewer said, this is just a coffetable book. It doesnt introduce any new idea to an educated woman. Who cant roll a napkin and tie a ribbon on it ??? It doesnt take a professional caterer to know that !!!Funny, but an out of print 1960's cookbook by Mary and Vincent Price ``A Treasury.....'' showed far more intricate, elegant, and exquisite napkin foldings. The utensils showed in Tabletops are not even for very dining ! Worse, an old item was made to pass off as an antique centerpiece and I am a professional antique collector. I lived in Europe and this book does not deserve space in any European home or library. What I saw here, I see frequently in crafts store windows in small towns.DONT BUY. I got instead ``Perfect Setting'' by Peri Wolfman (?) and finally, I got something intelligent with truly new ideas to captivate an intelligent woman. At best, give this book to a grade school kid.

Use as coffee table book only
The author uses many of her antiques to decorate the table which is nice if you own any yourself. Many ideas were very "english", maybe a little too elegant, not the kind of book for someone looking for different ideas using everyday items or at least items you can find in everyday stores. Nice coffee table book but not easy to recreate her tabletops. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Decorating    4. Entertaining    5. Flower arrangement    6. Pictorial works    7. Table setting and decoration    8. Tablesetting    9. Cooking / Tablesetting    10. Etiquette & entertaining    11. Food & Drink / Cookery    12. Handicrafts   

Subjects:  1. Child Development And Rearing    2. Child rearing    3. Conflict Resolution    4. Ethics & Morals    5. Etiquette    6. Etiquette for children and teenagers    7. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    8. Parenting - General    9. Reference    10. Child care & upbringing    11. Reference / Etiquette   

Reviews (2)

This Book Will Make a Difference in Your Life!
Grab a copy of this book and keep it handy - this book will surely make a difference in your life! Let me share just one example of how it changed my life.Thanks to Robyn Spizman and her most recent book (she's written several)I have re-discovered the joy in taking the what-I have-come-to-dread annual holiday picture.I have three boys and every year it has been a hassle to get them dressed, combed and smiling for that annual picture.What a hassle - and all just so we could have a picture to send out with our holiday cards - ba humbug!But on page 17, Robyn writes about the growing family who each year poses in an ordinary spot, but makes the photo MEMORABLE because each family member holds something unique and special representing that particular time in his or her life.I absolutely love this idea - one of hundreds in Robyn's book.Never again will I dread the photo session.In fact quite the opposite - I'll be so anxious to see what each of my boys and husband brings with them and from now on I'll focus on the greater purpose of this "memorable" exercise!There's so much more useful and practical information in this book - you'll want to get it right away!

A Must-Have!
Robyn Spizman's newest book certainly lives up to its title! With personal entries that will wow everyone you know, Make It Memorable shows us how to leave our friends and families in awe. From birthday party themes to wedding showers, favors and clever gift wrap, Robyn provides countless examples of how to add that little extra touch to make any event more personal. Lasting memories are created by details--witty catch phrases and attention-grabbing invitations that will have guests still talking about your party at the next big gathering. For readers who want to have it all and find themselves pressed for time, Make It Memorable has solutions for quick and easy details and themes that will dazzle the most discerning party guests. In fact, don't even think about giving a party without this book!Get a copy for yourself, and keep an extra on hand so that when your best friend asks where you get all of your wonderful ideas, you can let her in on your little secret! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking / Wine    2. Entertaining - Party Planning    3. Gifts    4. Personal & Practical Guides    5. Planning    6. Reference    7. Special events    8. Etiquette & entertaining    9. Reference / Personal & Practical Guides   

Reviews (12)

A useless piece of merde
Before travelling to France a few years back, I studied Merde! religiously, thinking if I integrated some of its colorful terms into my vocabulary I could be cool and "blend in."However, every time I used a word from this book around real French people, I was met with blank stares.I showed the book to my French-speaking uncle (who lives in Paris), and after reading it through he told me that most of the words in the book are either completely outdated and never used in conversation today, or their "definitions" are just plain wrong.
Solid book
Contains lots of slang and is very thprough. I tend to agree with other reviewers however, this should be treated essentially as a vocab book, since no converstions are really present. If you want to see how slang is used in conversation, perhaps StreetWise French by Ian Pickup and Rod Hares and/ or the Dictionary of Colloquial and Slang Expressions by Struth are better choices. That said this book is fun to read and does provide exercises for you test your knowledge. If you study this book and apply it correctly you wil become la gosse legume avec ton amis francais!

good slang vocabulary book
This book does contain lots and lots of slang words well arranged in categories. Somewhat lacking are examples of how these words are used. This should be treated as a vocabulary book rather than a book to learn to speak and understand slang. It is hard to learn to speak the real french from a book containing list of words. For that, one will have to pick up an audio tape and books containing dialogs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Conversation and phrase books    2. English    3. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    4. French    5. French language    6. General    7. Glossaries, vocabularies, etc    8. Humor    9. Slang    10. Humor / General    11. Humour    12. Reference works   

Reviews (17)

Very Entertaining & Good recipes
I bought this book because my husband invited some work people over for dinner.I didn't realize that this is so entertaining (funny), and the recipes are just so delicious.Needless to say, my husband was very impressed with what I put together that night so we have now invited about 20 people over for Thanksgiving.I use the book all the time, and our children loves the appetizers.I also gave it to my single friend who is now engaged.Highly recommended for people who loves entertaining.

Great Ideas
I enjoyed the way the author added humor to the book. Overall, great book, but the recipes are not really something that can be prepared "Last Minute". Would have like to have seen more recipes that did not require so much prep. But, great tips on invites and decorations.

Pretty cute but needs more...
Although I had read the other reviews before I bought this book (and therefore knew there were no pictures) I was still a little disappointed to see how plain it was.I love the way the author writes and it makes it a much more entertaining read than it may seem to be at first.Directions for a holiday martini which include "shake it like Santa knows you've been bad" had me laughing out loud and picturing how to throw my own holiday bash.I also appreciate the section which tells where you can find many of the items she refers to throughout the book. Overall, the book is a great starting point on how to be prepared for guests at any time...just add your own personal touches and you'll be ready to go! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beauty & Grooming - Fashion    2. Consumer Health    3. Cookery    4. Cooking    5. Entertaining    6. Entertaining - General    7. Home Economics (Specific Aspects)    8. Regional & Ethnic - American - General    9. Tablesetting    10. Cooking / Entertaining    11. Etiquette & entertaining    12. General cookery    13. USA   

Subjects:  1. Asia - China    2. China    3. Etiquette    4. Travel    5. Travel & holiday guides    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Travel Guides    8. Travel / Asia / China   

Reviews (6)

Jumpstart for reconnecting
A great book! Full of inspiring ideas and tips on reconnecting through handwriting. Lots of good habits to teach the next generation, too. If you've ever thought of wanting to express something special to someone else and didn't know how to start or what to say, read this book before you decide to do nothing.

paean to letterwriting, but don't trust the etiquette advice
Average five stars and one star, and you get three stars.If you've heard of delectable cookbooks being referred to as "food porn," you'll understand why I might refer to the first four chapters of The Art of the Handwritten Note as "stationery porn."Shepherd describes beautifully why and how to handwrite a variety of notes and letters.I've written hundreds myself and can vouch for the soundness of her advice.And I love reading different authors on the beauties of pens and papers, as I am one of those addicts. I loved this book!
I really enjoyed this book & it has been helpful in starting me to write NOTES.I guess I thought that you had to fill up a whole page with "something".It is a lot easier to write a short amount on some nice note paper. Not as frightening as a full size sheet of paper.Read more

Subjects:  1. Etiquette    2. Letter writing    3. Penmanship    4. Reference    5. Social aspects    6. Writing Skills    7. Written communication    8. Reference / Etiquette   

Subjects:  1. Conversation and phrase books    2. Conversation and phrase books (for medical personnel)    3. Dictionaries & Terminology    4. Medical / Nursing    5. Medicine    6. Reference    7. Spanish    8. Spanish language    9. Terminology    10. phrases   

Reviews (1)

Just what I needed
I found this book excellent and just what I needed for use in a big children's hospital and for an upcoming mission trip to Latin America.Good price and delivered quickly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Conversation and phrase books    2. Conversation and phrase books (for medical personnel)    3. English    4. Medical    5. Medical / Nursing    6. Medicine    7. Phrases    8. Reference    9. Spanish    10. Spanish language    11. Medical / Reference    12. Nursing   

Reviews (4)

An Incredibly Helpful Book!
I've now read this book front to back twice and I have found it to be so incredibly helpful as I prepare for my move to the UK in July.I would highly recommend this book to anyone moving from the US to the UK, or the UK to the US...or just anyone interested in British culture, as it is highly entertaining as well as informative.

this is a HOOT
Very funny, easy pick up and put down...and then pick up again. I read parts aloud to my ten year old and she laughed too. Good variety of topics and the website additions helpful.I liked best when she wrote about her American born husband and her children's reactions.The potty talk section really got me laughing.

Toni Hargis for Ambassador!
Whilst scanning my local bookstore's shelves for a quick read I came across "Rules, Britannia" by Toni Summers Hargis. After finishing it (in one sitting) I know not to say "it was 'quite' good", for that would indicate something less than extreme pleasure on my part. "Rules, Britannia" is VERY good, informative and funny and while our language differences deserve credit for the book's inspiration the author has earned all of the rest.
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Subjects:  1. Essays & Travelogues    2. Etiquette    3. General    4. Great Britain    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Life skills    7. Life skills guides    8. Travel    9. Travel - General    10. Visitors, Foreign    11. Living & working abroad    12. United Kingdom, Great Britain   

Reviews (14)

Inspiring yet practical
If you need help and inspiration in planning your wedding there's no better guide than Maria McBride Mellinger. Of all Maria's books, The Perfect Wedding is still the one to buy for everything you need to know to plan and bring off a wonderful day.Don't bother with anything else. The Perfect Wedding Reception (also by Maria) is good but too much of it is already covered better and in more depth in The Perfect Wedding. I used several books to plan my own wedding (and my sister's) and kept coming back to this one for Maria's inspiring yet practical ideas.I especially love her bouquet ideas.

Truly Enjoyable Book
A good "getting started" book for those who just got engaged.Creative ideas for modern weddings - table settings, room decorations, floral arrangements, wedding favors, and more.Exquisite still photography helps to inspire --- And, if you liked any of the ideas in the book, she has a good-sized Resources section at the back of the book. There, you can find the necessary contacts in order to replicate some of the ideas for your own wedding.

Classy
Very classy & sophisticated decoration ideas for those who have money to spend; however, ideas can be adapted to your style and budget; sharp still photography; useful book that walks you through the finer points of planning a wedding - from theengagement all the way to the wedding favors. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Planning    4. Reference    5. United States    6. Weddings    7. Reference / General   

Reviews (5)

You said it!
I wish I could drop millions of copies of this book from the sky.It should be required reading by every human being.Has the author been on Oprah?Larry King?Good Morning America?Today?Rosie?How about a PBS special?If so, I'm sorry I missed those segments.If not, then where's his publicist?Can we get rid of Dr. Laura and replace her with Donald McCullough? I wish everyone would read this book
This is an excellent book.The author writes about how society has lost its basic manners, and how important it is that we get those back.He includes a lot of personal stories to use as good examples, and in each chapter, he talks about the way he thinks people should act in different situations.This is not an etiquette book, and Donald McCullough makes that clear.He admits that he would probably never know which fork to use at a fancy dinner party.Rather, this is a book on how we should all show proper respect for one another.He makes some great points, and at other times, will have you laughing out loud at his stories.It's very heartwarming, and I wish every human being would read this!

say please, say thank you
Short and sweet. For anyone who loves to get a hand-written thank you note, a birthday card in the mail, or the perfect gift just because-this book is for you. Donald McCullough first is a magical writter, and second a wise and kind teacher.Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Etiquette    3. Manners And Customs    4. Reference    5. Respect for persons    6. Social Science    7. Sociology   

Reviews (2)

Politeness as the basis for social order
Stemming from a sociological view of language in use, this book shows that politeness strategies are the basis for social order. The authors advocate as well that politeness fuels the interactions any rational individual in all societies performs while using language to communicate and share experiences with each other. Any individual holds a specific face, that is, if the face is positive, the individual allows for a more "softly" interaction. By contrast, if the individual's face is negative, a more formal way of using language is required, in order to minimise any imposition upon the listener. So the authors demonstrate that politeness is far more than a guide to the rules of diplomatic etiquette. The book is, in fact, an invaluable source for lay people as well as linguists who seek to understand politeness as a realisation of power and agreement through language in use.

Politely Speaking
Brown and Levinson's classic treatment of linguistic politeness is quite possibly the most widely cited work on the subject. Their theory of politeness is based on the notion of "face," that is, the twin desires to be unimpeded and approved, and takes politeness to be speech that addresses one or both of these "face needs." Read more

Subjects:  1. Conversation    2. Etiquette    3. Language    4. Language Arts & Disciplines    5. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    6. Linguistics    7. Pragmatics    8. Sociolinguistics    9. Speech acts (Linguistics)    10. Language Arts & Disciplines / Linguistics   

Reviews (1)

another essential tome
Once again John Bridges and Bryan Curtis present essential information in both a very useful and charming manner.
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Subjects:  1. Etiquette    2. Etiquette for men    3. Reference    4. Table etiquette    5. Reference / Etiquette   

Reviews (26)

Helpful but feeds the beasts
The bridesmaid's only real duty is to stand up for her friend who is getting married. NO ONE is "obligated" to hold a shower, since these are a gift to a bride, not something she is entitled to have and absolutely must get.
first time bridesmaid = needs this book
I have never been a bridesmaid before so this book was perfect for me!It was very helpful with timelines, budgetting, and what to expect.Not to mention, it was a great easy read. I sat down and read it all in one go. It gave me more confidence in what I am supposed to do to get ready for my best friends wedding.It was definitely worth it.

The Perfect Wedding Gift
My wife gave this book to each of her bridesmaids prior to the wedding (the best day of my life), and they all had a blast utilizing the excellent tips and cute facts.Its a fun, informative well designed book. My wife said it was great for bonding between her bridesmaids, made the whole wedding a lot more enjoyable. I say buy it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Love / Sex / Marriage    2. Bridemaids    3. Reference / Weddings    4. Reference    5. Wedding etiquette    6. Weddings