A recent summer soiree (that’s French) in one of my favorite countries left me longing for more. More art, more pastry, more sights, smells, and sounds that scream – in an elegant, understated, completely French sort of way – you are in a tres bien place. Oh, France, j’adore you. After making a life out of […]
Conversation
First Comes Love, Then Comes Small Talk | Debra Fine’s Wedding Series: Part 1
You’d think that with all the books, sites, blogs, magazines, reality shows, and even Barbie dolls dedicated to weddings, wedding small talk would have been – well – talked about. Nope. I know that the dress, the flowers, the cake, the catering, the champagne, the band, and the honeymoon is what makes the wedding world turn, […]
I Never Forget A Face…Just Your Name!
I imagine that most of us have worn our fair share of those stick-on name badges found at every convention, trade show, and special event. I can’t – and won’t – begin to count how many have graced my lapels over the years. It wasn’t until the The Wall Street Journal ran a […]
Debra Fine Small Talks With The Capital Grille
I find the articles by Meta Wagner for The Capital Grille delicious – for lack of a better word. Is there a better word than delicious? Probably not. Either way, The Capital Grille was savvy enough to put together a series of articles that centers around dining; without limiting the discussion to only food and […]
And Here’s To You, Mrs. Robinson…What to Say (And Not Say) to the Graduate
“Your families are extremely proud of you. You can’t imagine the sense of relief they are experiencing. This would be a most opportune time to ask for money.” ~Gary Bolding ‘Tis the season of graduation parties. And what a season it is. Graduation parties are a perfect time for food, drink, singing, dancing, and lots […]
How to Find A Small Talk Escape Route
National Etiquette Week is almost over! Pretty soon we can go back to our regularly scheduled rude, offensive behavior. I am kidding – of course. I believe that the bulk of the world has the best intentions when it comes to being polite. But even the best intentions get off course now and again. […]
