When I don't know what I want to drink, or what to serve friends, I default to a Negroni.

A classic cocktail with three ingredients, this drink doesn't require a minor in mixology or complicated bar equipment (you don't even need a shaker) -- and yet it is a damn...

How could adding boiling water to leaves get so complicated? Pinkies up or down? Conventions abound when it comes to tea service, but it need not be fussy. In fact, some of the traditions actually have interesting roots.

High or low
When we venture out for high tea, it's...

When I read Nick Bilton's piece Disruptions: Digital Era Redefining Etiquette, from my smart phone, in between replying to texts, I felt sad. A little sad for Nick's friends who are now probably terrified to ever call him to catch up (gasp, such precious time wasted) but also...

Emily Post had it right. Back in the '20s, she bestowed some solid advice to starry-eyed lovers that is still perfectly relevant today. If you can look past the dated sexist notions of what is appropriate for women versus men, the points she makes hold true.

In...

Emails are to the art of letter writing what instant coffee is to a meticulously crafted espresso. Though inarguably efficient and convenient, and sure to do in a pinch, it just lacks finesse. I know, I know, email is so much more convenient than sitting down to write a note...

January is the perfect month to re-calibrate and set intentions for the year ahead. Of course, some help from an internationally renowned Buddhist teacher certainly can't hurt.

U.K.-based Buddhist teacher Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong will give a free talk in Toronto on Wednesday, January 30 on Meditation & Modern Buddhism. The...

A daunting shopping list, annoying music at full volume, crowds of people walking with their heads down texting...welcome to the fresh hell that is holiday shopping.

The stress of shopping can make even the most festive, patient person want to start throwing elbows, but some of the trauma can be...

A bit of planning leading up to a holiday party is the key to quelling any hosting anxieties. (An extra shot of rum in the eggnog can't hurt, either.) If a failure to plan is a plan to fail, here are some mini deadlines from...

Temperatures have plummeted. Clocks are set back. Any day now, your inbox will be inundated with an influx of holiday invitations. One invite will likely be tied to celebrating the season with your colleagues. Here are five sure-fire ways to flop at the office holiday party -- so, don't.

BLOG...

A friend of mine, Max Valiquette, introduced me to the term "topless meetings." Before you forward this to your HR manager, the expression refers to a tabletop staying free of devices during meetings. No laptops. No iPhones. No iPads. No Blackberries. Nothing that requires a charge.

The...

At some point, I don't know when, I started to plan a bit too much for hosting company. Perhaps I got so caught up that I became fussed, sucking the spontaneity out of what should be fun.

The realization came to me when I was outside on my patio...

There's no more avoiding the obvious: the last weekend of summer is looming. Hopefully the past few months held long, languorous days devoted to soaking up the sun in good company. If a trip away for Labour Day weekend is in the cards, bringing along something nice for your host...

Question: Is it ever ok to tuck your napkin into the front of your shirt?

I love talking contemporary etiquette, but I get equally as excited (yes, I said it: excited) about the perennial, classic content. I happily perused my collection of vintage books (and their modern incarnations like this...

For some time, I have been wallowing in the awkwardness of a moment. It took a little while to wrap my head around what happened, and reflect on the situation.

I kissed the world's worst kisser.

It happened the old-fashioned romantic way (leaving a bar) and the anticipation was fantastic,...

Another glorious summer long weekend has passed, perhaps you were lucky enough to jet someplace fabulous, or pile into the car for a road trip. There is nothing quite like travelling to cement a relationship. The gloves come off, so to speak. When cramped quarters, jet lag or language barriers...

Federal Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Jason Kenney, accidentally hit "reply all" on a heated e-mail, wherein he called Alberta's deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk a "complete and utter asshole."

His experience, though a disappointing one, serves as a stern reminder to keep our e-mail etiquette in check.

You need not be a mixologist or have a fully stocked bar to serve up something fabulous for your guests.

• Pretty up your bubbly. There is something undeniably convivial and festive about popping open a bottle of bubbly. Prosecco is my go-to to stockpile year round and serve. For summer,...

Traditional etiquette suggests, never demands, that certain life occasions call for gifts. Presents, of course are never mandatory, but let's be real: attending a birthday party, wedding or shower typically means bringing a gift.

Modern twists continue to shape protocol (diamond solitaire engagement rings are a relatively new phenomena, for...

It seems naturally easier to look and dress more professionally in the fall and winter, when conditions beckon us to cover up in layers of wool and knits. While my heart aches for the gentlemen I pass on my morning commute, braving scorching hot days in dark suits (while making...

Spring fever is in full swing and many commuters are trading up a stuffy ride on the subway in favour of some fresh air on a bike. The rules of the road, whether for safety or for keeping the peace, apply to everyone, regardless of how many wheels they ride...