Summer edition, Etiquette Magazine

Summer Centerpieces

Best

IN THIS ISSUE

Letter from the Editor

Pet Etiquette

Etiquette Q & A

Kids Etiquette

Legendary Recipe

Gluten-Free Recipes-Shepherd’s

Pie

Summer Centerpieces

From the Editor

Happy Summer! I am so glad you are back! This is our second edition of Etiquette Magazine. The response to our first Etiquette-Home & Lifestyle Magazine volume was overwhelming and far beyond what we could have imagined. We had over 2000 clicks with hundreds of readers. It was a joy to know we were providing a beautiful publication and one that offered great advice, too. Again, if you enjoy all things etiquette, home, and lifestyle, then you’ve come to the right place. This newest issue is jam-packed with great information, with our feature article on pet etiquette and our K-9 friends and a summer centerpiece segment. In every issue, we have an etiquette Q&A, a legendary recipe. and a gluten-free recipe section, too! A ‘Kids Korner’ section will also be a regular part of this publication. So, welcome back again from all of us at Etiquette Magazine!

With etiquette enthusiasm, and much gratitude,

Susan

Susan Vernick, founding editor

The Ten Commandements of Pet Etiquette

Summer is here, and the dark days of winter will soon turn into the dog days of summer. Most of us will enjoy the outdoors more: at the park, walking in our neighborhoods, and enjoying the outdoors with our ever-loyal K-9 pet. Although we briefly touched on a few indoor petiquette points in our January column, we thought this would be a great time to introduce outdoor petiquette to avoid a pet faux pas or should we say, a faux paw!

 Obedient Class. Teach your pup manners through a good-quality obedience class. This will make life much easier as you venture outdoors or welcome guests into your home. Basic commands not only cause your friends and family to “ooo and aww,” but more than that, they keep your furry friend safe and away from potential harm with commands like “stay,” “come,” and “sit.” It will also allow for socializing skills to be formed that will help Fido get along with other K-9 kiddos!

 “Scoop the Poop.” When I walk my Scottish terrier, Lucy, sometimes there is doggie doo-doo that a pet owner neglected to pick up. May I say, always, and without exception, pick up after your pup…scoop the poop!

 Barking. To allow us all to keep our sanity, please properly handle incessant barking. Aside from Chinese drip torture, this may be one that could break almost anyone!

 Jumping. Help your overly excited canine friend learn to be happy-go-lucky without jumping on your house guests and friends. The best way to achieve this is not to allow them to jump on you, their owner.

 Postal worker, Delivery Staff, Repairmen/women. Realize that allowing your dog to rush at these individuals is both dangerous and shows poor pooch pet etiquette.

 Or you risk being struck dead by lightning. Okay, maybe I am exaggerating. But, this is a very serious issue; many dog vaccinations not just keep your dog safe but those humans around them.

 Aggressive dogs need to be properly identified and handled. Please keep Cujo, umm, I mean Fido, properly contained, and especially away from children and the elderly.

 Know the color-coding of ribbons on collars and/or dog collars. Even though everyone may not yet be familiar with these, They are:

 Red: Caution-I need space

 Yellow: I like people, not dogs

 Green: Friendly-I like meeting new friends

 Ask before you touch. Kindly ask, “Is your dog friendly, and is it okay to pet your dog?” That keeps all involved safe and at ease.

 Keep on a Leash. Last but never least, keep your dog on a leash where it is designated. Yes, our pups love to run free, and there are areas for that. But, having an unleashed dog approaches a leashed dog and its owner is always somewhat alarming. Please abide by this rule at our parks and other public places. This really is the “golden rule” of pet ownership.

As the birds begin chirping and tulips begin sprouting, may we enjoy every glorious walk and moment with our furry family members. They truly make learning and following pet etiquette an honor and a privilege.

“Thou shall have your pup properly vaccinated at all times.”

Amy Vanderbilt’s Sour Cream Muffins

From Amy Vanderbilt's "Complete Cookbook.” Published in 1961

Ingredients:

•13/4 cups sifted

all-purpose flour

•2 teaspoons baking powder

•1/4 teaspoon salt

•3 tablespoons white granulated sugar

•1/2 teaspoon baking soda

•1 large egg

•1+1/2 cups sour cream

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin. Sift dry ingredients together into a separate bowl.

Beat the egg until foamy; add the sour cream and mix well.

Slow the mixer down to low and add the combined dry ingredients until just mixed.

Spoon the mixture into the wells of the greased muffin pan.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean.

Remove from oven and transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool.

Yield- 12 muffins.

EtiQuette Q & A

Questions for our next publication?

Email: etiquettechics@gmail.com

Question: I received a graduation announcement recently? What is the gift giving etiquette?

Answer: Graduation announcements are sent to those closest to the graduate and the graduate’s family. Contrary to some schools of thought, you should not feel obligated to send a gift. Certainly, do so if you can, and it feels right for you, but a beautiful graduation card with a handwritten congratulatory note is absolutely acceptable.

Question: Is there a correct way to attach a boutonniere to a lapel?

Answer: Absolutely! The boutinere should be placed on the left side. If you are the one pinning on the boutonniere, it is placed to the right of the tie as you face the lapel area. It is typically placed lower than the tie (knot) and above a pocket square.

Basic Foundational Etiquette Tips for Children

KIDS KORNER

Instruct your children how to have a simple conversation by simply replying to “how are you?”

Modeling mealtime etiquette is also effective during breakfast or lunch (on non-school days.) There is less food preparation and pressure.

Answer with, “I am well.” Not forgetting to ask them, “How are you ?”

Include in hightraffic locations a basic place setting image.

(Refrigerator etc.) It build muscle memory!

No electronics at the dinner table or at a restaurant.

Gluten-Free Shepherds Pie

by Susan Vernick

Directions

Brown ground beef with onion, S&P and onion powder, and garlic powder

Add corn, peas, and carrots and cook through.

Make gravy according to package and then add to beef mixture.

Ingredients

I lb. ground beef

½ onion diced

Dash or two (depending on taste) of onion powder and garlic powder

Salt & Pepper (liberally)

2 cups corn (we freeze corn from the summer)

2 cups frozen peas

1 cup shredded carrots

Envelope of gluten-free brown gravy

Mashed potatoes (see below in directions) 2 cups

Cheddar or taco cheeses (1-2 cups)

I already had leftover mashed potatoes, but either make mashed potatoes (probably six large potatoes or use a box and make them according to the directions. Put the beef mixture in a casserole dish, top with masked potatoes, spreading evenly, and then sprinkle with cheese if desired.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, brown top in the broiler for two minutes of desired.

Summer Table

Centerpieces and Arrangements

Nothing quite adds to the awe factor than an amazing floral centerpiece. It could be faux or real flowers, fruits, greenery, and more, but it adds an amazing addition to any table and home. Centerpieces can also be beautiful additions to kitchen countertops and islands. This leads me to the first very important point:

1) Let the area or table be completely clutterfree. Our eyes naturally go to things that seem to “not belong” or those that are “out of place.” So clear off the clutter and let the creativity begin!

2) Going “big” is a great way to decorate when you have a large surface, area, or table. Going smaller is ideal if you have a well-lit corner or small space.

3) Choose high-quality faux flowers. Hobby Lobby has a spectacular selection. They last almost forever, too! A great investment.

4) Choose unique, quality, or antique vases or containers. Not skimping on this step is a big part of the awe factor!

5) Choose seasonal stems, real or faux makes the most sense for your centerpieces or decorative pieces. Or, simply choose what you love right now at that moment.

6) Get inspiration online. Find what you love and simply duplicate it with a photo in hand and a list. It is way simpler than you think!

Enjoy creating, and Happy Summer!

Tea Etiquette

Seven Must-Know Tips

1) Pinkies always stay “in,” not pointing outward.

2) High Tea is an early dinner (possibly a meat component) served around 5 PM.

3) Low Tea (afternoon tea or just “tea”) is served between 3-5 PM with sandwiches, scones, and dessert.

4) Saucers stay on the table unless you are standing or sitting with no table in front of you.

5) Do not wrap your hands around the cup but pinch the loop with your index finger and thumb. Your middle finger goes along the bottom of the cup to offer support.

6) Stir in a 12 and 6 o’clock pattern, not swirling the tea.

7) Enjoy!

“

Friends and good manners will carry you where money won’t go.”

-Margaret Walker