Manners and Other Matters

Louise Percy

Do you find modern social and business etiquette dilemmas challenging, would you like to live your life with an elegant style, communicating confidently and entertaining with flair?   Please join me, Louise Percy, every two weeks, as I discuss these topics, answer your questions and chat with fellow experts about the arts, fashion, jewellery, home décor, entertaining, travel and more.   Regarded as an expert in my field for 32 years, I aim to inspire you in every episode to embrace etiquette and elegance as a positive personality choice. Offering real life examples, questions and opinions, you won’t want to miss an episode!

  1. 1d ago

    73. Modern Funeral Etiquette, Honouring a Life with Grace and Elegance

    Send us Fan Mail Death is one of life's few certainties, yet many of us feel uncertain about what is expected when someone dies. Should you attend the funeral? What should you wear? Is a text message enough, or should you send a handwritten condolence card? And what exactly is the difference between a traditional funeral and a celebration of life? In this episode Louise explores the etiquette surrounding funerals and memorial services in today's world. From dress codes and condolence messages to social media announcements, wakes and supporting grieving families, Louise offers thoughtful guidance to help you approach these difficult moments with confidence, compassion and grace. Whether you are attending a funeral, supporting a friend through loss, or simply wish to better understand modern funeral etiquette, this episode provides practical advice for one of life's most important occasions. Good manners matter most when kindness is needed most. SHOW NOTES: https://thepercyinstitute.com/episode-73-modern-funeral-etiquette-honouring-a-life-with-grace-and-elegance/ I'd love to hear from you. Please leave your comments, or ask me any questions here: https://thepercyinstitute.com/contact/ Join Louise in the pursuit of a more elegant life, and be sure to visit  her website thepercyinstitute.com for more ideas and inspiration. Follow @thepercyinstitute on Instagram and Facebook, and join the Facebook Group, The Elegance Club for exclusive offers and insights. Resources and links: THE ART OF AN ELEGANT LIFE MASTERCLASS: https://thepercyinstitute.com/the-art-of-an-elegant-lifestyle/Complimentary Guide to Successful Networking: https://subscribepage.io/shinelikeadiamondThe Percy Institute website: https://thepercyinstitute.com/The Elegance Club Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepercyinstituteThe Percy Institute Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepercyinstitut...

  2. Jul 8

    72. Decoding Dress Codes with Confidence

    Send us Fan Mail Have you ever opened a beautiful invitation and felt that little flutter of anxiety at the words printed at the bottom? "Cocktail attire." "Smart casual." "Resort elegant." If so, this episode of Manners and Other Matters is made entirely for you. In this episode, etiquette and protocol expert, Louise Percy, decodes the full spectrum of dress codes you are most likely to encounter, from the formal grandeur of White Tie and Black Tie through to the deceptively tricky territory of Smart Casual and Business Casual. Louise also explores the creative descriptions that appear with such regularity on modern invitations, including Garden Party Attire, Resort Elegant and Festive, and shares warm, practical guidance on how to dress with genuine sensitivity and respect for multicultural occasions and cultural celebrations. Also covered: the etiquette of asking your host for guidance without appearing helpless, the truth about overdressed versus underdressed and why elegance is almost always the safer choice, and how to build a considered capsule wardrobe that ensures you are beautifully prepared for every occasion, without the last-minute panic. Because dressing well is not, at its heart, about fashion. It is about consideration, confidence, and the very great pleasure of getting it beautifully right. Topics include: Black Tie etiquette, cocktail attire, smart casual, dress codes for multicultural occasions, capsule wardrobe for every occasion, and the etiquette of dressing with intention. SHOW NOTES: https://thepercyinstitute.com/episode-72-decoding-dress-codes-with-confidence/ I'd love to hear from you. Please leave your comments, or ask me any questions here: https://thepercyinstitute.com/contact/ Join Louise in the pursuit of a more elegant life, and be sure to visit  her website thepercyinstitute.com for more ideas and inspiration. Follow @thepercyinstitute on Instagram and Facebook, and join the Facebook Group, The Elegance Club for exclusive offers and insights. Resources and links: THE ART OF AN ELEGANT LIFE MASTERCLASS: https://thepercyinstitute.com/the-art-of-an-elegant-lifestyle/Complimentary Guide to Successful Networking: https://subscribepage.io/shinelikeadiamondThe Percy Institute website: https://thepercyinstitute.com/The Elegance Club Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepercyinstituteThe Percy Institute Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepercyinstitut...

  3. Jun 24

    71. Little Habits That Create an Elegant Life

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Manners and Other Matters, Louise Percy explores the true meaning of elegance and why it has little to do with designer labels, glamorous lifestyles or outward appearances. Drawing on decades of teaching etiquette and personal development through The Art of an Elegant Life Masterclass, Louise shares how elegance begins with self-respect, kindness and the small rituals that bring beauty and calm to everyday life. From morning routines and mindful transitions to evening reflections and the importance of dining well, this episode is an invitation to slow down, embrace simplicity and discover the elegance that already exists within each of us. Because true elegance isn't something we acquire. It is something we quietly live. Show notes: https://thepercyinstitute.com/little-habits-that-create-an-elegant-life/ I'd love to hear from you. Please leave your comments, or ask me any questions here: https://thepercyinstitute.com/contact/ Join Louise in the pursuit of a more elegant life, and be sure to visit  her website thepercyinstitute.com for more ideas and inspiration. Follow @thepercyinstitute on Instagram and Facebook, and join the Facebook Group, The Elegance Club for exclusive offers and insights. Resources and links: THE ART OF AN ELEGANT LIFE MASTERCLASS: https://thepercyinstitute.com/the-art-of-an-elegant-lifestyle/Complimentary Guide to Successful Networking: https://subscribepage.io/shinelikeadiamondThe Percy Institute website: https://thepercyinstitute.com/The Elegance Club Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepercyinstituteThe Percy Institute Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepercyinstitut...

  4. May 27

    69. Ink Over Emoji… The Timeless Elegance of Handwritten Letters, Thank You Notes and Gracious Correspondence

    Send us Fan Mail In an age of instant messages and digital noise, the handwritten note has quietly become one of the most powerful and elegant gestures we can offer one another. In this episode of Manners and Other Matters, Louise Percy explores the timeless art of handwritten correspondence, and why it matters more than ever. Louise shares the occasions that always call for pen and paper, the four essential elements of a perfectly written thank you note, how to navigate the deeply personal challenge of writing a sympathy card, and what your choice of stationery quietly communicates about you. She also offers practical, inspiring ideas for reviving the art of letter writing with the children and grandchildren in your life, from the thank you note ritual to the joy of pen pals, and the gift of a beautifully curated writing set. Whether you are a devoted letter writer, or someone who has simply never quite known what to write, this episode will leave you reaching for your finest notecard and your favourite pen. Topics include handwritten thank you notes, sympathy card wording, choosing quality stationery, letter writing with children, and the elegant etiquette of gracious written correspondence. SHOW NOTES: https://thepercyinstitute.com/episode-69-ink-over-emoji-the-timeless-elegance-of-handwritten-letters-thank-you-notes-and-gracious-correspondence/ I'd love to hear from you. Please leave your comments, or ask me any questions here: https://thepercyinstitute.com/contact/ Join Louise in the pursuit of a more elegant life, and be sure to visit  her website thepercyinstitute.com for more ideas and inspiration. Follow @thepercyinstitute on Instagram and Facebook, and join the Facebook Group, The Elegance Club for exclusive offers and insights. Resources and links: THE ART OF AN ELEGANT LIFE MASTERCLASS: https://thepercyinstitute.com/the-art-of-an-elegant-lifestyle/Complimentary Guide to Successful Networking: https://subscribepage.io/shinelikeadiamondThe Percy Institute website: https://thepercyinstitute.com/The Elegance Club Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepercyinstituteThe Percy Institute Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepercyinstitut...

  5. May 13

    68. Ask Louise… The Elegance of Everyday Living

    Send us Fan Mail What does elegance really look like in everyday life? In this episode Louise answers listener questions about the quiet yet powerful habits that shape grace, confidence and modern elegance. From saying no without guilt, to receiving compliments gracefully, cultivating personal rituals, expressing gratitude, and strengthening presence through non-verbal communication, this episode explores how everyday elegance is often found in the smallest gestures. Louise shares practical reflections and refined guidance for those who want to live with greater intention, composure and warmth. Because elegance is not reserved for grand occasions, it is practised in everyday moments. If you would like information on the upcoming Etiquette and Elegant Lifestyle Classes and Masterclasses please visit The Percy Institute website  Show notes: https://thepercyinstitute.com/68-ask-louise-the-elegance-of-everyday-living/ I'd love to hear from you. Please leave your comments, or ask me any questions here: https://thepercyinstitute.com/contact/ Join Louise in the pursuit of a more elegant life, and be sure to visit  her website thepercyinstitute.com for more ideas and inspiration. Follow @thepercyinstitute on Instagram and Facebook, and join the Facebook Group, The Elegance Club for exclusive offers and insights. Resources and links: THE ART OF AN ELEGANT LIFE MASTERCLASS: https://thepercyinstitute.com/the-art-of-an-elegant-lifestyle/Complimentary Guide to Successful Networking: https://subscribepage.io/shinelikeadiamondThe Percy Institute website: https://thepercyinstitute.com/The Elegance Club Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepercyinstituteThe Percy Institute Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepercyinstitut...

  6. Apr 29

    67. Home Away from Home. The Art of Homestay Etiquette

    Send us Fan Mail Homestays, such as Airbnb have transformed the way we travel, offering comfort, character, and a sense of living like a local. And with this opportunity comes a quiet responsibility, which sits somewhere between being a guest in a private home and a customer in a commercial space. In this episode of Manners and Other Matters, Louise explores the etiquette of Airbnb living, from both the guest and host perspective. With practical insights and elegant reminders, she shares how small, thoughtful behaviours can elevate the entire experience. From reading house rules and respecting community spaces, to communication, check out courtesy, and leaving meaningful reviews, this episode is your modern guide to travelling with grace. Whether you are hosting or staying, this conversation will leave you better prepared, and more mindful, for your next homestay experience. SHOW NOTES: https://thepercyinstitute.com/episode-67-home-away-from-home-the-art-of-homestay-etiquette/ I'd love to hear from you. Please leave your comments, or ask me any questions here: https://thepercyinstitute.com/contact/ Join Louise in the pursuit of a more elegant life, and be sure to visit  her website thepercyinstitute.com for more ideas and inspiration. Follow @thepercyinstitute on Instagram and Facebook, and join the Facebook Group, The Elegance Club for exclusive offers and insights. Resources and links: THE ART OF AN ELEGANT LIFE MASTERCLASS: https://thepercyinstitute.com/the-art-of-an-elegant-lifestyle/Complimentary Guide to Successful Networking: https://subscribepage.io/shinelikeadiamondThe Percy Institute website: https://thepercyinstitute.com/The Elegance Club Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepercyinstituteThe Percy Institute Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepercyinstitut...

  7. Apr 15

    66. Through Their Eyes, Children on Modern Manners

    Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt and refreshingly honest episode of Manners and Other Matters, Louise is joined by two very special guests, her grandchildren, aged 10 and 12. Together, they explore what modern manners look like through the eyes of children. From everyday kindness at school to digital etiquette, and from saying “please” and “thank you” to how adults should treat children, this conversation offers surprising insight, gentle humour, and meaningful reflection. What unfolds is a powerful reminder that manners are not simply taught, they are observed, experienced, and shared. This episode is a must listen for parents, grandparents, and anyone guiding the next generation, offering a thoughtful perspective on raising confident, kind, and socially aware children. SHOW NOTES: https://thepercyinstitute.com/episode-66-through-their-eyes-children-on-modern-manners/ I'd love to hear from you. Please leave your comments, or ask me any questions here: https://thepercyinstitute.com/contact/ Join Louise in the pursuit of a more elegant life, and be sure to visit  her website thepercyinstitute.com for more ideas and inspiration. Follow @thepercyinstitute on Instagram and Facebook, and join the Facebook Group, The Elegance Club for exclusive offers and insights. Resources and links: THE ART OF AN ELEGANT LIFE MASTERCLASS: https://thepercyinstitute.com/the-art-of-an-elegant-lifestyle/Complimentary Guide to Successful Networking: https://subscribepage.io/shinelikeadiamondThe Percy Institute website: https://thepercyinstitute.com/The Elegance Club Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepercyinstituteThe Percy Institute Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepercyinstitut...

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5
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4 Ratings

About

Do you find modern social and business etiquette dilemmas challenging, would you like to live your life with an elegant style, communicating confidently and entertaining with flair?   Please join me, Louise Percy, every two weeks, as I discuss these topics, answer your questions and chat with fellow experts about the arts, fashion, jewellery, home décor, entertaining, travel and more.   Regarded as an expert in my field for 32 years, I aim to inspire you in every episode to embrace etiquette and elegance as a positive personality choice. Offering real life examples, questions and opinions, you won’t want to miss an episode!

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