(ARA) - Do you think you have a good grasp of modern manners and etiquette? A recent survey begs to differ. Results from the fourth annual Lenox Gift-Giving and Etiquette Survey show that more than one-third of the respondents rate the manners of Americans in general as poor; yet 80 percent of respondents rate their own manners as excellent.

However, the survey uncovered a lack of basic etiquette knowledge. For example, 45 percent of those surveyed don’t always send a thank you note after receiving a gift; less than one-third of respondents always bring a gift for the host or hostess when visiting someone’s home; and 40 percent of respondents don’t always send wedding gifts when they cannot attend.

“Good manners and proper etiquette are at the very core of how we communicate with one another,” says Denise Dinyon, Lenox gift-giving and etiquette expert. “We need to develop and reinforce those essential courtesies that make our relationships strong, valuable and long-lasting.” She offers the following etiquette tips, which are easy to incorporate into everyday life:

1. Turn the cell phone off -- completely -- during a luncheon meeting, social function, or on public transportation.

2. Hold the door -- whether male or female, hold open a door you have just passed through for the person behind you.

3. Bring a gift for the hostess -- preferably one that doesn’t require her to drop everything she is doing.

4. Keep to the right -- on the sidewalk, in stairwells.

5. Say please and thank you -- to waiters, flight attendants, store clerks, cab drivers -- the little things go a long way.

6. Circulate at a party or social gathering -- whether hostess or guest, the people, not the food or drink, should be your main focus.

7. Keep food or drink, briefcases or files in your left hand -- keep your right hand free for handshakes.

8. Stamp and address thank you notes in advance -- when you know they will be needed, then fill them out and drop them in the mail after attending an event or receiving a gift or favor and you’ll be done.

9. Make eye contact and offer a warm smile -- in every situation, this sets people at ease.

10. Be perceptive -- survey a situation and always use your best judgment.

“Now, more than ever, people need to live graciously,” says Dinyon. “Having good manners is always in style.”

For more information, tips, and gift ideas, visit www.lenox.com or call (800) 63-LENOX.

Courtesy of ARA Content


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Courtesy of ARA Content