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There has never been more noise in a child’s world. Faster conversations. Shorter attention spans. Fewer shared tables. More digital interaction. And yet, the skills that quietly determine success remain unchanged: how a child greets someone, how they listen, how they speak with clarity, how they make others feel in a room. In 2026, etiquette school is no longer a charming extra. It is a strategic advantage. At Avignon Etiquette, we see it clearly. Children who are taught soc

As winter settles in and the pace of life quietly shifts, this season offers a natural invitation to return to what feels steady and grounding. In this issue, we explore the enduring powe r of presence, at th e table, at work, and at home, through reflections on raising polite children in a screen-filled world, the role of etiquette as a strategic advantage in the age of AI, and the quiet confidence that timeless habits bring to modern life. You’ll also find a look ahead at

As I finished my lunch and folded my napkin away, I paused to take in my surroundings at one of Toronto’s most popular corporate lunch hubs (Commerce Court) and made a striking observation. Suits. Tailored outfits. Polished shoes. A food court at full capacity, filled with professionals, some who may hold senior roles, influence decisions, and represent powerful brands.  And yet, not a single napkin on a single lap. In fact, I made a point of walking around and discreetly tak

In 2026, the wealth advisory landscape will not simply reward technical expertise—it will demand impeccable human skills. High-net-worth (HNW) clients expect more than investment acumen; they expect trusted partnership, discernment, cultural fluency, and a refined client experience from the professionals who manage their wealth. Amid rapid shifts in global markets, increasing competition among boutique advisory firms, and the rise of ultra-personalized service models, one di

Remember when you were young and told not to talk to strangers? Well, now I want to convince you to do otherwise as a “make it or break...

As the air turns crisp and the colours deepen, this season invites us to slow down and reconnect—around dinner tables, in boardrooms, and...

If you’re not leveraging this quiet advantage, you may be overlooking one of your most valuable assets. In high-trust professions—law,...

Every July 1st, Canadians from coast to coast to coast come together to celebrate Canada Day—a day of reflection, gratitude, and national...

In high-net-worth business circles, success isn’t just about what you say—it’s also about how you present yourself. A polished dining...

Enhance your potential in 2025 by taking a moment to evaluate your skills and explore opportunities for growth. I always say, etiquette...

The beginning of a new year is often filled with cheer, optimism, and countless exchanges of "Happy New Year!" in workplaces around the...

As the back-to-school season approaches, it's not just students who can embrace the spirit of learning and growth. Whether young or old,...

Chateau de Chenonceau (Catherine de Medici) My visit to the Loire Valley, France How Table Manners as We Know Them Were a Renaissance...

For many years I have travelled to France, never having the opportunity to visit Versailles. With my sites set on uncovering some of its...

One of my New Year’s resolution goals was to experience afternoon tea in one of the world’s most iconic locations – the Ritz London. Not...

Curating this part of your guest list can be tricky business Ask The Kit Weddings is our bi-monthly wedding etiquette column. Wedding...

Guests at Nightingale restaurant in Vancouver last winter didn’t just get a meal: they got schooled. Toronto based etiquette expert, ...

Whether we make a New Year’s resolution, or we choose an inspirational word to guide us through the year, I always feel that we are all...

Put your hand up if you find your Christmas list getting longer and longer (…and dare I say, more costly and stressful) every year? I...

Pass the turkey, pass the gravy, pass the uncertainly of hosting your first real holiday since the start of the pandemic. We’re just a...