I believe becoming a charming woman is a possibility for absolutely everyone.
Here is the key- you must want to become charming.
Yes, for some it is innate. For others, they must set the intention to become charming.
First let’s define what charming is:
A Google search defines charming as:
polite, friendly, and likable
Being charming is a combination of many traits and behaviors. When you use these behaviors in a genuine way, you become more likeable, polite and engaging.
Of course, it goes without saying, you must practice good social skills. Using good manners and your etiquette skills are paramount to being a charming woman. These skills up-level your confidence. Use them to your advantage.
Here are Actions and Steps You Can Take to Be Charming:
1: First, get in touch with your “why”: Why do you want to be charming? Do you want more friends? Are you interested in expanding your network and growing your business? Maybe, you want to feel better about yourself. All of these are very good reasons.
2: Become Confident: Being confident is key. Believe in yourself, embrace your uniqueness, and carry yourself with self-assurance. This will make you more attractive and appealing to others. When you are running errands, notice others. What do you find appealing about them? Is it their body language? The way they are dressed? Did they make eye contact with you and smile? What do you find attractive and appealing about others. This will give you clues as to what is important to you.
3: Check in With Your Attitude: Is your attitude a positive one? If not, change it. This is a very important step to becoming a charming woman. No one wants to be around a downer. You will only attract others that have a bad attitude. Charming and complaining do not go together. The same goes for gossiping. Do not gossip. People lose trust in you. Complaining, gossiping and looking for the negative in others results in a bad attitude.
4: Body Language: This is perhaps one of the most important steps and actions you can take. Notice how you walk into a room. Your shoulders need to be back and down, chin lifted, pull up our of your waist and walk in as if you know exactly where you are going. Smile. People notice. Your energy is contagious. Others will want to speak and get to know you.
5: You Become More Interesting When You Are Interested in Others: That’s right. Be observant. Ask questions. Show that you are interested. The prize does not necessarily go to the one who talks the most. Actually, it is the opposite. Ask others about their vacations, what they like to do for fun, etc.
6: Empathy and Kindness: Show genuine concern and empathy for others. Be a good listener, offer support, and be kind in your interactions. Small acts of kindness can leave a lasting impression and make people feel comfortable around you.
7: Dress Appropriately and Show Your Style: Dress up and dress for the occasion. If you are going to a networking event, show your style. Wear a bright color. Dress the part of being a charming woman. We communicate with others through our dress. We tell people how we want to be treated by the clothes we wear.
8: Become Curious: Expand yourself. Read more. Watch documentaries. Listen to podcasts that interests you. You become more interesting when you have “special interests”. Are you a cook? Do you enjoy music? Are you a voracious reader? Share your passion with others (while respecting they may not share your passions).
9: Up-level Your Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness; Emotional intelligence is a silent skill and it is your ability to read the room.
A Charming Woman
Remember, charm comes from within. You must embody it. Practice, and I promise life will become more interesting, passionate and fun.
Here is a FREE Guide to Help YOU Start a Business Teaching Manners to Children
If you are looking to start immediately and save money on travel and time, then this is your best option.You choose the dates of our trainings. Most choose to have their sessions once a week, others twice. This is a “live” and private training. It is NOTself-guided.
PRIVATE Training. That’s right, we meet in person, the two of us and our focus is completely on your business. Click the image above or follow the button below to learn more and to see a list of cities available for your training.
The author, Susan Gravely lives close by and I was able to attend an event where she spoke of her childhood, how she got her to start as an entrepreneur and the favorite recipes she included in the book.
I made the Hot Milk Chocolate cake for Easter (page. It quickly has become my all-time favorite yellow cake recipe. If you need a tried and true recipe for cupcakes then this will become your go-to.
I love shoes… sandals, wedges, high heels, and boots and when I will be doing a lot of walking my go-to is a pair of sneakers. This pair has a platform and gives me a bit of lift. It also has an elevated look to it -rather than a pair of athletic sneakers.
I wear mine with jeans and long skirts. People stop me on the street to ask about the brand.
If you are looking to start immediately and save money on travel and time, then this is your best option.You choose the dates of our trainings. Most choose to have their sessions once a week, others twice. This is a “live” and private training. It is NOTself-guided.
PRIVATE Training. That’s right, we meet in person, the two of us and our focus is completely on your business. Click the image above or follow the button below to learn more and to see a list of cities available for your training.
My Favorite Tea Blend and What I Add That Might Surprise You
Most likely we have a love of tea in common. To me, a cup of tea makes everything more special – whether sitting at my desk working or out with friends.
It is not a secret that I love Mariage Frères tea. I first discovered the tea at a friend’s house many years ago. Since then, I have purchased it multiple times and visited their flagship store in Paris (also many times).
The BOLÉRO blend is my absolute favorite blend. It is a black tea with a fruity blend. I like both the loose tea as well as the sachets.
I love it with toast in the morning and in the afternoons with chocolate.
The tea blend was such a big hit that both of my guests ordered it immediately and posted about it on Instagram!
Here is What I Put in Tea That May Surprise You
This might surprise you. I like to add good-quality maple syrup to my cup of tea. And here is why- it adds such a rich flavor and I do not get a sugar rush or high from it.
I like the Bolero blend with or without milk
About Mariage Frères Tea
Mariage Frères is a tea company that was founded in 1854 by two brothers. The literal translation is “the Mariage brothers”. They are credited with being the first to create unique French blends which are inspired by French cuisine and wines.
You can find it online as well as at Bergdorf’s in New York.
What is your favorite tea? And I would love to see photos of you having tea. Tag us on Instagram or send them to us via email at info@mannerstogo.com.
Enjoy and as always, we look forward to hearing from you.
If you are looking to start immediately and save money on travel and time, then this is your best option.You choose the dates of our trainings. Most choose to have their sessions once a week, others twice. This is a “live” and private training. It is NOTself-guided.
PRIVATE Training. That’s right, we meet in person, the two of us and our focus is completely on your business. Click the image above or follow the button below to learn more and to see a list of cities available for your training.
Etiquette Certification – There are many reasons to become an entrepreneur. One of them is the value you can bring to the world.
Getting an etiquette certification is one of the greatest reasons to start a business because our children need your passion and expertise.
They need a new mindset. They need someone like you to help them improve their self-esteem and confidence.
Acquiring an etiquette certification is easier than you think. Yes, it takes time and some “grit” and we all know you have that.
At Manners To Go, we are proud that we have the greatest etiquette certification. We have a relevant, non-judgmental fun approach to teaching:
Life skills
Character
Behavior skills
Confidence
Self-esteem
Etiquette
Social skills
Manners and etiquette classes are taught in many different types of venues.
For me, it brings me such joy to see my licensees out there teaching. I follow them all on Instagram! Check below to see April’s posts. She owns Redstick Refinement.
At Manners To Go we believe every child deserves to learn good manners. Yes, often you will see etiquette classes taught in the country or dining clubs. Of course, this offers a beautiful setting.
And then there are public and charter schools that need you to teach important life skills.
As I look back at the times when I first started my etiquette business, some of the most rewarding has been in the public school classroom.
Children really light up when they learn eye contact and when and how to use it.
And then there are the many role-playing activities with conversation skills. Children need to learn how to communicate now after the pandemic….and this has become the most important module!
Children need your help to learn how to communicate with others. They need guidance on how to develop friendships.
Becoming Licensed and Certified is the easy part.
We offer two types of training:
A Virtual LIVE option
A Two-Day Immersion (you choose the dates and location)
And once you choose, your journey to entrepreneurship begins.
Many of you want a business of your own, some of you want to earn money, and others want the creative outlet of giving back. Not a surprise that you can have both!
If you are looking to start immediately and save money on travel and time, then this is your best option.You choose the dates of our trainings. Most choose to have their sessions once a week, others twice. This is a “live” and private training. It is NOTself-guided.
PRIVATE Training. That’s right, we meet in person, the two of us and our focus is completely on your business. Click the image above or follow the button below to learn more and to see a list of cities available for your training.
Last week I hosted a lunch in my home for two friends- who are also entrepreneurs, content creators, and lovers of all things “business” and beautiful.
There is something about a meal that has been cooked by someone else- especially for you.
Getting together for lunch at someone’s home has become a lost event. I think we should bring this back, don’t you?
I love to entertain. And even though I love to cook, it isn’t about the food. The gathering is the real reason to do it.
I have often said, to buy prepared foods, put them on a platter, and gather them. And gather as often as you can. The gathering is a life force.
Why I Hosted a Ladies Lunch
There are many reasons why I hosted:
Foster friendships that are meaningful to me
Share a meal together
I love beautiful things
To talk business and learn what others are doing and why
And I love to cook and eat
To use my china – tea accouterments, flowers, etc.
I will be the first to tell you, entertaining is a lot of work and it starts ahead of the event. The past few weeks have been very busy for me with business etiquette training ( I am a keynote speaker and corporate trainer). I have been to New Jersey, Florida, Arizona, and Kansas City. I landed late Wednesday (actually 2 am on Thursday morning due to a delayed flight) and woke up early to get the best selection of flowers and produce.
My menu had been planned for weeks. I posted about my love of the book An American in Provence and decided to prepare one of her recipes.
What I Served for Lunch
I love to create menu cards. This adds a detail that feels and looks extra special.
I chose to lean into a French theme. My china is from Gien as well as the vases, and the Rosé served are from France. My linens and Ginori1735 tea cups are from Italy. Let’s settle for a lunch that was French-Italian inspired.
The Lunch Menu
Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms
Roasted Rainbow Carrots
Simple Greens
Pear, Date, and Coconut Cake with Whipped Cream
Mariage Freres Tea, Bolero Blend
It was delicious. I highly recommend a meal that is balanced. The chicken dish was more complex and rich with creamy mushrooms. The carrots and salad were simple. The carrots were fresh and organic and I only added salt, pepper, and good olive oil. I then roasted them at 425. The colors were vibrant and added to my “French” spring is here theme.
Additionally, I added orange tulips. My table had lots of colors, this was intentional so I kept the flowers simple and only used orange.
During Lunch, We Talked About
We talked about business as well as our family and travels.
Social media was a big part of our conversation- how we are using it and the changes we are noticing.
Our focus continues to be on providing content for our followers.
We also planned our future gathers. We are going to see each other again at an event to celebrate the new book from the founder of Vietri.
Stay tuned as I am sure I will have a great deal to share about her.
The Tea We All Loved
The star of the meal was the tea! Mariage Freres has long been my favorite tea.
I have visited their store in Paris many times. I have also had afternoon tea at the St. Germain location.
The Bolero blend is my favorite. It is a black tea with a fruity blend.
And here is a tip and something that is very different- I serve it with exceptionally good dark maple syrup! I love my tea this way- I don’t get a rush from the sugar.
You can add milk if you like and of course, this goes in last.
I do hope you are inspired to invite friends over for lunch. To me, it is one of the great pleasures of life.
We all can have more beauty in life.
Lunch Etiquette….because I know you are going to ask…
I sent out a text a few days before to let my two friends know I was excited to have them over for lunch. I confirmed the time and address. This is an informal touch but it serves the purpose. We are busy content creators and this works for us. It is efficient.
I chose to set an elegant table. My intention was for it to be fun and colorful. I did set a dessert fork at the top of the plate. The platters of food were passed to each guest. Since the salad was served on the lunch plate, I only used one fork on the left side. Since the food was passed, this leaned into a bit more of a casual affair. I would say it was a blend of formal and casual.
Tea was served with dessert. I used my Ginori1735 cups because I love the lid on top. The style of the entire set (cup, lid, and dessert plate) is eclectic and adds a bit of flair to any setting. So far, I have purchased the cups in an array of colors. I use a mix of colors on my table and I achieve this with my linens and china patterns.
Here is a FREE Guide to Help YOU Start a Business Teaching Manners to Children
If you are looking to start immediately and save money on travel and time, then this is your best option.You choose the dates of our trainings. Most choose to have their sessions once a week, others twice. This is a “live” and private training. It is NOTself-guided.
PRIVATE Training. That’s right, we meet in person, the two of us and our focus is completely on your business. Click the image above or follow the button below to learn more and to see a list of cities available for your training.
An American in Provence by Jamie Beck was a surprise hit for me.
I sat down one cold evening in January expecting a quick flip – you know the coffee table book that you enjoy exploring and perusing. You strategically place it in your home- on your nightstand or coffee table.
Well- this one is different – very different. I read it covers to cover. In fact, I did not want it to end.
I was enchanted the moment I opened An American in Provence.
This is a true story of a journey of a photographer who took a chance at change. She is the one we hear about – the woman who moves to Provence on a whim- because she wants a change.
Don’t miss out on her beautiful story. The beauty is not only in the photographs, but the discovery of her true self. Her respite- the patience she had for her creativity to return captivated me.
If you are passionate about cooking or know someone who is, don’t miss out.
The recipe for Bresse Chicken with Morels and Cream is outstanding – so much so, I have made it twice. Once for my husband and then again for a dinner party. The meal was exceptionally good and very easy to prepare. My kitchen smelled of a French restaurant!
Here is a FREE Guide to Help YOU Start a Business Teaching Manners to Children
If you are looking to start immediately and save money on travel and time, then this is your best option.You choose the dates of our trainings. Most choose to have their sessions once a week, others twice. This is a “live” and private training. It is NOTself-guided.
PRIVATE Training. That’s right, we meet in person, the two of us and our focus is completely on your business. Click the image above or follow the button below to learn more and to see a list of cities available for your training.
Lisa Richey provides etiquette programs to businesses, schools, and individuals.
