Defining “Fancy”—The Word, The Vibe, The Manners Magic You’ll Teach Today and Beyond
What does the word “fancy” mean to you?
“Fancy”— saying it brings a smile to your face, doesn’t it?
It’s a word that brings up images of something special, stylish, and a little extra! And who doesn’t want a little extra sometimes?
We love that each of our licensees bring their own style to their manners classes. Some are crafty and others focus more on the activities included in the Manners To Go lesson plans.
Let’s take a deep dive into the roots of this fabulous word and explore how you can use it to elevate your lessons in a way that’s sophisticated, fun, and oh-so-relevant for today’s world.
The Fancy Root of “Fancy”
The word “fancy” has a rich history. It originates from the word fantasy, which came from the Greek word “phantasia,” meaning imagination. Over time, “fancy” evolved to describe anything that tickles your imagination, delighting the senses with a touch of whimsy or extravagance.
But in 2024, fancy isn’t just about something opulent or over-the-top—it’s about embracing the joy of the little things, appreciating beauty in the everyday, and adding just the right amount of flair to make life feel special.
When you’re teaching children good manners, being fancy means showing them that kindness, respect, and style can be fun.
Fancy in 2024 and Beyond: A New Kind of Fun
Let’s talk about what it means to be fancy in today’s world. Gone are the days when being fancy was only about pearls and chandeliers (though we’re not saying no to those!). Now, it’s more about:
Confidence with a Smile: Fancy is owning who you are and how you present yourself—whether you’re teaching a group of little ones how to set the table or launching your own etiquette business. It’s about making sure every move is polished and every word thoughtful.
Delight in Details: From how you hold your fork to how you greet someone with eye contact, the little things matter. Teach your students (both adults and kids) that being fancy means finding joy in those delightful details that make every interaction sparkle.
Modern Elegance: Fancy today is less about extravagance and more about modern elegance. It’s about choosing sophistication over showiness, whether that’s in the way you dress, speak, or carry yourself.
Fancy is Fun—Especially When Teaching Children!
When teaching manners to children, “fancy” can be a magical word. It captures their attention and turns learning manners into something exciting.
Here’s How You Can Weave the Concept of Fancy into Your Manners Lesson Plans and Activities:
Fancy Table Settings: Show children how to set a fancy table. Let them pick out cute napkins or create a fun activity where they set the table for an imaginary tea party. Teaching table manners becomes less about rules and more about making something beautiful.
Fancy Words for Politeness: Teach kids the power of “please” and “thank you” by calling them “fancy words.” When they realize that politeness is fancy, they’ll be excited to use their manners all the time!
Fancy Greetings: Make a game out of greeting people with a fancy handshake or curtsy, blending good manners with a little bit of theatrical fun.
By teaching children that fancy is fun, you’re helping them appreciate the beauty of manners, making it an exciting part of their daily lives.
Starting Your Fancy Business: It’s All in the Details
For those looking to start a business teaching manners to children, using “fancy” as part of your brand language can set you apart. Parents and kids alike are drawn to the idea that learning manners can be stylish and fun.
Here’s how you can incorporate fancy into your business:
Fancy Programs: When teaching your classes, emphasize the fun side of fancy in your marketing. You’re not just teaching manners—you’re teaching how to make life more joyful and elegant.
Fancy Branding: Create a brand that reflects sophistication but with a playful twist. Think pastel colors, charming fonts, and language that’s both stylish and approachable.
Fancy Activities: From tea parties to dress-up days, bring fancy into every aspect of your business. Make your workshops interactive, where kids can practice their manners in fun, real-life scenarios that feel fancy but relatable.
Conclusion: Embrace the Fancy
So, what does it mean to be fancy in 2024 and beyond? It’s about modern elegance, delighting in the details, and showing the world that good manners are as fun as they are important. As you prepare to launch your etiquette business or work toward your etiquette certification, remember that fancy isn’t just a look—it’s a mindset.
Bring the flair, the sophistication, and the joy to everything you do.
Ready to get fancy and start your journey as an etiquette expert? Let’s make manners magical!
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.
Who out there loves to eat soup all year! Soup is one of my favorites meals and it helps us all to stay slim.
Today I am sharing all the details about the correct way to eat soup.
When it comes to elegance at the table, few things require more finesse than eating soup. It’s deceptively simple, yet so easy to spill—literally and figuratively. As certified etiquette experts (or soon-to-be!), it’s our job to teach the fine art of soup etiquette with wit, charm, and a dash of sophistication.
In a world where business lunches and upscale dinners are more common than ever, knowing how to handle the soup course can make or break a first impression. Whether your students are children learning the basics or professionals preparing for high-stakes networking, teaching them to gracefully navigate a bowl of bisque can elevate their presence at the table.
Teaching Soup Etiquette to Adults: Making the Fanciest of Sips Seamless
The Spoonful Scoop: First, remind participants to sip from the side of the spoon. Here’s the trick—always spoon away from you. It’s a subtle movement that signals grace, control, and confidence.
No Slurping Allowed: Of course, this one’s a classic—no slurping. But here’s the twist: explain why! The sound isn’t just impolite; it’s a distraction from good conversation, and we want our table manners to encourage interaction, not detract from it.
What to Do with the Crackers? Crumbling crackers into the soup is perfectly acceptable for casual settings or at home, but the key is moderation. Crackers are a supporting role, not the star of the show. Consider using your bread plate as place for the crackers.
Teaching Soup Etiquette to Children: Fun and Flavorful!
Teaching soup etiquette to children can be both fun and educational. When teaching, consider making soup a playful yet enlightening experience for little ones.
Spoons are Cool Tools: Introduce the spoon as a “cool tool” that they get to use with style. Make it interactive! Demonstrate how to hold the spoon correctly—think thumb and index finger as the power players, gently scooping away from the body.
Cracker Craze: Let’s be real—kids love crackers. Show them how to break crackers gently (not crumble them into soup like confetti!) and to enjoy them in bites on the side if needed.
Making No Slurping Silly: Turn no-slurping into a game. Who can eat soup the quietest? This teaches kids to be mindful of sounds without feeling too strict about it.
This stylish and fun approach to soup etiquette will leave your students feeling both confident and empowered. Enjoy!
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.
Before you decide, ask yourself these three essential questions about any certification program:
Is the Curriculum Dynamic and Content-Rich? Will you feel proud to represent this program? Does it reflect your brand and elevate your image?
Will I Receive Unmatched Support? Ongoing support is key to your long-term success. Is the program committed to helping you grow?
Are the Fees Transparent? Manners To Go offers a comprehensive, no-surprise pricing structure. After your initial fee, you won’t pay again until the end of the three-year license, with an easy renewal process and no hidden fees.
Many new consultants come to us after choosing less effective programs, with outdated materials and weak business plans.
At Manners To Go, our modern, engaging illustrations and step-by-step marketing guidance will empower you to succeed.
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.
How to Be an Elegant Woman : A Guide for Etiquette Experts
I have always noticed and observed elegant women. I am intrigued by them.
For me, an elegant woman elicits trust.
She has an inner guide that allows for kindness while at the same time a certain power and style that I find very attractive.
I notice this even before she speaks.
When I first moved to Philadelphia and starting my business, I attended multiple networking events a month. To this day, I remember the elegant women that crossed my path.
They walked into a room with style, polish and grace.
Today I am addressing the elegant woman as it relates specifically to us – those of us that are interested and passionate about etiquette and social graces.
Enjoy this article- take it all in with your favorite chocolate and the most gorgeous teacup you own! And of course, send us the photos.
We always enjoy hearing from you.
Elegance remains timeless. As certified etiquette experts, it’s more important than ever to embody grace and refinement.
Elegance transcends physical appearance; it’s a reflection of poise, self-confidence, and respect for others. In 2024, elegance means:
Effortless sophistication: Subtle but impactful gestures that leave lasting impressions.
Empathy and emotional intelligence: Understanding how your actions affect others and making thoughtful decisions.
In essence, elegance today is a blend of timeless manners, modern awareness, and emotional intelligence.
Why Is Elegance Crucial for Etiquette Experts?
As a certified etiquette expert, you’re not only a model of professional behavior, but also a mentor to those learning the art of social grace. Elegance:
Instills trust: People naturally gravitate toward individuals who exhibit grace under pressure.
Elevates personal and professional reputation: Elegance is synonymous with respectability, which is essential when establishing yourself as a trusted etiquette authority.
Enhances teaching ability: Your clients and students are more likely to absorb and implement the practices you advocate when you lead by example.
Being an elegant woman in 2024 is about demonstrating authenticity, confidence, and cultural awareness, qualities that are fundamental to shaping the next generation of leaders through etiquette.
Steps to Achieve Elegance in Today’s World
Here’s how you can embrace elegance and stand out as an etiquette expert:
Prioritize Continuous Learning
Stay informed about modern etiquette standards, and maintain a growth mindset. Engaging in certification programs like Manners To Go is a powerful way to stay relevant in the field.
Refine Communication Skills
Your voice is a tool. Cultivate a polished communication style by practicing active listening, clear enunciation, and impeccable tone management. How you speak reflects your inner grace.
Develop Emotional Intelligence
Being elegant means being attuned to the emotions of others. Hone your emotional intelligence by practicing empathy and remaining composed in challenging situations.
Perfect Your Personal Presentation
While elegance is more than appearance, presenting yourself well is crucial. Opt for classic, tailored fashion choices that reflect your personality while maintaining sophistication.
Be Mindful of Modern Etiquette Standards
Elegance in 2024 involves understanding the nuances of online and in-person behavior. Practice good digital etiquette by being respectful in emails, social media, and virtual meetings.
How Elegance Sets You Apart
In a world where speed often overshadows quality, elegance serves as a beacon of professionalism. For etiquette experts, mastering elegance:
Creates lasting impressions: Your clients, students, and peers will remember you for your refined approach.
Positions you as a leader in your field: As elegance becomes rare, those who exhibit it naturally rise above the competition.
Enhances your teaching impact: When you embody the qualities you teach, you inspire others to follow suit.
In conclusion, elegance in 2024 is a powerful blend of traditional grace and modern awareness.
By pursuing a certification from Manners To Goand focusing on cultivating personal elegance, you will not only stand out as an etiquette expert but also inspire a culture of refinement and professionalism for future generations.
I am sharing a bit about how I got my start as well as my licensees.
Networking is front and center for all of our certified etiquette experts. Our licensees can and will attest to this. Social media is fun and fast but from what I am observing, the human connection is the way to go.
I have seen our licensees start from scratch – without a website or social media channels and have a thriving business within the first two months.
And they do this by using their circle of influence- their connections. Whether it is their son’s math teacher or a local restaurant owner, they connect with those they know.
How to Build a Business Teaching Manners to Children
Network Boldly: Where to Begin? This is the cornerstone of building a business. Dive into your community—connect, share, and grow. Don’t get bogged down by the minutiae. You have a passion, so get out there and share it! Your gift is meant to be shared, and others need to hear about it. Start with your local Chamber of Commerce, attend a BNI (Business Network International) meeting, or connect with your local Small Business Administration. There are countless groups for women business owners, and Meet Up is a great resource too. Face-to-face interactions are powerful. While social media has its place, nothing replaces the impact of human connection in your community.
Find a Mentor: Build a Guiding Relationship As you network, seek out a mentor—someone you respect and admire who’s been through the journey. Ask them about their beginnings, and how they can help you connect with educators and parents in your area. A mentor’s insights can be invaluable.
Harness Social Media: Your Free Power Tool Social media is here to stay, and it can be your strongest ally. Start by setting up a business page on Facebook. Use it to inform, connect, and engage your audience. Share local events, link to relevant articles, and build connections with other business owners in your niche.
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.
Why is “demure” making a comeback on social media? Why is this trending and resonating with us as a society right now? Today, I am addressing the shocking truth about being demure.
As an etiquette expert it is important for you to keep up with “trends” and what is changing in our society.
If you follow any social media channels, you can’t help but notice the popularity of the being “demure and mindful”. Realtors are posting about it, fashion influencers are talking about it as well as the “foodies” that I follow.
Can This Be an Important Turn for Those of Us That Are Etiquette Experts and Speakers?
And why is “demure” trending right now? Does this even relate to etiquette as we know it?
Why “Demure” Is Trending
1. Counter to Previous Trends
The “demure” trend on TikTok has gained significant popularity in August 2024 due to a combination of factors that resonate with current cultural and social dynamics.
The demure trend emerged as a reaction to a more bold and expressive viral movement that happened early this year season – better known as “brat summer.”
2. Relatability and Inclusive
By becoming “demure and mindful” are we being truer to who we really are? Personally, I like seeing this trend as so many of us are not aggressive in our approach to life. Is this our time to become more self-aware and look for ways to belong and treat others with respect?
3. A Cultural Shift
The demure trend aligns with broader cultural movements towards “quiet luxury” and minimalism, where understated elegance and subtlety are celebrated. This reflects a growing preference for authenticity and simplicity in both fashion and behavior, making the trend particularly relevant in the current cultural climate
Early this year, I wrote an article on Quiet Luxury. Have you read it?
Influencers (and society) are embracing a more subdued, modest approach to commenting and how they are presenting themselves online. We are seeing a shift from harsh and expressive behaviors to a more reserved and mindful approach.
Only time will tell. I know I certainly welcome the trend of a kinder society. I have faith that we can do this.
Lisa Richey provides etiquette programs to businesses, schools, and individuals.
