A Lady at the Table: A Concise, Contemporary Guide to Table Manners

Great gift and will be appreciated by any young lady 18+. This book is a great reference for any female!!!

This book covers many topics beyond basic dining etiquette. Recommended for girls and women who are interested in learning the appropriate way to behave in a number of settings, and not just formal settings. The language is formal, but the information is concise, simple to understand, and detailed.

Sheryl Shade does a superior of job of putting together the essentials of table manners, setting of a table, descriptions of glassware, and descriptions of silverware, among many other important facts to know. This book would be ideal for anyone intending to brush up on their table manners. Shade covers informal dining, formal dining, and manners at cocktial parties. I like that this book is guided towards women in business situations. As often it may be awkward when a woman is leading a business meeting over a meal. She gives clear and concise direction in guiding conversations, what to order to eat easily, and the handling of paying the bill. I feel all of these subjects really answer many of the uncertainties when dining in a business situation. This book would be a good guide for a recent college graduate. Often job interviews can take place over a meal, and while good tabble manners may not have a job offer result from the, many people have excluded from being hired over their table manners. This is a well put together book that will refine most lady's table manners and is well worth reading.

I have read and own Sheryl Shade's book on table manners and etiquette. I love it. The does and don'ts you won't get at HBS exist in this book and I would advise any woman in business or any parent whose daughter is graduating from business school to read this book and then live by it. You will be surprised at how much more respect and attention you will receive by NOT being one of the boys. Trust me it works.