Manners

Spade overhauls and replenishes our wardrobes in and celebrations in Occasions. With Manners, the designer steers us through the more sensitive arena of etiquette, showing us how to pull it all together with grace and style. Common conundrums like tipping, thank-you notes, and maneuvering embarrassing moments like "toothsome tidbits" (spinach between your teeth) are all succinctly addressed. But Spade picks up where Emily Post left off by dealing with more modern mysteries like "Cell Hell" and sample sales with wit and wisdom. Best of all the approach is decidedly un-preachy, which makes this new twist on the manners mix a fun read. --Christene Barberich