Manners and Other Matters

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Do you ever walk into a networking event, a wedding on your own, or another event,  and wonder where to stand, whom to approach or what to say?

Confidence isn't necessarily about being outgoing, speaking loudly or commanding attention. Sometimes it's simply about knowing what to do.

In this episode of Manners and Other Matters, etiquette expert Louise Percy explores the art of confident presence and explains how practical etiquette skills can transform the way we approach professional and social situations.

Drawing on more than 35 years of experience, Louise shares practical advice on making a memorable first impression, mastering small talk, introducing yourself, networking with confidence and developing a natural, authentic presence.

She also introduces her new private mentorship programme, The Art of Confident Presence. If you would like information please contact Louise  here:

https://thepercyinstitute.com/contact/

Because you don't need to be the loudest person in the room to have presence.

SHOW NOTES: https://thepercyinstitute.com/the-art-of-confident-presence/

I'd love to hear from you. Please leave your comments, or ask me any questions here: https://thepercyinstitute.com/contact/

Join Louise in the pursuit of a more elegant life, and be sure to visit  her website thepercyinstitute.com for more ideas and inspiration. Follow @thepercyinstitute on Instagram and Facebook, and join the Facebook Group, The Elegance Club for exclusive offers and insights.

Have a question for Louise?

Submit it via Instagram @ThePercyInstitute or email us at [email protected]

Resources and links:

• THE ART OF AN ELEGANT LIFE MASTERCLASS:
  https://thepercyinstitute.com/the-art-of-an-elegant-lifestyle/
• Complimentary Guide to Successful Networking: https://subscribepage.io/shinelikeadiamond
• The Percy Institute website: https://thepercyinstitute.com/
• The Elegance Club Facebook ...

Send us Fan Mail

Friendship seems so wonderfully simple when we are young. We sit beside someone at school, meet through university, work, our children or our neighbourhood, and somehow a friendship begins.

Adult friendship is rather different.

Marriage, divorce, children, careers, retirement, illness, financial circumstances, geography and simply growing older can alter friendships in ways we never anticipated.

This episode is particularly personal for me. Five days before recording it, I lost my dear friend of 30 years, Louise M. following her battle with cancer.

Louise and I shared travel, laughter, champagne, difficult times and many happy ones. Just days before she died, she sat in the spring sunshine in the courtyard of my home enjoying one of her favourite meals, my prawn pasta.

And so this episode is dedicated to her.

SHOW NOTES: https://thepercyinstitute.com/episode-80-the-etiquette-of-adult-friendship/

I'd love to hear from you. Please leave your comments, or ask me any questions here: https://thepercyinstitute.com/contact/

Join Louise in the pursuit of a more elegant life, and be sure to visit  her website thepercyinstitute.com for more ideas and inspiration. Follow @thepercyinstitute on Instagram and Facebook, and join the Facebook Group, The Elegance Club for exclusive offers and insights.

Have a question for Louise?

Submit it via Instagram @ThePercyInstitute or email us at [email protected]

Resources and links:

• THE ART OF AN ELEGANT LIFE MASTERCLASS:
  https://thepercyinstitute.com/the-art-of-an-elegant-lifestyle/
• Complimentary Guide to Successful Networking: https://subscribepage.io/shinelikeadiamond
• The Percy Institute website: https://thepercyinstitute.com/
• The Elegance Club Facebook ...

Send us Fan Mail

What do good manners have to do with buying an avocado, pushing a supermarket trolley or choosing vegetables at a farmers' market? Quite a lot, as it happens.

In this episode of Manners and Other Matters, Louise Percy takes us from the fresh food market to the supermarket aisle and, finally, home to the table.

Inspired by the arrival of spring in Australia and her own love of cooking and entertaining, Louise explores the small courtesies that make shopping for food a more thoughtful and elegant experience.

From greeting stallholders and respecting local producers to supermarket trolley etiquette, mobile phone manners, food waste and the pleasure of buying seasonally, this is a conversation about something much larger than shopping.

It is about paying attention.

Louise also considers the quiet pleasure of preparing beautiful ingredients simply, setting the table even when there are only two, and sharing food and conversation with the people we love.

And, especially for this episode, Louise shares some of her own favourite seasonal recipes in the Show Notes.

Because elegant living does not have to be elaborate. Sometimes it begins with a basket of beautiful fresh food, a little consideration for others and a table waiting to be shared.

SHOW NOTES: https://thepercyinstitute.com/episode-79-from-market-basket-to-table-the-etiquette-of-shopping-cooking-and-eating-well/

I'd love to hear from you. Please leave your comments, or ask me any questions here: https://thepercyinstitute.com/contact/

Join Louise in the pursuit of a more elegant life, and be sure to visit  her website thepercyinstitute.com for more ideas and inspiration. Follow @thepercyinstitute on Instagram and Facebook, and join the Facebook Group, The Elegance Club for exclusive offers and insights.

Have a question for Louise?

Submit it via Instagram @ThePercyInstitute or email us at [email protected]

Resources and links:

• THE ART OF AN ELEGANT LIFE MASTERCLASS:
  https://thepercyinstitute.com/the-art-of-an-elegant-lifestyle/
• Complimentary Guide to Successful Networking: https://subscribepage.io/shinelikeadiamond
• The Percy Institute website: https://thepercyinstitute.com/
• The Elegance Club Facebook ...

Send us Fan Mail

Spring invites us to open the windows, notice what is flowering and welcome a sense of renewal into our everyday lives.

In Episode 78 of Manners and Other Matters, Louise Percy considers how to greet a new season with elegance and intention, without replacing everything we own or attempting to reinvent our lives.

From caring for our homes and rediscovering treasured pieces in our wardrobes to renewing friendships, extending thoughtful invitations and respecting the natural environment, Louise shares her personal rituals for welcoming spring in Western Australia.

She also introduces the idea of a seasonal self-audit, a gentle opportunity to examine our habits, relationships and manners with honesty, kindness and consideration.

Whatever season you are experiencing, this episode is an invitation to slow down, appreciate what you already have and bring greater care and presence to ordinary days.

SHOW NOTES: https://thepercyinstitute.com/episode-78-the-elegance-of-seasonal-living/

I'd love to hear from you. Please leave your comments, or ask me any questions here: https://thepercyinstitute.com/contact/

Join Louise in the pursuit of a more elegant life, and be sure to visit  her website thepercyinstitute.com for more ideas and inspiration. Follow @thepercyinstitute on Instagram and Facebook, and join the Facebook Group, The Elegance Club for exclusive offers and insights.

Have a question for Louise?

Submit it via Instagram @ThePercyInstitute or email us at [email protected]

Resources and links:

• THE ART OF AN ELEGANT LIFE MASTERCLASS:
  https://thepercyinstitute.com/the-art-of-an-elegant-lifestyle/
• Complimentary Guide to Successful Networking: https://subscribepage.io/shinelikeadiamond
• The Percy Institute website: https://thepercyinstitute.com/
• The Elegance Club Facebook ...

Send us Fan Mail

Dogs are more involved in our social lives than ever before. They join us at cafés, visit friends' homes, accompany us on holidays and, quite rightly, are often considered members of the family. But has the way we teach our dogs good manners changed too?

In this episode of Manners and Other Matters, Louise explores the shift from traditional obedience training towards everyday dog manners and considers eight very modern dilemmas.

What should we do about the enthusiastic dog who jumps on every visitor? Is a little dog allowed to get away with behaviour we would never tolerate from a larger one? Should dogs accompany us to cafés and other people's homes? And what are the etiquette rules for people who want to approach somebody else's dog?

With a little help from Louise's own Pomeranian, Amélie, this is a warm and thoughtful look at barking, jumping, personal space, café behaviour, dinner-table begging and the responsibilities of the human at the other end of the lead.

Because good manners aren't really about obedience. They're about consideration for others, and good manners are certainly not measured in kilograms.

SHOW NOTES: https://thepercyinstitute.com/episode-77-paws-and-poise/

I'd love to hear from you. Please leave your comments, or ask me any questions here: https://thepercyinstitute.com/contact/

Join Louise in the pursuit of a more elegant life, and be sure to visit  her website thepercyinstitute.com for more ideas and inspiration. Follow @thepercyinstitute on Instagram and Facebook, and join the Facebook Group, The Elegance Club for exclusive offers and insights.

Have a question for Louise?

Submit it via Instagram @ThePercyInstitute or email us at [email protected]

Resources and links:

• THE ART OF AN ELEGANT LIFE MASTERCLASS:
  https://thepercyinstitute.com/the-art-of-an-elegant-lifestyle/
• Complimentary Guide to Successful Networking: https://subscribepage.io/shinelikeadiamond
• The Percy Institute website: https://thepercyinstitute.com/
• The Elegance Club Facebook ...

Send us Fan Mail

What do you do with an olive pip? Should spaghetti be eaten with a spoon? Is it acceptable to ask for a fork if you cannot use chopsticks, and when is eating with your fingers actually the correct thing to do?

In this episode of Manners and Other Matters, Louise Percy explores the small dining dilemmas that can make even a confident person suddenly wonder, “What do I do with that?”

From finger foods, skewers and fork-only dining to spaghetti, soup, bread and chopsticks, Louise shares practical contemporary table manners designed to make dining feel comfortable rather than complicated.

She also looks beyond Western dining traditions to consider eating customs in India and Ethiopia, and why cultural curiosity, observation and respect are essential elements of modern etiquette.

Because good table manners are not about demonstrating how many rules you know. They are about confidence, consideration and making the people around you feel comfortable.

SHOW NOTES: https://thepercyinstitute.com/episode76-would-you-like-to-feel-more-confident-in-social-situations/

I'd love to hear from you. Please leave your comments, or ask me any questions here: https://thepercyinstitute.com/contact/

Join Louise in the pursuit of a more elegant life, and be sure to visit  her website thepercyinstitute.com for more ideas and inspiration. Follow @thepercyinstitute on Instagram and Facebook, and join the Facebook Group, The Elegance Club for exclusive offers and insights.

Have a question for Louise?

Submit it via Instagram @ThePercyInstitute or email us at [email protected]

Resources and links:

• THE ART OF AN ELEGANT LIFE MASTERCLASS:
  https://thepercyinstitute.com/the-art-of-an-elegant-lifestyle/
• Complimentary Guide to Successful Networking: https://subscribepage.io/shinelikeadiamond
• The Percy Institute website: https://thepercyinstitute.com/
• The Elegance Club Facebook ...

Send us Fan Mail

What makes a piece of jewellery truly valuable? Is it the stone, the craftsmanship, the name attached to it, or the story it carries?

In this episode of Manners and Other Matters, Louise welcomes back her friend Adrian Dickens, one of Australia’s leading jewellery historians, a personal jeweller and specialist in antique, estate and remodelled jewellery.
Drawing on more than four decades in the jewellery world, Adrian shares how an early fascination with Garrard, the Crown Jewellers in London, began a lifelong appreciation of beautiful objects, exceptional craftsmanship and the stories behind them.

Louise and Adrian explore the jewellery trends emerging in 2026, including the wonderful return of the brooch for both women and men, the renewed popularity of coloured gemstones, the appeal of fine and understated jewellery among younger generations, and the growing desire to remodel inherited pieces rather than leave them unworn in a jewellery box.

They also discuss the difference between buying jewellery for pleasure and buying it as an investment, the changing value of diamonds and precious metals, craftsmanship in contemporary jewellery, and why knowing who made a piece can be just as important as knowing what stones it contains.

And, naturally, there are pearls, Cartier, a little jewellery history and several wonderful stories along the way.
A warm and fascinating conversation about jewellery not simply as adornment, but as history, memory and a very personal expression of style.

SHOW NOTES: https://thepercyinstitute.com/episode-75-jewellery-with-a-story-estate-jewellery-heirlooms-and-the-return-of-the-brooch/

I'd love to hear from you. Please leave your comments, or ask me any questions here: https://thepercyinstitute.com/contact/

Join Louise in the pursuit of a more elegant life, and be sure to visit  her website thepercyinstitute.com for more ideas and inspiration. Follow @thepercyinstitute on Instagram and Facebook, and join the Facebook Group, The Elegance Club for exclusive offers and insights.

Have a question for Louise?

Submit it via Instagram @ThePercyInstitute or email us at [email protected]

Resources and links:

• THE ART OF AN ELEGANT LIFE MASTERCLASS:
  https://thepercyinstitute.com/the-art-of-an-elegant-lifestyle/
• Complimentary Guide to Successful Networking: https://subscribepage.io/shinelikeadiamond
• The Percy Institute website: https://thepercyinstitute.com/
• The Elegance Club Facebook ...

Send us Fan Mail

When did good manners become so complicated?

In today's world, we're less likely to wonder which fork to use and far more likely to ask questions such as: Is it rude to leave someone on "read"? How do I politely decline an invitation? Should everyone split the bill equally? Is ghosting ever acceptable?

In this episode of Manners and Other Matters, Louise Percy explores ten of the most common social dilemmas facing adults today. With her signature blend of warmth, practical advice and contemporary etiquette, Louise shares thoughtful guidance on navigating friendships, digital communication, social media, invitations, dining, boundaries and modern relationships with confidence and grace.

Rather than offering rigid rules, this episode reminds us that true etiquette is about kindness, consideration and helping others feel respected and valued.
Whether you're in your thirties, forties, or simply interested in building stronger relationships, this episode will leave you with practical ideas you can begin using immediately.

Because while technology and social customs continue to evolve, kindness never goes out of style.

SHOW NOTES: https://thepercyinstitute.com/episode-74-the-10-modern-etiquette-dilemmas-everyone-secretly-wonders-about/

I'd love to hear from you. Please leave your comments, or ask me any questions here: https://thepercyinstitute.com/contact/

Join Louise in the pursuit of a more elegant life, and be sure to visit  her website thepercyinstitute.com for more ideas and inspiration. Follow @thepercyinstitute on Instagram and Facebook, and join the Facebook Group, The Elegance Club for exclusive offers and insights.

Have a question for Louise?

Submit it via Instagram @ThePercyInstitute or email us at [email protected]

Resources and links:

• THE ART OF AN ELEGANT LIFE MASTERCLASS:
  https://thepercyinstitute.com/the-art-of-an-elegant-lifestyle/
• Complimentary Guide to Successful Networking: https://subscribepage.io/shinelikeadiamond
• The Percy Institute website: https://thepercyinstitute.com/
• The Elegance Club Facebook ...

Send us Fan Mail

Death is one of life's few certainties, yet many of us feel uncertain about what is expected when someone dies. Should you attend the funeral? What should you wear? Is a text message enough, or should you send a handwritten condolence card? And what exactly is the difference between a traditional funeral and a celebration of life?

In this episode Louise explores the etiquette surrounding funerals and memorial services in today's world. From dress codes and condolence messages to social media announcements, wakes and supporting grieving families, Louise offers thoughtful guidance to help you approach these difficult moments with confidence, compassion and grace.

Whether you are attending a funeral, supporting a friend through loss, or simply wish to better understand modern funeral etiquette, this episode provides practical advice for one of life's most important occasions.

Good manners matter most when kindness is needed most.

SHOW NOTES: https://thepercyinstitute.com/episode-73-modern-funeral-etiquette-honouring-a-life-with-grace-and-elegance/

I'd love to hear from you. Please leave your comments, or ask me any questions here: https://thepercyinstitute.com/contact/

Join Louise in the pursuit of a more elegant life, and be sure to visit  her website thepercyinstitute.com for more ideas and inspiration. Follow @thepercyinstitute on Instagram and Facebook, and join the Facebook Group, The Elegance Club for exclusive offers and insights.

Have a question for Louise?

Submit it via Instagram @ThePercyInstitute or email us at [email protected]

Resources and links:

• THE ART OF AN ELEGANT LIFE MASTERCLASS:
  https://thepercyinstitute.com/the-art-of-an-elegant-lifestyle/
• Complimentary Guide to Successful Networking: https://subscribepage.io/shinelikeadiamond
• The Percy Institute website: https://thepercyinstitute.com/
• The Elegance Club Facebook ...

Send us Fan Mail

Have you ever opened a beautiful invitation and felt that little flutter of anxiety at the words printed at the bottom? "Cocktail attire." "Smart casual." "Resort elegant." If so, this episode of Manners and Other Matters is made entirely for you.

In this episode, etiquette and protocol expert, Louise Percy, decodes the full spectrum of dress codes you are most likely to encounter, from the formal grandeur of White Tie and Black Tie through to the deceptively tricky territory of Smart Casual and Business Casual.

Louise also explores the creative descriptions that appear with such regularity on modern invitations, including Garden Party Attire, Resort Elegant and Festive, and shares warm, practical guidance on how to dress with genuine sensitivity and respect for multicultural occasions and cultural celebrations.

Also covered: the etiquette of asking your host for guidance without appearing helpless, the truth about overdressed versus underdressed and why elegance is almost always the safer choice, and how to build a considered capsule wardrobe that ensures you are beautifully prepared for every occasion, without the last-minute panic.

Because dressing well is not, at its heart, about fashion. It is about consideration, confidence, and the very great pleasure of getting it beautifully right.

Topics include: Black Tie etiquette, cocktail attire, smart casual, dress codes for multicultural occasions, capsule wardrobe for every occasion, and the etiquette of dressing with intention.

SHOW NOTES: https://thepercyinstitute.com/episode-72-decoding-dress-codes-with-confidence/

I'd love to hear from you. Please leave your comments, or ask me any questions here: https://thepercyinstitute.com/contact/

Join Louise in the pursuit of a more elegant life, and be sure to visit  her website thepercyinstitute.com for more ideas and inspiration. Follow @thepercyinstitute on Instagram and Facebook, and join the Facebook Group, The Elegance Club for exclusive offers and insights.

Have a question for Louise?

Submit it via Instagram @ThePercyInstitute or email us at [email protected]

Resources and links:

• THE ART OF AN ELEGANT LIFE MASTERCLASS:
  https://thepercyinstitute.com/the-art-of-an-elegant-lifestyle/
• Complimentary Guide to Successful Networking: https://subscribepage.io/shinelikeadiamond
• The Percy Institute website: https://thepercyinstitute.com/
• The Elegance Club Facebook ...