Manners and Other Matters

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January often encourages dramatic change and bold promises.

In this episode of Manners and Other Matters, Louise explores a quieter, more refined approach to New Year’s resolutions.

Rather than focusing on fitness, food or self-reinvention, Louise reframes confidence as something built through manners, etiquette and thoughtful communication. She answers the real questions women ask when they hesitate at the idea of a “manners course”, addressing misconceptions with warmth, clarity and modern relevance.

This episode is for people who manage well on the outside but seek greater ease, presence and confidence in everyday life, both socially and professionally. A calm, practical conversation about refinement, reassurance and showing up with quiet confidence in the year ahead.

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.

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 Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepercyinstitute
• The Percy Institute Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepercyinstitut...

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If the thought of hosting fills you with anxiety rather than anticipation, this episode is for you.

In From Panic to Poise, Hosting with Confidence, Louise Percy gently unpacks why entertaining so often feels overwhelming and how, with thoughtful planning and a shift in mindset, it can once again become a joy.

Drawing on her own experience hosting a milestone birthday luncheon for forty guests, Louise shares practical wisdom, elegant reassurance and a failsafe event planning checklist developed over more than 30 years.

This episode is an invitation to let go of perfection, embrace preparation and host with warmth, presence and quiet 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.

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 Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepercyinstitute
• The Percy Institute Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepercyinstitut...

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In this festive-season episode of Manners and Other Matters, Louise is joined by her dear friend Christine for an elegant and contemporary conversation about gift-giving, while they eachh sip o Together, they explore the modern etiquette of Christmas and holiday gifts, from whether families still need to give gifts to every relative, to the rise of Secret Santa, group gifting, and thoughtful alternatives when families become large or budgets tight. Louise and Christine also discuss the do’s and don’ts of re-gifting, the art of wrapping, how to respond graciously when someone gives you a gift unexpectedly, and navigating blended families with ease.

Whether you really enjoy the ritual of choosing presents or find the season a little overwhelming, this episode offers warm, practical guidance to help you give, and receive, with confidence and grace.

SHOW NOTES: https://thepercyinstitute.com/episode-57-a-guide-to-contemporary-festive-gift-giving/

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.

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 Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepercyinstitute
• The Percy Institute Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepercyinstitut...

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Across the world, the festive season brings joy, celebration, and at times, a few dilemmas. From Christmas and Hanukkah and other festive celebrations, each tradition invites opportunities to express warmth, generosity, and inclusion.

In this episode of Manners and Other Matters, etiquette and lifestyle expert Louise Percy explores the art of celebrating with grace across cultures and faiths. Discover how to navigate greetings and gift-giving, handle dietary restrictions and family tensions, and include those who may be alone during the holidays, all with elegance and empathy.

Whether you’re sending cards, hosting guests, or simply seeking calm amidst the season’s pace, this episode will help you approach every festive gathering with poise, kindness and confidence.

SHOW NOTES: https://thepercyinstitute.com/episode-56-festive-gatherings-etiquette-across-cultures/

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.

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 Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepercyinstitute
• The Percy Institute Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepercyinstitut...

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As the year draws to a close, so too comes the season of office parties, client events, and festive gatherings, occasions that test our networking skills as much as our social confidence. In this episode of Manners and Other Matters, etiquette and lifestyle coach Louise Percy shares elegant, practical strategies for making genuine connections during the end-of-year party season.

From starting conversations with confidence, remembering names, and joining groups gracefully, to knowing when and how to make an elegant exit, Louise offers thoughtful advice to help you shine, not shout, in any room. Whether you are representing your organisation or your own business, discover how to blend charm, confidence, and poise for a polished professional presence.

SHOW NOTES: https://thepercyinstitute.com/episode-55-networking-with-confidence-and-etiquette-small-talk-smart-talk-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.

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 Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepercyinstitute
• The Percy Institute Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepercyinstitut...

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From managing late friends to mastering graceful exits, this episode of Manners and Other Matters explores the everyday moments that test our social finesse.

Join etiquette and elegant lifestyle consultant Louise Percy as she answers real questions from listeners in 90 countries, women and men seeking calm, confident guidance through modern social dilemmas. Whether it’s how to decline an invitation politely, handle a phone-addicted friend, or graciously accept a compliment, Louise shares timeless principles for living with thoughtfulness and poise in today’s world.

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 To submit your own question for a future Ask Louise episode, visit The Percy Institute website or connect on Instagram @thepercyinstitute.

SHOW NOTES: https://thepercyinstitute.com/episode-54-ask-louise-everyday-etiquette-dilemmas-answered/

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.

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 Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepercyinstitute
• The Percy Institute Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepercyinstitut...

Send us Fan Mail

In this vibrant episode of Manners and Other Matters, Louise Percy welcomes renowned stylist Belinda Sutherland from the Department of Style to discuss the art of dressing gracefully through the changing seasons. As spring blossoms in Australia, Louise and Belinda discuss the essentials of self-auditing your wardrobe, exploring the balance between elegance and current trends. Discover how to embrace your personal style, understand your body shape, and choose colours that enhance your natural beauty. From core wardrobe staples to the power of accessories, this conversation is packed with practical tips for women navigating the complexities of fashion at any age. Whether you're a busy mum or stepping into a new phase of life, tune in for inspiration on how to cultivate confidence and a refined aesthetic that resonates with who you are.

They discuss the difference between trend and timelessness, the return of silk scarves, how to dress for your current lifestyle and why confidence comes from clarity, not comparison. From undergarments to oversized jackets, white sneakers to repurposed vintage jewellery, this episode is filled with gentle guidance and joyful fashion wisdom for women navigating life, work, motherhood, and more.

Whether you're entering your 30s, your 50s, or simply updating your wardrobe with purpose, this episode is your invitation to dress with intention and elegance this spring.

Elegant takeaway:

Style isn’t dictated by age or trends—it begins with knowing who you are, and how you wish to be seen.

SHOW NOTES: https://thepercyinstitute.com/episode-53-spring-style-with-substance-elegance-trends-and-true-confidence-with-stylist-belinda-sutherland/

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.

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 Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepercyinstitute
• The Percy Institute Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepercyinstitut...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Manners and Other Matters, Louise Percy invites you into her personal ritual of a yearly “self-audit”, a practice of thoughtful reflection, renewal, and refinement. From her sunlit garden in Perth to the carefully curated wardrobes and welcoming homes she nurtures, Louise shares how intentional choices in clothing, surroundings, friendships, and daily habits shape a more elegant and fulfilling life. More than a seasonal tidy-up, this practice is about cultivating clarity, kindness, and the confidence to let go of what no longer serves us. Whether you’re inspired by the first blossoms of spring in the southern hemisphere, or the turning leaves of autumn elsewhere, this gentle yet practical guide will encourage you to embrace your own ritual of reflection and step forward with grace.

SHOW NOTES: https://thepercyinstitute.com/episode-52-the-elegant-self-audit-a-yearly-ritual-for-living-with-intention/

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.

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 Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepercyinstitute
• The Percy Institute Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepercyinstitut...

Send us Fan Mail

In this heart-warming episode, Louise is joined by friend, Laura McRae, to discuss how everyday manners shape confident, curious children. Fresh from a family trip abroad, Laura shares the simple practices that helped her daughters (ages 7 and 10) move from “shy at the table” to ordering for themselves, conversing with adults, and even reminding Mum where the napkin belongs. Beyond knives and forks, Louise shows why conversation, courtesy, and cultural awareness are confidence builders for life; and how small rituals like phones-off dinners create big impact. You’ll hear practical tips for parents, candid reflections on screens and school norms, and easy ways to help kids say “please,” “thank you,” and “terima kasih” with ease. Listen in for gentle structure, real-world wins, and a joyful reminder: good manners make children feel capable.

SHOW NOTES: https://thepercyinstitute.com/episode-51-from-playdates-to-politeness/

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.

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 Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepercyinstitute
• The Percy Institute Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepercyinstitut...

Send us Fan Mail

Milestones invite reflection. As I recorded the 50th episode of Manners and Other Matters, I found myself pausing to consider not only the journey so far, but the deeper question that continues to come from listeners and clients alike: do manners still matter in today’s unconventional and fast-changing world?

It’s a fair question. After all, we live in an era where artificial intelligence can mimic human conversation, misinformation spreads faster than truth, and traditional social structures feel increasingly unanchored. In such a climate, it may seem tempting to dismiss etiquette as outdated or irrelevant. However I think, reinforced through decades of working in the fields of protocol, etiquette, and elegant living, is that manners have never been more vital.

Etiquette is not about rigid rules ...it is about fostering trust, enabling dialogue, and embracing diversity with grace. I invite you to listen and join me in considering how contemporary manners shape not only how we live, but who we become.

SHOW NOTES: https://thepercyinstitute.com/episode50-how-manners-respect-and-kindness-still-matter/

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.

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 Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepercyinstitute
• The Percy Institute Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepercyinstitut...