I was recently featured in Parenting Special Needs Magazine, where I shared gentle, practical ways to help children feel more confident during holiday events. You can read the full piece and watch the video here:

Holiday Manners for Kids with Special Needs: Simple Tips for Confident Gatherings

Below, I’m expanding on those ideas—offering timeless guidance you can use at home, in the classroom, or in your manners lessons.

1. Holiday Buffets and Special Events: Simple Table Manners for Kids

Buffets and festive spreads can feel overwhelming for children. A little preparation goes a long way in helping them feel calm and in control.

Share a few simple reminders before you arrive:

• Walk slowly and wait your turn in line.
• Take small portions first—you can always go back for more.
• Hold your plate with both hands to avoid spills.
• Keep a napkin nearby for quick, calm cleanups.

These small habits create ease and confidence, especially in busy rooms filled with people, sound, and movement.

2. Slow the Pace: Helping Kids Enjoy Their Food

Holiday meals are not a race. Many children benefit from a gentle reminder to slow down, take a breath, and truly enjoy their food.

You might say:

• “Pause and enjoy what’s on your fork.”
• “We have plenty of time—let’s all take it slowly.”
• “Savor each bite and notice the flavors.”

These phrases help create a calmer pace at the table and support children who may feel overstimulated or rushed.

3. What to Do When You Have Food in Your Mouth

It happens often: a child takes a bite and someone immediately asks a question. This can create pressure to talk with a full mouth.

Teach a simple, elegant response:

• Pause and stop chewing quickly.
• Make eye contact and smile with their eyes.
• Raise one finger slightly as a polite signal, “One moment, please.”
• Finish chewing, swallow, then respond to the question.

This small script gives children permission to slow down and respond with ease, instead of rushing or feeling embarrassed.

4. Holiday Conversation Skills for Kids

Holiday gatherings are a beautiful opportunity to practice conversation skills. Children love having a simple “how to” for talking with relatives and guests.

Offer these gentle guidelines:

• Look at the person who is speaking to you.
• Listen with your whole face—eyes, expression, and body turned toward them.
• Ask open-ended questions like, “What was your favorite part of the day?”
• Add a short comment or follow-up question to keep the conversation going.

These soft skills help children feel more included, capable, and connected during the holidays—and beyond.

A Season of Grace, Warmth, and Connection

Holiday manners are not about perfection. They are about confidence, presence, and creating ease for the children we love.

If you’d like more holiday ideas and tips, you can explore my feature in Parenting Special Needs Magazine here:

Holiday Manners for Kids with Special Needs: Simple Tips for Confident Gatherings

May this season bring kindness, calm moments, and beautiful gatherings for you and the children in your life.

Holiday Manners for Kids: FAQ

How do I teach my child table manners for holiday gatherings?

Start with a few simple, repeatable skills: walking slowly at the buffet, taking small portions, using a napkin, and staying seated while eating. Practice at home before the event so your child feels secure and knows what to expect.

How can I help my child slow down when eating during the holidays?

Set a relaxed tone. Invite everyone at the table to slow down, breathe, and enjoy their food. Use gentle prompts like “We’re not in a hurry” or “Let’s take our time and savor each bite,” and model the pace you’d like to see.

What should my child do if someone asks a question while they have food in their mouth?

Teach your child a simple script: pause, make eye contact, smile, and raise one finger as a signal to wait. Then have them finish chewing, swallow, and respond. This keeps the interaction polite and comfortable for both sides.

How can I support a child with special needs at holiday meals?

Prepare ahead of time by talking about what the event will look like, who will be there, and what the food and surroundings might be like. Offer clear, simple expectations, and give your child breaks if the environment becomes overstimulating. Most of all, focus on comfort, connection, and small, achievable steps.

4. How can I support kids with special needs at holiday gatherings?

Prepare them ahead of time with visuals or simple expectations, keep routines consistent when possible, offer breaks, and focus on comfort over perfection.

The post Holiday Manners for Kids: Simple Tips for Confident Gatherings appeared first on Manners To Go™.

What Mentorship Really Means

A mentor is not the same as a coach. A coach offers strategies and structure. A mentor offers wisdom, perspective, and a relationship built on trust.

Mentorship is a close, genuine connection—one that keeps your best interest at heart. It’s about walking beside you as you make important business decisions, helping you refine your message, elevate your presence, and create a vision that feels true to who you are.

When you’re certified with Manners To Go®, you are not a number. You’re seen, heard, and guided.

Why Mentorship Matters When You’re Starting a Business

• Personalized mentorship & feedback—so you feel supported, not overwhelmed.
• Ongoing access & real conversations—momentum that moves your business forward.
• A proven framework—curriculum, launch steps, and visibility strategies that work.
• Confidence & accountability—because I believe in your success as much as you do.

My goal is to help you not only become certified but also become the woman who runs her business with grace, purpose, and profit.

A Relationship That Lasts

Many of our certified educators describe their experience as life-changing. They leave inspired, equipped, and connected—not only to a curriculum, but to a mentor who continues to guide and celebrate their growth.

That’s the heart of Manners To Go®. It’s more than a certification. It’s a relationship built on belief, encouragement, and results.

Get Certified & Start With Mentorship »

FAQs

How is mentorship different from coaching inside Manners To Go®?

Coaching gives tactics; mentorship gives proximity, perspective, and a relationship that supports your long-term growth as a business owner and educator.

Do I receive access to Lisa if I choose virtual training?

Yes. Both virtual and in-person options include direct access, feedback, and guidance from Lisa throughout your certification and launch.

What kind of business topics do you mentor me through?

Positioning, pricing, packaging, outreach to schools and parents, launching your first classes, presentations, and building your brand with confidence.

Who is this certification ideal for?

Women who want to start a manners business, teach children essential life skills, and grow with an elegant, modern curriculum—supported by true mentorship.

Ready to take the next step? Explore certification details or start a conversation.

Related Article: Your Etiquette Style: Which Are You?

Here is a FREE Guide to Help YOU Start a Business Teaching Manners to Children

CLICK THE IMAGE TO GET THE DOWNLOAD RIGHT NOW

   

Here Are Your Next Steps

Get to Know Manners To Go™

Most likely, you will want to get to know us. Feel free to call or email us. Click on the links below. We are happy to discuss the details with you.

Send Email to Lisa Richey

Schedule a Call With Lisa

Decide on the best training option for you

We offer two trainings to become certified to teach manners to children:

Option #1:

“Live” Video Training

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 NOT self-guided.

Learn More

Option #2:

Two-Day In-Person

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.

Learn More

Receive the curriculum and book your training dates

Upon payment, you receive the curriculum. Next, we will send an email asking you to schedule your first training date.

Join the
Manners To Go™ movement with Lisa Richey.

Email to Lisa Richey

The post Power of Mentorship Become Certified with Manners To Go appeared first on Manners To Go™.

Let me give you a glimpse — because every week, I have the privilege of speaking with our licensees who are living their dream right now.

Just last week, I mentored one of our new licensees as she prepared to lead a summer camp. She will be teaching children every morning, inspiring young minds, and making a lasting impact. We brainstormed creative ways to use role-playing activities, curated movie clips, and innovative ideas for teaching table manners even when food isn’t an option.

Another licensee recently started teaching private instruction for a celebrity chef’s child. (Yes — it’s as exciting as it sounds!)

Staying closely connected with our community of certified etiquette experts — mentoring them, celebrating their wins, and watching them thrive — is one of the most meaningful parts of what I do.

Now, let’s talk about you.

You can do this. You are ready. Your future is brighter than you can imagine.

Who will you become once you are certified?

• A confident business owner making a difference in your community.
• A woman who unleashes her creative genius and shapes her own future.
• A leader who inspires the next generation with kindness, confidence, and grace.
• A woman who chooses freedom — the freedom to build a business and a life you love.

Here are three powerful questions to ask yourself today:

1. What would it feel like to wake up each morning knowing I’m living my purpose?
2. How would my life change if I had the freedom to run my own business on my terms?
3. What would it mean to finally use my gifts to impact children, families, and my community?

You are closer than you think. And I am here to walk beside you every step of the way.

Step Into Your Future With Manners To Go Certification

Related Article: Are Thank You Notes Still In Style?

Related Article: Three Things I Know About You If You Want to Teach Business Etiquette

Here is a FREE Guide to Help YOU Start a Business Teaching Manners to Children

CLICK THE IMAGE TO GET THE DOWNLOAD RIGHT NOW

   

Here Are Your Next Steps

Get to Know Manners To Go™

Most likely, you will want to get to know us. Feel free to call or email us. Click on the links below. We are happy to discuss the details with you.

Send Email to Lisa Richey

Schedule a Call With Lisa

Decide on the best training option for you

We offer two trainings to become certified to teach manners to children:

Option #1:

“Live” Video Training

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 NOT self-guided.

Learn More

Option #2:

Two-Day In-Person

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.

Learn More

Receive the curriculum and book your training dates

Upon payment, you receive the curriculum. Next, we will send an email asking you to schedule your first training date.

Join the
Manners To Go™ movement with Lisa Richey.

Email to Lisa Richey

The post Transform Your Life Now With an Etiquette Certification appeared first on Manners To Go™.

When it comes to teaching children manners, why not do it with a touch of charm and whimsy? Claris, is a chic little mouse with a heart full of kindness. Written by Megan Hess, Claris Gets Dressed and Claris: How Do You Feel? are two must-have books for anyone building an etiquette library.

Whether you’re just getting started with your etiquette certification or already teaching manners in daycares and preschools, these delightful stories offer a fabulous foundation for creating engaging lesson plans that inspire children to be their most polished selves.

Why Claris is Perfect for Your Etiquette Curriculum

Megan Hess brings magic to manners with her stylish illustrations and relatable storylines. Let’s unpack why these books are essentials for your teaching toolkit:

• Claris Gets Dressed: A charming tale that goes beyond fashion, teaching children the importance of self-expression, confidence, and care for their belongings. Use this book to inspire lessons on dressing appropriately for occasions—a foundational life skill wrapped in fun.
• Claris: How Do You Feel?: This beautifully illustrated guide to emotions is a treasure trove for teaching empathy, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence. It’s perfect for showing children how to identify and express their feelings—a core component of etiquette that goes hand-in-hand with social skills.

How to Use Claris in Your Manners Lesson Plans

Here’s how you can incorporate these books into your curriculum:

1. Storytime with a Purpose: Start each lesson with a reading from Claris Gets Dressed or Claris: How Do You Feel?. Discuss key takeaways like being respectful, embracing individuality, and understanding emotions.
2. Interactive Activities: Pair the books with hands-on activities like a “Dress for the Occasion” game or an “Emotions Charades” session to make the lessons come alive.
3. Crafting Confidence: Encourage kids to create their own “Claris Outfit Collage” or design their own “Mood Meter” inspired by the stories. These crafts help cement the lessons while sparking creativity.

Curate a Library That Inspires All Ages

When training new licensees, I always emphasize the importance of an etiquette library. A thoughtfully curated collection serves as both an educational resource and an inspiring touchpoint for students. Megan Hess’s books are the perfect starting point for younger audiences, but don’t stop there! Include classics for teens and business-focused reads for adults to ensure your library has something for everyone.

Make Teaching Manners Stylish, Fun, and Effective

Your etiquette classes don’t have to be stuffy. By incorporating beautiful, fashion-forward books like the Claris series into your lesson plans, you’ll elevate your curriculum and create unforgettable experiences for your students.

Ready to Build Your Dream Business Teaching Manners?
Start with the right tools—including a chic library that serves all ages. Explore how our etiquette certification can guide you every step of the way to creating meaningful lessons that leave a lasting impression.

✨ Download our FREE guide: “Six Things I Wish I Had Know Before Starting My Etiquette Business”

Related Article: A Book for Your Etiquette Library at Home

Here is a FREE Guide to Help YOU Start a Business Teaching Manners to Children

CLICK THE IMAGE TO GET THE DOWNLOAD RIGHT NOW

   

Here Are Your Next Steps

Get to Know Manners To Go™

Most likely, you will want to get to know us. Feel free to call or email us. Click on the links below. We are happy to discuss the details with you.

Send Email to Lisa Richey

Schedule a Call With Lisa

Decide on the best training option for you

We offer two trainings to become certified to teach manners to children:

Option #1:

“Live” Video Training

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 NOT self-guided.

Learn More

Option #2:

Two-Day In-Person

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.

Learn More

Receive the curriculum and book your training dates

Upon payment, you receive the curriculum. Next, we will send an email asking you to schedule your first training date.

Join the
Manners To Go™ movement with Lisa Richey.

Email to Lisa Richey

The post Build Your Dream Etiquette Library appeared first on Manners To Go™.

Supper or Dinner? Do you know the difference?

I grew up in the south and some days I would go directly to my grandmother’s after school.  

She was such a good southern cook – chicken and dumplings, greens, fried chicken and the best biscuits ever!

I remember as a little girl, she would often refer to certain meals as “supper”.

Today’s article defines the difference between supper and dinner.

For those on the path to etiquette certification, you’ve probably heard the age-old question: is it supper or dinner? What may seem like a simple choice of words can actually reveal much about tradition, culture, and style. As a soon-to-be certified etiquette expert, you’ll want to know the difference—and how to teach it with charm and grace. So, let’s serve up the facts with a side of fun, shall we?

Supper vs. Dinner: What’s the Difference?

Before you begin crafting your manners lesson plans and activities, it’s important to know the subtle (and not-so-subtle) distinctions between supper and dinner. Here’s a chic, bite-sized breakdown:

• Dinner is typically considered the main meal of the day, often served in the evening but not always. The word “dinner” comes from the French word “dîner,” meaning to dine, and it originally referred to the largest meal—regardless of the time of day.
• Supper, on the other hand, is a lighter evening meal. It’s more casual, often served later in the evening or even after an early dinner. Supper has a cozy, homey feel—it’s less about grandeur and more about comfort.

In essence, if you’re sitting down to a grand feast with multiple courses and maybe even a bit of formal attire, it’s dinner. If you’re enjoying a light meal with a more relaxed vibe, it’s supper.

Teaching the Difference: Stylish, Sophisticated, and Fun

For those creating etiquette certification lesson plans, knowing how to teach this distinction is key. Here’s how you can weave this concept into your curriculum with flair:

• Dinner Party Perfection: Plan a mock dinner party for your participants. Create an activity where they plan both a formal dinner and a cozy supper. Have them explore not only the menu but also the differences in ambiance, attire, and table setting. This is an excellent way to teach table manners while offering them a creative, hands-on experience.
• Role-Playing: In your next etiquette course, why not have your students play the roles of host and guest for both a supper and a dinner scenario? This interactive approach will help them understand the social nuances and expectations that come with each occasion.

Supper or Dinner? Why It Matters

As etiquette experts, your goal is to equip clients with the confidence to gracefully handle any dining situation. Whether they’re hosting a formal dinner or inviting friends over for a casual supper, knowing the difference will help them make informed decisions—especially when it comes to teaching table manners.

While dinner is often associated with formal dining etiquette (cue the forks, knives, and maybe even a seating chart), supper is more relaxed. It’s a time for informal conversation, cozy meals, and simple pleasures. Teaching your students when each is appropriate—and how to navigate both settings—will be a stylish skill they’ll always appreciate.

Bringing It to the Table: How to Teach Kids About Supper and Dinner

If your manners lesson plans involve working with children, teaching the difference between supper and dinner can be a playful, engaging activity.

• “What’s for Dinner?” Game: In this fun activity, create a scenario where the kids plan a meal. Is it a formal dinner with multiple courses, or a cozy supper with comfort food? You can use toys or props to help illustrate the different settings, teaching them about table manners in a way that’s easy to understand.
• Table Setting Fun: Show children how the table setting might change for supper vs. dinner. A dinner setting might include extra utensils and a more formal arrangement, while a supper table could be simpler and more relaxed. Teaching them the difference allows for an early understanding of manners at the table that can grow with them.

Conclusion: Serving Up Etiquette Expertise with Supper and Dinner

In the world of etiquette, even the smallest details matter—and knowing the difference between supper and dinner is one of those stylish distinctions every certified expert should master. Whether you’re teaching adults to host an elegant dinner party or showing children how to set a cozy supper table, it’s all about blending sophistication with a touch of fun.

Ready to teach your students to dine with grace, no matter the meal? It’s time to put the “chic” in your certification!

Related Article: Being Fancy for Etiquette Experts

Here is a FREE Guide to Help YOU Start a Business Teaching Manners to Children

CLICK THE IMAGE TO GET THE DOWNLOAD RIGHT NOW

   

Here Are Your Next Steps

Get to Know Manners To Go™

Most likely, you will want to get to know us. Feel free to call or email us. Click on the links below. We are happy to discuss the details with you.

Send Email to Lisa Richey

Schedule a Call With Lisa

Decide on the best training option for you

We offer two trainings to become certified to teach manners to children:

Option #1:

“Live” Video Training

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 NOT self-guided.

Learn More

Option #2:

Two-Day In-Person

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.

Learn More

Receive the curriculum and book your training dates

Upon payment, you receive the curriculum. Next, we will send an email asking you to schedule your first training date.

Join the
Manners To Go™ movement with Lisa Richey.

Email to Lisa Richey

The post Supper vs.Dinner: Stylish Guide for Etiquette Experts appeared first on Manners To Go™.

If I were you, I would like more details. We believe in the human connection. Feel free to email us or schedule a time to speak with me, the founder of Manners To Go.

Here is a FREE Guide to Help YOU Start a Business Teaching Manners to Children

CLICK THE IMAGE TO GET THE DOWNLOAD RIGHT NOW

   

Here Are Your Next Steps

Get to Know Manners To Go™

Most likely, you will want to get to know us. Feel free to call or email us. Click on the links below. We are happy to discuss the details with you.

Send Email to Lisa Richey

Schedule a Call With Lisa

Decide on the best training option for you

We offer two trainings to become certified to teach manners to children:

Option #1:

“Live” Video Training

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 NOT self-guided.

Learn More

Option #2:

Two-Day In-Person

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.

Learn More

Receive the curriculum and book your training dates

Upon payment, you receive the curriculum. Next, we will send an email asking you to schedule your first training date.

Join the
Manners To Go™ movement with Lisa Richey.

Email to Lisa Richey

The post Get to Know Manners To Go appeared first on Manners To Go™.