Holiday Etiquette Guide: Winning the Season with Alison Cheperdak

From Politics to Etiquette: Alison Cheperdak's Journey

• 💡 Alison Cheperdak transitioned from a career in politics, including roles in the Trump administration and at the White House, to founding Elevate Etiquette.
• 🚀 Her passion for etiquette, initially for personal growth, became a business after a friend highlighted its potential for positive impact.
• 📈 Cheperdak gained a significant online following, leading her to focus full-time on her etiquette business.

Mastering Social Skills and Conversation

• 🧠 Etiquette is reframed as being about relationships and social skills, crucial for success in fields like Washington D.C.
• 💬 A key tip for conversation is to focus on listening rather than planning what to say next, which reduces anxiety and fosters connection.
• 📌 When meeting new people, especially during holidays, ask about family traditions, favorite memories, or recipes instead of work-related topics.
• 🚫 Avoid sensitive topics like money, sex, politics, religion, and health status during casual holiday gatherings.

Navigating Table Settings and Hosting

• 🍽️ The napkin should be placed on your lap upon sitting down at a restaurant, or after the host does at a private home.
• 🧭 Remember the BMW rule for table settings: Bread on the left, Meal in the center, Water on the right.
• 🍴 Utensils should generally be used from the outside in, with dessert utensils placed at the top.
• 🪑 When hosting, seating arrangements can be thoughtful, considering guest comfort, elderly guests, or those needing to attend to children.
• 🤝 It's okay for hosts to delegate tasks and for guests to offer help, fostering a sense of family and shared experience.

Thoughtful Host Gifts and Etiquette Nuances

• 🎁 Host gifts are appreciated even if food or drink isn't requested; consider items like coffee table books or easy-to-accept contributions.
• 💌 Sending a thank-you note after a holiday gathering is a beautiful gesture and highly recommended, especially for significant events.
• ⚠️ Generally, avoid correcting others' etiquette unless you have a close relationship or a vested interest in their success; lead by example instead.
• 👗 Proper attire for holiday gatherings should generally match or exceed the host's dress code, aiming for elevated casual.

The Importance of Etiquette in Society

• ✨ Etiquette is rooted in integrity, respect, and kindness, contributing to self-confidence and how one communicates their value.
• ✈️ Simple practices, like avoiding leggings or sweatpants on airplanes, reflect a broader respect for oneself and others.
• 🏫 Offering etiquette classes in public schools could serve as an equalizer, providing essential social skills that may not be taught at home.
• 🤝 Cheperdak's most rewarding experiences involve helping individuals with social anxiety gain confidence, particularly for job interviews and professional advancement.

Holiday Traditions and Fun Facts

• 🦃 The first Thanksgiving celebration lasted three days.
• 🇺🇸 JFK was the first president to officially pardon a turkey.
• 🍽️ There were five women at the first Thanksgiving celebration.
• 📊 The average person consumes 3,000 calories on Thanksgiving Day.
• 🛒 Walmart is considered the most dangerous place to shop on Black Friday due to recorded fights.
• 🍠 Favorite Thanksgiving dishes mentioned include sweet potatoes (with marshmallows) and stuffing.
• 🚶‍♀️ A cherished tradition is a post-meal walk followed by games like charades.