Book Launch Day
Here’s what happened in order, all in one day:
Live interview with CNN
Filmed with PBS
Interviewed with The Skimm
Interviewed with Today.com
Visited Times Square to see my billboard
Celebrated over lunch with my agent, my publicist, and several industry colleagues
Visited Times Square to see my billboard (for the 3rd time - haha). What an unforgettable moment
Wrapped the day with a live interview on 94.7 The Block radio show
Barnes & Noble at The Grove7:00 pm
You can still RSVP HERE RSVP
The Art of Preparing Without Panic
As I’m packing my bags for the book tour, I’ve been thinking about what preparation really means. We often see it as a checklist, clothes, notes, schedules, and all the little details that help things go smoothly. But true preparation begins long before the suitcase is zipped.
Real preparation is about creating calm. It’s taking time to get centered so you can show up for life with grace and confidence. When we rush, we often forget that our presence is just as important as our plan.
In my work as an etiquette expert, I’ve learned that good manners are rooted in thoughtfulness. And thoughtfulness starts with preparation. Even something as simple as packing can be done with intention.
Here are a few ways I prepare before heading out on the road:
Check the weather. Before you start packing, look at the forecast for each city on your trip. Knowing what to expect helps you pack smart and avoid last-minute stress.
Double up when you can. Choose clothing and shoes that can be mixed and matched to create multiple looks without overpacking. A neutral base with one or two statement pieces can take you far.
Carry a few essentials. Keep travel-size wipes, breath mints, and a small steamer or wrinkle-release spray in your bag so you can stay polished on the go.
Plan for gratitude. Bring small bills or envelopes with cash set aside for tipping hotel staff, drivers, or anyone who lends a helping hand. Generosity is always in style.
Give yourself time. Start packing early so you can move slowly and thoughtfully, not frantically. Preparation done with care always leads to peace.
Preparation is not about perfection. It’s about peace. And when you approach your plans with that mindset, grace naturally follows.
You can find more reflections like this in Elaine Swann’s Book of Modern Etiquette, where I share practical ways to bring calm, confidence, and class into everyday life.
I Cried at a Business Meeting
In her hands was my new book (and a pen).
I hadn’t realized that the books were being shipped out yet. Everything I had been told from the publisher to the distributor was that the books would not be released until November 18th. But lo and behold, people are already receiving them!
So there I was at church on Sunday when one of the mothers came walking toward me, smiling from ear to ear, holding my book in her hands and asking me to sign it. She was just beaming, and in that moment, I felt my heart swell with gratitude.
Fast forward to Monday morning, during my regular Motivational Monday call with our 30-plus Swann School owners. I was making announcements and, of course, sharing details about my upcoming book tour. I told them about this encounter at church and how surprised I was to see someone holding my book for the very first time.
As I started to share the story, something happened that I didn’t expect. I became so overwhelmed with emotion that I started crying. On a business call!
For over a year, I poured my heart, time, and energy into creating Elaine Swann’s Book of Modern Etiquette. I have dreamed about the moment when people would finally hold it in their hands. But to actually see it happen, right before my eyes, brought everything full circle. It was no longer an idea on paper. It was real.
And I think that is why I could not hold back the tears.
There is something so powerful about seeing your work, something you have dreamed about, prayed over, and pushed through, come to life. It reminded me that the journey is filled with ups and downs, but moments like this make every challenge worthwhile.
So yes, I cried at a business meeting. And if you see me crying again during the book tour, now you know why!
If you are in or near one of the cities, I would love for you to join me. Come be part of this moment with me. It would truly do my heart good to see you there.
[See Book Tour Cities and Dates →]
Oh, and here is a photo of her and me with the book. She asked one of the sisters to take a picture of us.
With love and gratitude,
Elaine
Elegance in Motion: How to Eat Continental Style with Confidence
Dining in a business or professional setting isn’t just about enjoying a meal — it’s an opportunity to communicate who you are without saying a single word. Every motion, from the way you enter the room to the way you hold your utensils, sends a message about your poise, professionalism, and confidence.
When you’re seated at the table with colleagues, clients, or executives, you want your actions to reflect composure and ease. The way you eat can make a lasting impression, especially when it’s done with subtle grace. That’s where Continental style dining comes in.
Why Continental Style Matters
In Continental style dining, the fork and knife remain in your hands as you eat. It’s a seamless, fluid method used around the world — one that projects confidence and refinement. The fork rests in your left hand, tines facing down, while the knife stays in your right hand, guiding each bite with quiet precision.
This style eliminates the constant switching of utensils between hands, allowing your movements to remain smooth and unhurried. It’s not just about how it looks — it’s about how it feels. When you dine this way, your motions become intentional and calm, sending a powerful message: I’m in control, I’m composed, and I belong here.
Creating the Right Cadence at the Table
In professional settings, your ability to balance conversation and dining shows emotional intelligence and awareness. You should be able to take small bites, finish them before speaking, and engage naturally in the flow of conversation. The key is to maintain a relaxed rhythm — never rushing, never appearing preoccupied with your food.
Think of it as a graceful dance between eating and engaging. When your utensils are held correctly and your motions are measured, you free your mind to focus on what truly matters — connecting with the people around you.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
We’ve all seen it — someone gripping their utensils tightly, fists raised as if holding tools instead of refined instruments. That kind of posture breaks the visual flow and sends the wrong signal. It appears tense, awkward, and even careless.
Instead, the goal is to let your utensils rest gently in your hands, the handles nestled in your palms, with your index fingers extended along the back for control. It’s a small adjustment that makes a world of difference.
Elegance in Motion
When you dine Continental style, every movement tells a story — of calm confidence, practiced grace, and quiet sophistication. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being intentional.
If you’d like to see this technique in action, watch my short video below where I demonstrate exactly how to hold your utensils and maintain composure at the table.
If you’re ready to refine your etiquette for every occasion — from the boardroom to the dinner table — you’ll find many more modern-day tips in my upcoming book, Elaine Swann’s Book of Modern Etiquette, available November 18, 2025.
✨ Watch the video
The Dining Table Is Where Community Grows
Meals are meant to bring people together. Whether it’s friends, colleagues, or family, the dining table becomes a space for connection, laughter, and even important conversations. But nothing disrupts that spirit faster than an awkward moment over the check.
That’s why it’s best to address the bill early in the meal. A simple, straightforward question can set the tone and put everyone at ease:
“Hey folks, how are we going to split the bill? Two and two? Four and four? Are we all paying evenly?”
By bringing it up at the start, you avoid confusion later and give everyone clarity. The focus shifts back to what really matters — the food, the conversation, and the sense of community built around the table.
Dining etiquette isn’t about making things complicated. It’s about smoothing the way so we can enjoy the people we’re with.
This tip is adapted from Elaine Swann’s Book of Modern Etiquette. The modern guide to living well with Grace and Style. [Order your copy here.]
Why Spaghetti Isn’t the Best Choice at a Business Dinner
A business dinner isn’t just about the food — it’s about the impression you leave. Everything from your conversation to the way you handle your meal shapes how others perceive you.
That’s why it’s best to avoid dishes that can get messy or complicated, like spaghetti, ribs, or oversized sandwiches. These foods may be delicious, but they require extra attention and can easily create distractions. Instead of focusing on the people at the table, you may find yourself worrying about spills, stains, or awkward bites.
Choosing a simpler dish allows you to stay present and confident. It signals that you understand the setting and respect the purpose of the meal: building relationships.
At a business dinner, let the conversation be the highlight — not the cleanup.
This tip is adapted from Elaine Swann’s Book of Modern Etiquette. The modern guide to living well with Grace and Style. [Order your copy here.]
Why You Should Wait Before Picking Up Your Fork
At a formal dinner, timing matters. One of the simplest but most telling ways to show respect is to wait for the host to begin before you start eating.
This small gesture says, “I value the person who brought us together.” It also keeps everyone in sync, creating a sense of order and ease at the table.
In moments like these, etiquette isn’t about rules for rules’ sake. It’s about respect, awareness, and setting the tone for a positive experience.
The next time you sit down for a meal, take a breath, wait for the host’s cue, and enjoy the confidence that comes with doing things the gracious way.
This tip is adapted from Elaine Swann’s Book of Modern Etiquette—the modern guide to living well with Grace and Style.
Order your copy here.
The Art of Keeping Calls Considerate
When it comes to cell phone etiquette, one of the most impactful habits is how we handle calls in shared spaces. Using speakerphone in public can unintentionally turn a private chat into a public broadcast, and that can be a little disruptive for those around us.
Instead, try popping in a pair of earbuds or simply holding the phone up to your ear. It’s a small change that instantly shows courtesy and keeps your conversations private. And if you really need to use speakerphone, step into a quieter corner or a private space when possible.
These little etiquette touches not only show respect but also add a layer of polish to how you present yourself in everyday life. So next time you’re out and about, remember that a little phone courtesy goes a long way!
Why Phones Don’t Belong at the Table
Meals are about more than food — they’re about connection. Yet, in our modern world, the constant pull of our phones often interrupts what could be meaningful moments.
Picture this: you’re out to dinner with a friend, and in between bites, they reach for their phone. Even a quick scroll or glance sends an unintended message: “This moment with you isn’t enough to hold my attention.”
Here’s how to handle it differently:
Keep Your Phone Off the Table: A phone placed on the table can be just as distracting as one in your hand. Tuck it away in your bag or pocket so the focus stays on the people present.
Savor the Moment: Use mealtime as a chance to slow down, share stories, and really enjoy the company of others.
Build Connection: Mealtime is one of the few times in our busy schedules when we can truly connect. Protect it.
Resisting the urge to check your phone between bites shows that you honor the shared experience. It’s a simple but powerful way to create lasting memories and stronger relationships.
Why Checking Your Phone Mid-Conversation Sends the Wrong Message
We’ve all experienced it — you’re talking with someone and suddenly their phone buzzes. In that moment, they glance down at their screen, and the flow of connection breaks.
It may seem harmless, but what it communicates is powerful: “This notification is more important than you.” Even if that’s not the intent, that’s how it can feel to the person across from you.
So, what’s the better approach?
Be Present: When you’re engaged in conversation, give the other person your full attention. Maintaining eye contact and listening actively shows that you value their time.
Handle Emergencies Gracefully: Of course, life happens. If you truly need to check your phone, politely excuse yourself: “I’m sorry, I just need to check this quickly.” That small acknowledgment goes a long way in preserving respect.
Set the Tone: Before sitting down for coffee or a meal, silence your phone and keep it face down. By doing this, you set a tone of courtesy and invite the other person to do the same.
In today’s fast-paced, always-connected world, giving someone your undivided attention is one of the simplest yet most meaningful acts of respect. It tells them: “You matter.”
Blog Post Title Three
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Blog Post Title Four
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.