Home Podcasts Manners and Other Matters
Manners and Other Matters

Manners and Other Matters

Louise Percy 81 Episodes Oct 15, 2026

Manners and Other Matters is a podcast about modern social and business etiquette, hosted by Louise Percy, an etiquette expert with 32 years of experience. In each fortnightly episode she explores everyday etiquette dilemmas and offers practical advice on elegant living, confident communication and entertaining with flair. She also answers listener questions and speaks with fellow experts about the arts, fashion, jewellery, home décor, travel and more. The aim is to help listeners treat etiquette and elegance as a positive personality choice, illustrated with real-life examples and opinions.

Episodes

79. From Market Basket to Table, The Etiquette of Shopping, Cooking and Eating Well
79. From Market Basket to Table, The Etiquette of Shopping, Cooking and Eating Well Oct 15, 2026 1266 Send us Fan MailWhat 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 co
78. The Elegance of Seasonal Living
78. The Elegance of Seasonal Living Oct 1, 2026 1884 Send us Fan MailSpring 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 war
77. Paws and Poise: Manners for our Pets
77. Paws and Poise: Manners for our Pets Sep 17, 2026 1262 Send us Fan MailDogs 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
76. "Can I eat that with my fingers?" Contemporary table manners explained
76. "Can I eat that with my fingers?" Contemporary table manners explained Sep 3, 2026 1648 Send us Fan MailWhat 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?”F
75. Jewellery with a Story, Estate Jewellery, Heirlooms and the Return of the Brooch
75. Jewellery with a Story, Estate Jewellery, Heirlooms and the Return of the Brooch Aug 13, 2026 1783 Send us Fan MailWhat 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 dec
74. The 10 Modern Etiquette Dilemmas Everyone Secretly Wonders About
74. The 10 Modern Etiquette Dilemmas Everyone Secretly Wonders About Aug 6, 2026 1537 Send us Fan MailWhen 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 exp
73. Modern Funeral Etiquette, Honouring a Life with Grace and Elegance
73. Modern Funeral Etiquette, Honouring a Life with Grace and Elegance Jul 23, 2026 1232 Send us Fan MailDeath 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 s
72. Decoding Dress Codes with Confidence
72. Decoding Dress Codes with Confidence Jul 9, 2026 1591 Send us Fan MailHave 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
71. Little Habits That Create an Elegant Life
71. Little Habits That Create an Elegant Life Jun 25, 2026 860 Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Manners and Other Matters, Louise Percy explores the true meaning of elegance and why it has little to do with designer labels, glamorous lifestyles or outward appearances.Drawing on decades of teaching etiquette and personal development through The Art of an Elegant Life Masterclass, Louise shares how elegance begins with self-respect, kindness and the small rit
70. Hotel, Resort and Luxury Travel Etiquette for the Confident and Considerate Traveller
70. Hotel, Resort and Luxury Travel Etiquette for the Confident and Considerate Traveller Jun 11, 2026 1424 Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Louise Percy explores the etiquette of hotel and resort stays, covering every stage of the guest experience from arrival to departure, and the many nuanced interactions in between. Show notes: https://thepercyinstitute.com/episode-70-hotel-resort-and-luxury-travel-etiquette-for-the-confident-and-considerate-traveller/I'd love to hear from you. Please leave you
69. Ink Over Emoji… The Timeless Elegance of Handwritten Letters, Thank You Notes and Gracious Correspondence
69. Ink Over Emoji… The Timeless Elegance of Handwritten Letters, Thank You Notes and Gracious Correspondence May 28, 2026 1379 Send us Fan MailIn an age of instant messages and digital noise, the handwritten note has quietly become one of the most powerful and elegant gestures we can offer one another. In this episode of Manners and Other Matters, Louise Percy explores the timeless art of handwritten correspondence, and why it matters more than ever.Louise shares the occasions that always call for pen and paper, the four
68. Ask Louise… The Elegance of Everyday Living
68. Ask Louise… The Elegance of Everyday Living May 14, 2026 1545 Send us Fan MailWhat does elegance really look like in everyday life?In this episode Louise answers listener questions about the quiet yet powerful habits that shape grace, confidence and modern elegance.From saying no without guilt, to receiving compliments gracefully, cultivating personal rituals, expressing gratitude, and strengthening presence through non-verbal communication, this episode exp

Recommended