Be a Host With the Most, Per Emily Post

Avoid common seasonal pitfalls on the advice of the leading etiquette guide

- Sarah Rappaport

 The holidays may be the most wonderful time of the year, but entertaining during them is stressful. “Sometimes the moment overwhelms people, and they forget to focus on the important thing, which is human connection,” says Daniel Post Senning, co-president of the Emily Post Institute and great-great-grandson of famed manners expert Emily Post. “The point of etiquette is to focus on relationships, and if you can do that during the holidays, you’ll be in good shape.” In October, Senning and his cousin Lizzie Post marked the centennial of Emily Post’s Etiquette with the release of the guide’s 20th edition. It covers everything from thank-you notes (still relevant!) to how much to tip in a ride-share (10% to 20%). Senning spoke with Bloomberg Pursuits about avoiding common mistakes during festive entertaining.