It’s that time of year again: the leaves are falling, the temperature is dropping, and warm spices are filling the air.
Autumn is a time of celebration—from the spookiness of last week’s Halloween to Thanksgiving family gatherings—but it is also a time for contemplation. Now that the year is coming to a close, we can take the time to reflect on our habits and improve upon them (and no, that’s not just reserved for New Year’s Day). Before we get ready to dine with our loved ones and enjoy the Fall delights, let’s make this Autumn filled with etiquette.
1. Show your thanks with a thank you note.
This season is the time to give thanks. In the United States, a Thanksgiving dinner celebration is par for the course for November, and it’s a time where family and friends can take the time to enjoy each other’s company. No Thanksgiving feast is complete without giving a few thanks, but the “thank-you”s don’t just end at the dining table.
Whomever has invited you to their holiday event, be sure to write them a thank you note to express your gratitude. This reiterates what you have told them in addition to being much more personalized. At The American School of Protocol, we stress the importance of writing thank you notes in all aspects of life from personal to professional. After all, it’s much easier to give a proper thanks without having a mouthful of turkey!
2. Wear a sweater set or vest for classy fall fashion.
While the weather is cooling, it’s important to bundle up. A sweater is a go-to for staying warm in Autumn. However, fashion etiquette dictates that if you truly want to elevate your sweater game, try a sweater set or vest. Fashion is a key part of etiquette, as looking your best shows self-respect and conversational power.
A sweater set involves a two-piece cardigan and short-sleeve top combo, while a sweater vest can be placed atop a long-sleeve collared shirt. Although sweater sets were predominately marketed toward women and vests toward men, anybody can wear these classy outfits that will add extra visual appeal for fall. Try warm colors to match the vibe of the season!
3. No toothpicks at the table.
Eating stringy or gristly foods like turkey or stuffing can definitely leave a mark. That is, you may find an annoying piece of food caught in your teeth! It’s unpleasant and irritating to have, and you may feel the need to pick that piece of food right out with a pick at the table. No matter your urges, you must resist being unhygenic at the dinner table. This small action could make people lose their appetite!
Instead, the proper etiquette would be to excuse yourself to the restroom and remove the food from your teeth. That way, everyone can enjoy their dinner while you don’t have to be constantly worrying about a tainted smile.
4. Decorate your autumnal gatherings.
Having simple, classy decorations is an oft forgotten but important element of event-hosting. Fall leaves, gourds, and tasteful candles will make your event much more welcoming for guests.
During the etiquette seminars at The American School of Protocol, we like to decorate our table with fresh flowers, decorative papers, and more. These small details on the table make great results.
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Use these etiquette tips wisely to make this Autumn perfect. We only have a few etiquette certification course dates left for 2026, and we will use this time to ensure that all students can have an etiquette fall. Don’t forget to thank your loved ones at this time for all they do—and write it in a note!