Profiles in Etiquette – Elizabeth Post

                               

Etiquette writer and authority, Elizabeth L. (Libby) Post, was the wife of Emily Post’s only grandson, (Bill) Post. It was Elizabeth who took over as the spokesperson and author for The Emily Post Institute in 1965, five years after Emily Post’s death in 1960. 

Born in Englewood, New Jersey, and educated at the Dobbs Ferry Master’s School, She was the first successor to Emily Post’s family business, working for more than 30 years on behalf of The Emily Post Institute. During her tenure as author and spokesperson, Mrs. Post revised and updated Emily Post’s book “Etiquette” five times from 1965 to 1992.

Along with helming the company throughout the sweeping social changes of the 1960’s and 1970’s, Post authored many other books, all under the “Emily Post” name. The books were frequently revised, and included “Emily Post’s Complete Book of Wedding Etiquette,” “Emily Post’s Wedding Planner,” “Emily Post’s Table Manners for Today,” “Emily Post on Business Etiquette,” “Emily Post on Second Weddings,” “Please, Say Please,” “The Complete Book of Entertaining” with co-author Anthony Staffieri, and “Emily Post’s Teen Etiquette” with co-author Joan M. Coles.                 

Along with her books, she wrote a monthly column for Good Housekeeping magazine entitled “Etiquette for Everyday” and even created and marketed a line of “Correct Cosmetics” sold in small department stores nationwide, which included face powder, lipsticks, scents and more. She gave hundreds of media interviews annually and frequently appeared as a guest speaker across the country. She enjoyed an active outdoor lifestyle and traveling with her husband, and divided her time between their homes in Florida and Vermont. Post retired in 1995 and passed away 15 years later, in April of 2010.

Doing the Right Thing 

By Elizabeth L. Post, 1968

Expressions of Sympathy

Dear Mrs. Post: I often encounter a situation which I find very awkward. What does one say to a girl or boy whose brother is leaving for Vietnam? What does one do if the boy or girl begins to show signs of crying? M.H.

Dear M.H.: This is a situation we are all facing more and more. The best answer is to say little, especially if the other person is very emotional. A word or two, such as "Wish him good-luck for me," or "Tell him we'll be thinking of him,” or possibly "I hope the year will pass quickly for you. I will remember him in my prayers,’’ is enough to indicate your sympathy.

Corsage for Godmother

Dear Mrs. Post: I will be married soon and I would like to get a corsage for my godmother. When I was baptized my godparents weren’t married, now they are, but not to each other. Do I have to get a corsage for my godfather’s wife, too, or just for my godmother? Ellen

Dear Ellen: You need not give your godfather's wife a corsage, but since you are giving your godmother one, I would suggest that you give your godfather a boutonniere.

 Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia