Is White Gloves and Party Manners Outdated?

There’s a certain charm in books that continue to pop up in conversation decades after they were written.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked:
“Have you ever heard of White Gloves and Party Manners?”

Luckily, I do! I have a copy, thanks to a dear friend who passed it along. Every time I flip through it, I smile. The illustrations. The gentle tone. The formality. It’s a beautiful snapshot of another era.

Originally published in 1965 by Marjabelle Young and Ann Buchwald, this beloved book was once a go-to guide for teaching children proper behavior in social settings. And to this day, it continues to spark curiosity—especially among those interested in teaching etiquette to children.

But the question remains:

Is it outdated?

Let’s take a gracious look.

What’s Delightfully Outdated About White Gloves and Party Manners (But Still Fun to Read)

Like a charming black-and-white movie, some details in the book feel like they belong to another time:

• White gloves and party dresses for girls at every occasion
• Strict gender roles—like boys always making introductions and pulling out chairs
• Rigid hosting rules such as avoiding paper napkins or only sending formal invitations

While these elements might not align with modern lifestyles, they do reflect a culture of formality and care—a foundation worth remembering.

What’s Still So Relevant (and Always Will Be)

Here’s why White Gloves and Party Manners still matters:

It teaches universal manners—the kind that never go out of style.

Timeless etiquette lessons include:

• How to be a gracious guest and thoughtful host
• Speaking politely and joining conversations with ease
• Using good table manners and posture at the dining table
• Making others feel included and respected

These are the exact skills we still emphasize in today’s manners curriculum—because they create confidence, connection, and character in children.

Why This Book Still Comes Up in Conversation

At its heart, White Gloves and Party Manners isn’t about outdated rules—it’s about timeless respect. It’s a reminder that children thrive when they’re taught social skills that help them feel confident in any setting.

In fact, many of the lessons I teach in the Manners To Go® curriculum reflect the spirit of this book—just updated for the modern world.

And yes, kids still love pretending they’re dining at a restaurant, dressing up for a party, or writing heartfelt thank-you notes.

Bringing Etiquette Into Today’s World

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or someone who wants to start a business teaching manners to children, there’s value in blending tradition with modern relevance.

That’s exactly what we do at Manners To Go®—take the best of classic etiquette and pair it with real-life tools kids can use today.

Curious About Teaching Etiquette to Children?

If you’ve ever dreamed of starting a business like this, I’d love to show you how.

👉 Learn more about the Manners To Go® Certification Program »

Why This Matters if You’re Considering Etiquette Certification

Books like White Gloves and Party Manners show us that there’s always been a desire to teach children how to be kind, confident, and considerate. And that desire hasn’t gone away—it’s only grown stronger.

If you’re someone who feels called to teach manners, lead with grace, and start a meaningful business that empowers children, this book is a beautiful reminder that you’re stepping into a legacy.

Through etiquette certification with Manners To Go®, you’ll learn how to bring those timeless values into today’s world—whether you’re teaching one lesson or leading full workshops in schools, libraries, and beyond.

Modern etiquette education isn’t about outdated rules—it’s about creating future-ready kids with social skills that help them thrive.

And yes—your journey can begin with just one lesson, one storybook, one spark.