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Awkward Etiquette: Old Money & New Manners

Awkward Etiquette: Old Money & New Manners

By: Kiki Astor
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Welcome to "Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor" – the podcast where old money meets new manners, and your Auntie Kiki spills the tea on all things etiquette, with a side of laughter and a dash of aristocratic charm! Join the illustrious Kiki Astor, author of smutty romance novels and grande dame of decorum, as she tackles your most pressing etiquette questions with the finesse of a debutante twirling at a ball. Wondering about the historical roots of fork placement or the proper way to decline a social invitation without causing a scandal? Auntie Kiki has you covered, darling! In each episode, Kiki Astor delves into the archives of social graces, uncovering the hidden gems of bygone eras and bringing them into the 21st century with a wink and a nod. Learn how to curtsy with confidence, when to deploy the subtle art of shade, and why you should never, ever drop your pedigree papers, whether it's during a soirée, a cocktail party, or in the PTA or HOA meeting. From navigating the treacherous waters of modern technology to mastering the delicate dance of small talk, Kiki Astor is here to ensure you ascend the social ladder without stepping on any well-heeled toes. So, grab your monocle, straighten your tiara, and prepare for a delightful blend of refined advice and uproarious anecdotes that will have you laughing all the way to the gilded gates of high society. Subscribe now and embark on a journey through the annals of etiquette, where Kiki Astor transforms the socially awkward into the effortlessly elegant, one podcast episode at a time. After all, darling, why be gauche when you can be gloriously graceful? 🥂 #AwkwardEtiquette #KikiAstor #MannersMatter2023 Personal Development Personal Success Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Status, Style, and Stitching: The Secret History and Etiquette of the Monogram

    Status, Style, and Stitching: The Secret History and Etiquette of the Monogram
    Jun 22 2026

    In this episode of Awkward Etiquette: Old Money and New Manners, host Auntie Kiki (Kiki Astor) takes listeners on a fascinating deep dive into the history, sociology, and etiquette of the monogram. Far from just a preppy aesthetic, monograms are one of the world's oldest status symbols, evolving from ancient Mesopotamian cylinder seals and medieval maker's marks to Victorian household necessities and modern luxury logos. Auntie Kiki answers awkward listener questions about monogramming blended names, navigating overbearing mothers-in-law, and styling thrifted finds. She also provides practical rules for gifting, sizing, and placing monograms, as well as tasteful alternatives for those who prefer a modern or subtle approach to personalizing their items.

    Show Notes

    Podcast: Awkward Etiquette: Old Money and New Manners

    Host: Kiki Astor ("Auntie Kiki")

    Episode Highlights:

    • [Sponsor Message] A preview of Kiki Astor's newest book, Midnight Blue, a thrilling tale of a scandalous perfume dynasty, an ancient curse, and a potent ingredient called blue oud. Available now on Amazon (Kindle, paperback, and audiobook).
    • Listener Q&A: Awkward Monogram Situations
      • The 5-Initial Dilemma: How to edit down a long name (Hint: Less is more. Pick three).
      • Towel Placement Wars: Settling the debate between top-center and lower-right placements.
      • Underwear & Veils: The etiquette of monogramming intimates, and how to handle a mother-in-law who secretly monograms your wedding veil.
      • Thrifted Jackets & Exes: Creative ways to cover up old initials using patches or motifs.
      • Blended Families & Same-Sex Couples: How to gracefully combine names, alternate initials, or create a unified "house monogram."
    • The History & Sociology of the Monogram
      • 3500 BCE: Mesopotamian cylinder seals used to authenticate transactions.
      • Medieval Era: Maker's marks used by stonemasons and metalworkers for quality control and payment.
      • 15th Century: Albrecht Dürer uses his initials to protect his artistic brand.
      • 19th Century: The rise of domestic monogramming during the Industrial Revolution to prevent theft at the laundry.
      • 1896: Louis Vuitton creates the LV repeating pattern to prevent counterfeiting, inadvertently creating the modern public status logo.
    • A Diagnostic Toolkit for Reading Monograms
      • How to read the status and intent of a monogram based on its scale (tiny vs. oversized), placement (inside lining vs. exterior), and method (vinyl sticker vs. hand-engraved silver).
    • The Golden Rules of Monogram Etiquette
      • How to correctly gift a monogrammed item (always double-check preferred names!).
      • Matching the permanence of the monogram to the object (e.g., vinyl for water bottles, satin stitch for heirloom linens).
      • Color choices: Why tone-on-tone is the ultimate subtle flex for adults, while high-contrast is best for children and sports gear.
    • Tasteful Alternatives to Initials
      • Using sigils, motifs (like a tiny fox or compass), signature color piping, or removable leather tags to establish an identity without letters.

    Announcements & Events:

    • Book Signing: Join Kiki on July 25, 2026, in Summerland, California, for the Midnight Blue book signing.
    • Perfume Sweepstakes: Leave a review of Midnight Blue on Amazon or Goodreads and submit proof to be entered to win a large bottle and samples of Ormonde Jayne's "Midnight Oud" perfume. Drawing takes place on July 25, 2026.
    • Join the Guest List: Sign up on Kiki's website for exclusive weekly emails, bonus content, and event invitations.

    (If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review!)
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    58 mins
  • The Silver Ice Bucket: Old Money Elegance & Timeless Hospitality on Any Budget

    The Silver Ice Bucket: Old Money Elegance & Timeless Hospitality on Any Budget
    Jun 15 2026
    Gather round, darlings! In this captivating episode of "Awkward Etiquette, Old Money and New Manners," your hostess, Auntie Kiki Astor, unveils a powerful, often overlooked domestic secret: the humble silver ice bucket. Far from just a vessel for drinks, this episode dissects its profound role in creating an old money aesthetic of ease, elegance, sophistication, and genuine hospitality – regardless of your budget. Kiki dives deep into the sociology and psychology behind why certain homes feel alive and civilized, contrasting this with the fleeting, often superficial displays of the new Gilded Age. Discover how the silver ice bucket, along with other essential home bar accessories like decanters and cocktail shakers, functions as a powerful symbol of preparedness, generosity, and the subtle art of making guests feel truly welcome. Learn the history of ice as a luxury commodity and silver as a statement of cultural capital. Auntie Kiki shares her practical playbook for the nouveau pauvre, guiding you on how to acquire these elegant pieces (think estate sales, flea markets, antique stores) and integrate them into your home to cultivate authentic, cherished social rituals. Whether you're serving fine spirits or sparkling water, this episode proves that decorating with intention and embracing timeless etiquette can transform your space and your social life. Show Notes: Episode Title: The Silver Ice Bucket: Old Money Elegance & Timeless Hospitality on Any Budget | Awkward Etiquette Podcast with Kiki Astor Description: Join Auntie Kiki Astor on "Awkward Etiquette" as she reveals the secret to injecting old money elegance into your home: the silver ice bucket. This isn't just about decor; it's a deep dive into the sociology and psychology of hospitality, ritual, and cultivating a civilized life on any budget. Learn how to create an atmosphere that fosters connection and conversation, bypassing the fleeting trends of the new Gilded Age. From antique hunting tips to mastering the art of the perfect pour, Kiki provides a practical playbook for authentic entertaining. Key Topics Discussed: The Power of the Silver Ice Bucket: Why this seemingly simple object is a core symbol of old money elegance, ease, and profound hospitality.Beyond Alcohol: Understanding that the episode is about sociology, psychology, and the art of entertaining, not just drinking.Old Money vs. New Gilded Age: The crucial difference between enduring cultural practices and fleeting, Instagram-optimized displays.Cultural & Social Capital: How objects like decanters and ice buckets signify competence, belonging, and a lineage of practice.The History of Ice & Silver: From Frederic Tudor's "Ice King" era to the symbolic weight of silver, and how these materials became markers of wealth and civilization in European and American homes.Choreographing Your Home: How old money architecture and objects create "machines for living" and orchestrate social rituals.The Modern Image Economy: Thorstein Veblen's "conspicuous consumption" updated for social media, where brand capital replaces cultural capital.A Practical Playbook for the Nouveau Pauvre: Kiki's budget-friendly guide to acquiring and utilizing essential bar elements:Acquisitions: Where to find treasures (local antique malls, estate sales, flea markets, thrift stores).Essentials: Silver (or silver-plated) ice bucket, a good decanter, quality tumblers, a small tray, linen cocktail napkins, silver tongs, and bar tools.Staging: Creating dedicated cocktail corners or diverse drink zones. The Art of Hosting: Tips for performing rituals with authenticity, handling guests' preferences, and subtle maintenance for an effortless look.The Secret Weapon: Elegant Ice: How to make clear ice and the importance of ice tongs.Non-Alcoholic Elegance: How to embrace the aesthetic and ritual of the silver ice bucket even if you don't drink, offering sophisticated alternatives.Authenticity & Stewardship: Why patina beats perfection and how thoughtful choices create a powerfully palpable atmosphere in your home. Actionable Takeaways: Prioritize Vessels over Labels: Invest in quality, tactile objects that feel good, not just branded items.Hunt for Hidden Gems: Explore local antique markets and estate sales for unique, often inexpensive, silver-plated ice buckets and crystal decanters.Start Small, Be Deliberate: You don't need a full bar; a few key pieces make a significant impact.Master the Ritual: Learn the elegant choreography of using your bar items, from placing ice with tongs to presenting napkins.Elevate Non-Alcoholic Options: Offer mineral water or sophisticated mocktails in the same elegant glassware as alcoholic drinks.Cultivate Stories: Have a small provenance story for your cherished pieces to share with guests.Avoid Common Mistakes: No empty luxury bottles as trophies, avoid excessive branding, and say no to fake citrus! Host: Kiki Astor, author, ex-rich person, and proud nouveau ...
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • The Ultimate Guide to the Hermès Scarf: Old Money Style & Quiet Luxury

    The Ultimate Guide to the Hermès Scarf: Old Money Style & Quiet Luxury
    Jun 8 2026

    In this episode of Awkward Etiquette: Old Money and New Manners, host Kiki Astor unravels the enduring allure of the iconic Hermès silk scarf. Discover how a simple square of silk evolved from a 19th-century Parisian harness workshop into the ultimate global symbol of elegance, quiet luxury, and old money style.

    Auntie Kiki takes you on a journey through the meticulous craftsmanship of the Hermès Carré—from the exclusive silk twill and painstaking screen-printing process to the forensic signature of the hand-rolled hem. We explore the cultural significance of the famous orange box, share expert tips on how to authenticate vintage Hermès scarves, and discuss the nuances of luxury gifting and returning etiquette. Whether you want to master effortless French-girl styling with a classic Carré 90, invest in a 140cm cashmere-silk shawl, or find stunning budget-friendly alternatives for the "nouveau pauvre," this episode is your definitive guide to elevating your wardrobe with a single square of silk.

    Show Notes: The Hermès Silk Scarf Explained

    Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways:

    • The Equestrian Origins of Hermès: How Thierry Hermès transitioned from crafting elite saddlery in 1837 to launching the first silk scarf (Jeu des Omnibus et des Dames Blanches) in 1937.
    • The Anatomy of a Masterpiece: Understanding the artisanal life cycle of the scarf, including the signature silk twill weave, complex color screening, and the legendary hand-rolled hem.
    • The Power of the Orange Box: How wartime scarcity created one of the most recognizable packaging rituals in luxury history.
    • Iconic Designs & Artists: A look at legendary motifs like Bride de Gala and the fascinating story of Kermit Oliver, the only American artist to design multiple Hermès scarves.
    • Styling the Silk Scarf: Why Auntie Kiki prefers the versatile Carré 90 and 140cm shawls over the Twilly, and how to tie them without looking like you are trying too hard.
    • Luxury Etiquette: The unwritten rules of shopping at luxury boutiques, how to properly gift (and wrap) an Hermès scarf, and the polite way to handle returns or regifting.
    • Ethical Considerations & Alternatives: Navigating sustainability in silk production, cultural motifs, and where to find gorgeous non-Hermès silk scarves from Lake Como, Liberty of London, and independent artists.

    Resources & Mentions:

    • Books by Kiki Astor: Pick up Midnight Blue (a scandalous old money perfume dynasty thriller) and Service Entrance (a perfect Montecito beach read) available on Amazon, Kindle, Paperback, and Audiobook.
    • Featured Scarf Designs: Bride de Gala, Jeu des Omnibus et des Dames Blanches, Jungle Love, Ciel Byzantin, and Zebra Pegasus.
    • Connect with Kiki: Have an heirloom story or a scarf scandal to share? Email your Auntie Kiki at madamxofmontecito@gmail.com and make sure to join her exclusive mailing list for insider shopping tips!
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    1 hr
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