William Hanson: Author of Just Good Manners – Etiquette, British Dining Codes, & The Art of Grace

The Gstaad Guy sits down with William Hanson, one of the world’s leading etiquette authorities and author of Just Good Manners, to explore the role of civility and decorum in a rapidly changing world. Known for blending British tradition with contemporary wit, William reflects on a strict upbringing, the foundations of proper behaviour, and how he crafted a global online persona rooted in charm, clarity, and good sense.

The conversation dives into the nuances of British dining etiquette, navigating love and relationships with grace, and the art of managing social discourse in an age where opinions move faster than manners. William shares how etiquette is not about snobbery or rigidity, but about kindness, confidence, and the simple act of making others feel at ease. A thoughtful look at why timeless principles matter now more than ever, and how good manners can anchor us in an era of chaos and noise.

Filmed at the club at The Twenty Two in London.

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro ✨
3:17 Philosophy about peas
7:01 Dining etiquette dilemma 🍽️🤔
7:48 What to do with foods you cannot swallow 😬🥄
12:33 Teaching etiquette through entertainment 🎭📚
15:05 Developing an online persona 👤💻
16:16 The Gstaad Guy online vs. offline 🎭🧍‍♂️
17:22 Having strict parents 👨‍👩‍👦📏
18:38 Music and calls without headphones 📱🔊🙅‍♂️
21:10 The voids in dating etiquette 💔📏
24:58 People should not play games 🎭 🚫
27:47 The art of asking someone out 💐 💬
29:38 Ideal first date 🌹🍷
30:52 “Reverse catfish” 🪤🔁😅
31:13 The optimal flow for a first date 🧭❤️
33:40 “I don’t like nightclubs” 🚫🕺
36:24 Should you finish everything on your plate? 🍽️ ✅❓
37:48 Is refusing to toast at a formal dinner acceptable? 🥂❓
39:10 Is double dipping truly a faux pas? 🫕 🚫
41:00 Should you ever correct someone’s table manners? 🍽️ ⚠️
42:24 Loud vs. soft spoken 🔊 🤫
43:26 How to ask someone to lower their volume? 🤫 💬
44:10 Small talk go-tos 💬 ✨
48:30 Being early 🕒 ✅
51:34 The art of RSVPing ✉️✔️
54:21 Is regifting ever ok? 🎁 🔁❓
57:48 Handwritten thank you notes ✍🏻 💌
01:00:50 How to politely end conversations 👋🏻 🙂
01:02:58 What is etiquette fundamentally about? 🎩 🤝🏻
01:05:23 À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️ ✨

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