Debrett's

Debrett's With 250 years of heritage, Debrett’s celebrates achievement, supports social mobility and delivers coaching and consultancy in interpersonal skills.

Debrett’s has been the recognised authority on etiquette, influence and achievement since John Debrett’s first edition of The Peerage in 1769, which continued to be published until 2019. It is now fully searchable online with a subscription to Debrett’s. Debrett’s has also long been synonymous with the best of British etiquette and tradition through our range of popular publications, which include

the Guide for the Modern Gentleman, Debrett’s Wedding Guide and Debrett’s Handbook. This expertise and authority informs our training academy, which offers coaching globally to corporate and private clients in social and interpersonal skills, building confidence and success in both social and professional arenas.

Do you still write thank you letters? Do you make sure your children write thank yous after Christmas and birthdays? Liz...
04/06/2025

Do you still write thank you letters? Do you make sure your children write thank yous after Christmas and birthdays? Liz Wyse, editor of Debrett's Handbook, A-Z of Modern Manners and Guide for the Modern Gentleman (all available from our online store) spoke to The Telegraph about how to write the perfect thank you letter (link in comments).

The British are well known for their circumlocution, the roundabout ways in which they avoid saying anything uncomfortab...
02/06/2025

The British are well known for their circumlocution, the roundabout ways in which they avoid saying anything uncomfortable and instead skirt around the edges of confrontation, criticism or disagreement.

However, we all know that many of these phrases should be heard or read in context and acknowledge that they are often passive aggressive, using soft words to mask feelings of anger and frustration.

Simple words/phrases like “I think” or “maybe” are universally used to indicate polite tentativeness rather than brutal certainty, while “Would you mind?” is used to preface many an unpopular request (and of course is never to be interpreted literally).

We take a look at Britain’s favourite ‘polite-isms’ and offer a handy guide to what they really mean.

www.debretts.com/the-art-of-circumlocution/

Do you have your copy of our Guide for the Modern Gentleman yet?Chapter 3, At Home, provides tips on how to make a state...
23/05/2025

Do you have your copy of our Guide for the Modern Gentleman yet?

Chapter 3, At Home, provides tips on how to make a statement with furniture and interior design, as well as expert knowledge on sleepwear; books, plays and poetry to impress; and the ultimate record collection.

21/05/2025

Tea should be poured into the cup first and any milk, lemon or honey added afterwards. In Victorian times hot tea was poured straight into the cup to test the quality of the bone china. Expensive china did not crack.

21/05/2025

If serving tea for a group, it is worth brewing a pot. Loose leaf tea will taste best but will need to be poured through a tea strainer. A second pot with hot water in it should be provided to dilute over-brewed tea if necessary.

We all want to be noticed, observed, listened to and understood, but we acknowledge that we must also pay attention to o...
19/05/2025

We all want to be noticed, observed, listened to and understood, but we acknowledge that we must also pay attention to other people – it’s all about give and take. This civilised back and forth is predictably disrupted when a ruthless social upstager enters the scene.

The essential message of the upstager is “look at me!” and they convey this in a range of ways. They dominate conversations, elbow key people out of the way, use one-upmanship to steal the limelight, behave badly, get drunk, start a contentious argument, have a fight, make an ill-advised pass. It’s all grist to the mill.

How do you contain an upstager? We look at various methods, from direct confrontation to humorous take-downs.

www.debretts.com/upstaged

The British pub is a world-famous institution, and one that has its own unique rules of etiquette and behaviour. If a gr...
14/05/2025

The British pub is a world-famous institution, and one that has its own unique rules of etiquette and behaviour. If a group of you are drinking together, it is usual for people to take it in turns to buy a round for the entire group. Be open-handed and convivial - you may be out of pocket on one evening, but the presumption is that you will be the lucky one on a subsequent night and ultimately it will all balance out over time.

The City Life chapter of our updated and revised Guide for the Modern Gentleman offers advice on all aspects of going out on the town, including taxi and public transport etiquette, how to make an entrance (and a polite exit), VIP areas and guest lists, tipping and basic bar behaviour. Find out more, and order your copy, on our website www.debretts.com/debretts-guide-for-the-modern-gentleman/

08/05/2025

The revised and updated edition of our perennial classic, the Debrett’s Guide for the Modern Gentleman, is out now.

We believe that a defining characteristic of a modern gentleman is his savoir-faire. He is calm, competent, knowledgeable and worldly, able to deal with a myriad of different circumstances and challengers with charm and ease.

This encyclopaedic guide contains an eclectic miscellany of information for the modern gentleman, from our traditional advice on good manners, tailoring and dress codes to extreme sports, grooming, exercise regimes, travel tips, home comforts, collecting, driving, classic cars and gastronomy.

Order now from our website www.debretts.com/debretts-guide-for-the-modern-gentleman/

The At Home chapter in our new and update Guide for the Modern Gentleman features our list of the Ultimate Record Collec...
07/05/2025

The At Home chapter in our new and update Guide for the Modern Gentleman features our list of the Ultimate Record Collection - the albums that every modern gentleman must own. What would be on your list?

This encyclopaedic guide contains an eclectic miscellany of information for the modern gentleman, from our traditional advice on good manners, tailoring and dress codes to extreme sports, grooming, exercise regimes, travel tips, home comforts, collecting, driving, classic cars and gastronomy.

Available to order from our website www.debretts.com/debretts-guide-for-the-modern-gentleman/

01/05/2025

The revised and updated edition of our perennial classic, the Debrett’s Guide for the Modern Gentleman, is published today, 1st May.

We believe that a defining characteristic of a modern gentleman is his savoir-faire. He is calm, competent, knowledgeable and worldly, able to deal with a myriad of different circumstances and challengers with charm and ease.

This encyclopaedic guide contains an eclectic miscellany of information for the modern gentleman, from our traditional advice on good manners, tailoring and dress codes to extreme sports, grooming, exercise regimes, travel tips, home comforts, collecting, driving, classic cars and gastronomy.

Purchase your copy today! And ensure that you are well-equipped to cut a gentlemanly, and thoroughly modern, dash.

The Debrett’s Guide for the Modern Gentleman is available from our online bookstore. This handsome cloth-bound edition, which comes with a complementary marker ribbon, is illustrated throughout and is ideal as a gift or a personal reference.

30/04/2025

Our evergreen classic, Debrett's Guide for the Modern Gentleman, comes out TOMORROW! Our new edition has been updated and revised for a new era, and provides an array of fresh perspectives and amusing insights.

An eclectic range of topics includes: the rules of tailoring; classic cocktails and martinis; how to fly in style; cuisine to impress; tipping and taxis in far-flung places; how to be a good boss; how to dress for the board room, the beach or the golf course.

This essential handbook for the modern gentleman is enhanced by Debrett’s insights on gentlemanly behaviour, from avoiding being patronising in the office and displaying savoir-faire to courteous driving, elegant table manners and good sportsmanship.

Place your order today via our website to take advantage of a £5 pre-release discount.

28/04/2025

Debrett's Guide for the Modern Gentleman: Updated & Revised - out this Thursday!

Chapter 9, Relationships, covers everything from simple courtesies such as who pays for dinner, how to pay compliments and gentlemanly gestures, to proposal and engagements, best man duties and modern dating.

Discounted pre-orders are still available from our website.
www.debretts.com/debretts-guide-for-the-modern-gentleman/

Address

Debrett’s Limited, MPA House, 66 Baker Street
Weybridge
KT138AL

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+442039505240

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Debrett's posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category