Graceful goodbyes: a funeral etiquette guide
Awkward Etiquette With Kiki Astor
Release Date: 05/06/2024
Live a big, beautiful, elegant rich life...on a budget!
Awkward Etiquette With Kiki Astor
Here’s the thing about wealth: it can go up and down. Even old money families tend to lose their fortunes after three generations. The stock market, the economy, your relationships, and your health can all change on a dime...which is why knowing how to still have a rich, happy, fabulous life without two nickels to rub together is the most valuable skill there is. True elegance isn't about being rich: it's about navigating life's twists and turns with grace, and knowing that "this too shall pass" applies to pretty much anything. Life isn't always easy, but it is always possible to romanticize...
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Real romance tips... from a romance writer?
Awkward Etiquette With Kiki Astor
Most of us were raised on Disney-fied takes of princes and princesses, and even if we scoff at that stuff as adults, we still dream of a happily ever after. The romance readers among us may be ashamed to admit that we fantacize about a love like the one we read about in our novels, but let's be real: everyone wants a happy ending. That prince, that heir, or that billionaire might look great on paper, but what about in real life? It's time for some real talk about real-world romance, and who better to give you that straight talk than your Auntie Kiki, an ex rich person turned romance...
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FOMO, JOMO, and the etiquette of invitations
Awkward Etiquette With Kiki Astor
Did you ever receive an invitation and promptly contact the host or hostess and inquire about further details, including what you should wear? You may worry that Auntie Kiki will label this behavior as rude, but in reality, if the invitation was not clear enough, that is the hosts' fault, not yours. In this fascinating episode of the Awkward Etiquette podcast, we will first take a deep dive into Victorian history and culture- after all, those wacky Victorians had invitations and events down to a science, and we still use some of those formulas and wordings today...and then we fast forwrad to...
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The art of art collecting...on a budget
Awkward Etiquette With Kiki Astor
In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, and to celebrate the launch of her latest book, Art, Love, and Other Miracles, set in the international art world including galleries in Roma Norte, CDMX, and Art Basel Miami, romance author, ex rich person, and art enthusiast Kiki Astor delves into the fascinating world of art collecting, offering practical tips for collectors at any budget level. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting, Kiki provides insights into the nuances of building a collection that reflects your taste and investment strategy. The episode explores the key differences...
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Timeless or Tired? The Old Money Aesthetic in 2025
Awkward Etiquette With Kiki Astor
New Year, New You... So is the Old Money Aesthetic Out? How does one reconcile reinvention and tradition? In this first of the New Year episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we explore the tension between tradition and reinvention in the ever-evolving world of the old money aesthetic. Kiki talks about her New Year's resolutions and goals, and delves into the delicate balance of maintaining timeless elegance while embracing the excitement and potential of a fresh new year. Listeners will learn how to romanticize their lives in a meaningful, authentic way, on a budjet, naturally,...
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Bitter bloodlines: How to resolve family feuds elegantly
Awkward Etiquette With Kiki Astor
Old Money isn’t always old harmony. In this episode of the Awkward Etiquette podcast, your host Kiki Astor, aka Auntie Kiki, begins by delving into a famous Astor family feud that led to the creation of the Waldorf-Astoria hotel. Using this dramatic historical anectote full of rivalry, egos, and its unlikely legacy as a jumping-off point, Kiki explores the dynamics of old money family feuds and uncovers why even the most "refined" families can find themselves at odds. With the holiday season approaching—a time when family tensions often come to a head—this episode provides actionable...
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What is true wealth? It may be more attainable than you think
Awkward Etiquette With Kiki Astor
In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we explore what it truly means to live a rich life, far beyond the balance in your bank account. Kiki delves into the essence of true wealth through the lens of the old money lifestyle, uncovering how timeless values, understated luxury, and intentional living can elevate your daily experience. Learn how certain behaviors, choices, and mindsets can make you feel impoverished, while embracing old money habits can enrich your life in surprising ways. From the power of generational thinking to the importance of quality over quantity, this...
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These books will make you look richer, smarter, and more popular
Awkward Etiquette With Kiki Astor
Sometimes it's not the clothes that make the man. It's not which model of Barbour jacket you have chosen, or where you get your tweed suit. What is between your ears is much more important than the Rolex watch on your wrist or the Stubbs and Wooton slippers on your feet. As AUntie Kiki says, education is often free. Obviously, much of this come through in polite cocktail party conversation. But how can you let people know immediately who you are? By the books in your library, on your coffee table, and yes, even in your bathroom. When it comes to letting people know exactly where you fit in in...
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Modern manners? Which etiquette rules are outdated, and why
Awkward Etiquette With Kiki Astor
In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, hostess Kiki Astor dives into the fascinating world of etiquette and manners, exploring which traditional etiquette rules may now feel outdated and why. From rigid social scripts to the nuances of dining decorum, Kiki examines how changing societal values, cultural shifts, and modern social skills are transforming what we once considered polite behavior. Tune in for an entertaining yet insightful discussion on the sociological and anthropological aspects of evolving social norms. This entertaining episode full of cheekiness and personal anecdotes is...
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What's in a name? Trending vs "old money" baby names, name history and etiquette
Awkward Etiquette With Kiki Astor
What's in a Name? Our moniker might be our most important attribute, influencing how we succeed and how we are perceived. In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, Kiki Astor dives into the delightful—and sometimes awkward—world of names. Starting with the hottest naming trends for 2025, sourced from Nameberry, Kiki explores how some baby names go in and out of style and why certain ones are making a comeback. Next, we go on a fascinating journey through the history and anthropology of naming, from ancestral customs to “old money” traditions that add an air of distinction (or occasional...
info_outlineYes, saying goodbye to loved ones is sad, but a funeral doesn't have to be all doom and gloom. Remember, it's about honoring the dearly departed and comforting the loved ones and family left behind. Get ready to lighten up the somber mood with Kiki Astor on this episode of the Awkward Etiquette podcast! We're diving into the unexpected world of funeral etiquette, sprinkled with a dash of humor and a lot of heart. From navigating the delicate balance of celebrations of life to decoding the mystery of who should (or shouldn't) show up, we're covering it all. Tune in for tips on crafting the perfect outfit, finding just the right words, and tackling the eternal conundrum of whether to send flowers. Plus, we'll share insights on delivering heartfelt eulogies that honor your loved ones. Say goodbye to awkward moments and hello to grace and understanding—join us now for a lively discussion on handling farewells with finesse.