When your host, Auntie Kiki, says she’s an “ex rich person” and espouses the label of “nouveau pauvre,” you may be left wondering whether that means she’s fabulously wealthy or delightfully destitute, or somewhere in between. In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we explore our society’s love-hate relationship with wealth, performative wealth on social media platforms and in real life, the rich vs poor divide, the rise of nouveau pauvre as the defining ethos of our times, and why the old money aesthetic and lifestyle gained so much traction in a time of financial instability. We also dive into the growing economic disparity of our era—why the ultra-wealthy keep getting richer while the rest feel increasingly precarious, and how this imbalance manifests in social media and social interactions. Why does losing wealth sting more than never having it? Is elegance ultimately more admirable than riches? And in a world where Instagram flaunts excess while reality often tells a different story, how do we maintain grace and authenticity?

Is there anything more elegant and romantic than a garden party? In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, Kiki Astor dishes on the secrets of hosting the perfect old money garden party, because it takes a bit of behind the scenes preparation to exude effortless charm. From phrasing the invitations, to selecting the right garden party dress code to mastering high society entertaining, Kiki breaks down the essential elements of gracious outdoor hosting. She explores the proper etiquette for garden parties, including how to handle uninvited guests, seating arrangements, and social faux pas that could turn an aristocratic affair into a social disaster.

Expect witty insights on classic garden party menus, champagne and other beverages, dos and don’ts, and the subtle art of appearing effortlessly chic while secretly micromanaging everything. Whether you’re planning a formal English garden tea or a laid-back estate luncheon, Kiki reveals how the truly elite entertain outdoors—without breaking a sweat (or letting anyone see them sweat).

Tune in for humorous social commentary, historical high-society anecdotes, and Kiki’s signature nouveau pauvre take on timeless etiquette.

Whether it’s at a cocktail party, on the tennis court, or around the dinner table, Mel Robbins’ Let Them theory is the pop culture, pop psychology self-help phenomenon on everybody’s lips. But what does it really mean, and how does one apply it to living an authentic, elegant life on one’s own terms?

In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we dive into Mel Robbins’ “Let Them” theory and how it applies to high society etiquette, social skills, and romantic dilemmas. From handling social climbers with grace to dealing with romantic rejection like a queen and knowing when to simply let people embarrass themselves at a dinner party, Kiki explains why true elegance is about staying unbothered.

You’ll learn how to navigate social faux pas without losing your cool, set boundaries while maintaining charm and wit, and master the art of letting people self-select out of your life—whether it’s a toxic friend, an over-eager suitor, or that one guest who insists on ignoring the dress code.

If you’ve ever wondered how to exude quiet confidence, maintain effortless poise, and avoid the trap of chasing people who don’t appreciate you, this episode is your guide to graceful disengagement. Tune in for Kiki’s signature mix of old-money elegance, sharp humor, and a dash of social satire—because as always, the best response to bad manners is to simply let them.

www.kikiastor.com