Mother Knows: Elizabeth Anne of Mannerly
We're so excited to introduce Elizabeth Anne Russell, a third-generation etiquette instructor and the founder of Mannerly, a modern etiquette company rooted in timeless principles. Read on to hear about life with her three children, what she's reaching for right now, and the motherhood mantra she lives by.
Meet Elizabeth Anne
I'm Elizabeth Anne Russell, a third-generation etiquette instructor and the founder of Mannerly, a modern etiquette company rooted in timeless principles. My mother and grandmother each taught etiquette for more than 30 years, and I grew up in my mother's classes. After my mom passed away in 2009, I dreamed of carrying her legacy forward. In September 2025, I left a 17-year corporate career to do exactly that, and today I teach everyone from five-year-olds to seasoned professionals. I live in Charlotte with my husband, Drew, and our three wildly imaginative children, and I consider parenting my highest calling.
Her Edit — What She's Reaching for Right Now
The Mannerly Edit
Modern manners for real life, from raising socially confident children to hosting with ease, with practical scripts for the awkward moments in between. Because manners (still) matter.
The Whole Hope Lemon Swirl
My new morning ritual. A swirl of lemon, ginger, turmeric, and honey in warm water, made by a fellow Charlotte mom. I traded my coffee for it and feel more refreshed.
Theo of Golden
One of my favorite books of all time. The most beautiful story of kindness, and I'm gifting it to everyone I know.
Sarah Flint Perfect Emma
The most comfortable heel I've ever worn. My feet are still happy after a full day of teaching and speaking.
Alice Walk Cashmere Getaway Sweater
It’s the perfect fall layer. Polished enough for a day of teaching, soft enough for a Saturday at home.
House of MBR Wrap Skirt
Easy to dress up or down. I believe wholeheartedly that a wrap skirt is more comfortable than sweatpants, and far more elegant.
For The Children — What She's Loving Right Now
My children have worn Little English since birth. The quality means our pieces pass from sibling to sibling and on to friends, and I love watching the children grow in these heirlooms. My children lived in the Crochet Playsuits and the Crochet Cardigans, and both are still my favorite gifts for new moms. The Classic Wool Blazer in Navy is the piece I recommend to every Mannerly Cotillion family. It’s timeless. And the Smocked Bridget Dress in Wisteria Floral is my favorite style for little girls, ever. I will weep when my daughters outgrow it.
Mannerly Paper Fill-In Thank You Notes
Thank-you notes are non-negotiable in our house. Our fill-in cards give new writers ages 4 to 8 a simple start, so gratitude becomes a habit before handwriting comes easily.
Magna-Tiles Classic Set
We are a Magna-Tiles family. Our collection keeps growing, and all three children love to build with them. These are normally scattered in our playroom and the build projects will continue for days.
Make Your Bed with Skipper the Seal
A favorite book at bedtime and my go-to gift for young families. It teaches little ones that small habits, done well each day, build character.
Perfection Game
We love games. I’ve recently started playing mahjong with my oldest daughter and my younger two are currently OBSESSED with this game.
Of Note — What's Inspiring Her Lately
Every spare moment, I'm writing my first book, Mannerly, to be published by Ballantine, an imprint of Penguin Random House, in 2028. Mannerly explores modern etiquette through the lens of psychology and behavioral science, redefining etiquette not as a collection of rigid rules, but as a way of living. It is a dream generations in the making, and the research behind each chapter keeps teaching me something new. I'm also inspired by my maternal grandmother, Sue Colvin, our family's first etiquette instructor. At 95, she can still make you feel like the most important person in the room.
Her Last Word
What is your motherhood mantra?
Grace upon grace. It's my first time parenting a 5-year-old, and it's my 5-year-old's first time being 5. Motherhood, like manners, has never been about perfection. We were never meant to do this alone, and it's good for our children to know they are loved by many. And always: prepare the child for the road, not the road for the child.