Polite Society School of Étiquette: August 2011

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Northwest Tea Festival - October 1st & 2nd, 2011

Be a part of this fabulous celebration of the exciting world of tea. The Northwest Tea Festival is brought to us by the The Puget Sound Tea Education Association. Their vision is to provide information and education on tea in all of its cultural formats as well as its variety of styles. I am thrilled to be a part of this fascinating organization as I will be speaking on Tea Etiquette.

Please check out the Northwest Tea Festival website - www.nwteafestival.com

See you there!

Friday, August 26, 2011

Teacup from the Royal Wedding

To Celebrate the Marriage of

H. R. H. Prince William of Wales &

Miss Catherine Middleton -

29th April 2011 - Westminster Abbey -

by Royal Worchester and hand decorated in England -

This beautiful keepsake commemorates this glorious occasion. I purchased this fabulous teacup at The Fairmont Empress Hotel located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada and sipped tea from it as I watched the Royal Wedding along with hundreds of other royal fans. The Empress was so festive with all things English. I will cherish this day forever.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

The Art of the Social Graces Book

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Golf Course Etiquette

For most people golf is a game that is played to be enjoyed. It's purpose is enjoyment, relaxation, and sociability. Golf etiquette boils down to respecting the golfers you are playing with and those who are playing behind you. But sometimes you might see an eye-catching spectacle as I saw today while taking a walk through the golf course behind my home. So as etiquette dictates, as I stated previously, relax and socialize, and most importantly enjoy the view!

While I was sipping tea this morning

I was enjoying a fabulous cup of tea this morning and noticed a beautiful doe outside my window. I just had to share.

Monday, August 22, 2011

"Etiquette"

Maura Graber and me enjoying an Afternoon Tea

For many, the word "etiquette" implies white gloves, finger bowls, children curtsying, and other genteel manners that once were the hallmark of proper behavior. But very few people know the actual etymology of this word: a system of conventional rules that regulate social behavior. The French word literally means a "ticket" or "card," and refers to the bygone custom of a French monarch making ceremonial rules and regulations for members of his court. While elaborate court rituals have gone the way of other archaic customs, "mindful etiquette" remains constant.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

The Art of the Social Graces Book

My book was written in an effort to enlighten readers in specific codes of behavior one needs in social situations as well as practical and graceful manners for dining.

NEW REVISED EDITION - The Art of Timeless Étiquette, Graceful Dining Manners, & Afternoon Tea

The Polite School of Étiquette presents Volume V, The Art of Timeless Étiquette, Graceful Dining Manners, & Afternoon Tea Revised Edition, featuring Social Graces, Étiquette History, Introduction Methods, Entertaining Guidelines, Correspondence Protocol, History of Tableware, Dining out Manners, American and Continental Style Dining, Appropriate Dress Attire, Personal Care and Home Management, History of Tea, Types of Tea, Tea Pairings and Tastings, Afternoon Tea in England, Tea Food Dining Instructions, and Formalities for Preparing a “Proper” Afternoon Tea. This revised edition is an updated compilation of Volume I, Volume II, and Volume IV with additional étiquette information and home management guidelines. The Art of Timeless Étiquette, Graceful Dining Manners, & Afternoon Tea Revised Edition offers practical knowledge in basic social skills for all occasions and settings and includes useful information and advice to enhance one’s lifestyle in the social and business world. It takes the reader through a brief history of étiquette, offers introduction methods and conversation techniques, provides guidelines for entertaining, presents illustrations for formal, informal, and family style table settings, and explains the difference between Continental and American Style dining. It also provides instructions on the proper way to consume soups, beverages, tea, coffee, and various difficult foods. With beautiful photographs, exquisite china, gleaming silver, and stunning floral bouquets, The Art of Timeless Étiquette, Graceful Dining Manners, & Afternoon Tea Revised Edition delights the senses with elegant and picturesque table settings, antique teacups, and beautiful linens. Together these elements form the foundation for an elegant table setting. In the chapters dedicated to Afternoon Tea, detailed information is provided on the history of tea, styles of tea, types of tea, tea pairings with fruits and savouries, and tea tasting characteristics. Instructions are provided on making the perfect pot of tea for this charming custom that was once the hallmark of high society. Detailed guidelines are presented on how to set a proper tea table and how to set up a tea style buffet along with instructions on dining with savouries, scones, and petits fours. This newest volume illustrates various methods for conducting oneself gracefully in his or her professional life keeping in mind the importance of first impressions. The chapter on virtues contains important information on self-discipline, friendship, courage, and other aspects for living a good life. As a bonus, The Art of Timeless Étiquette, Graceful Dining Manners, & Afternoon Tea Revised Edition journeys through chapters on the history, usage, and care of all tableware which includes flatware, dinnerware, stemware, and crystal. Credit is given to Richard Osterberg’s book, Sterling Silver Flatware (Published in 1994 by Schiffer Publishing Ltd.) for much of this information. Mr. Osterberg’s passionate interest in antiques and silver began during his Vermont childhood. He was introduced to a goldsmith and silversmith from Scotland and over time developed an interest in English, Scottish, and American silver that resulted in several publications. Credit is also given to William Hanson, executive director and owner of The English Manner based in London. Mr. Hanson is widely regarded as the most trusted authority on étiquette and civility. His life’s work continues to be the training of royalty, government officials, diplomats, and VIPs who wish to integrate good manners into the global forum. Mr. Hanson’s expert advice is priceless. Whether one is a homemaker, business professional, or student, The Art of Timeless Étiquette, Graceful Dining Manners, & Afternoon Tea Revised Edition will empower every reader with confidence as he or she learns life-changing essential manners and practical skills while exploring the world of étiquette. It will serve as one’s treasury of gracious living and offer inspiration for curating welcoming interiors and entertaining for every occasion.

EMMA The Étiquette Cat: Meet Emma Book

Volume III, EMMA The Étiquette Cat: Meet Emma, is beautifully written and illustrated. This children’s book is about Emma Elizabeth, an adorable Ragdoll feline. She is about two years old and is the sweetest kitty cat. Mischievous and loving with an abundance of curiosity, Emma fancies herself as a well-behaved kitty and her daily quest is to please her mum. She loves to play and sometimes gets into a bit of trouble, but her mum is very forgiving and gently corrects her. Children will instantly fall in love with Emma as they try to emulate her good manners. They will also enjoy her appetite for treats and her delightful personality. Gaylen Whiteman, an extremely talented artist who lives on picturesque Whidbey Island, beautifully illustrates Emma’s bright blue eyes and her gorgeous furry coat. Gaylen, who signs by her first name, captures Emma’s curious personality as she is featured near mum’s tea table, antique tub, and other interesting areas of her home. The book also includes a fabulous healthy English Scone Recipe, a Mock Devonshire Cream Recipe, and a Blackberry Fruit Spread Recipe for parents to make with their children along with a short explanation of the word “etiquette,” a child’s place setting illustration, and a family-style place setting illustration.