Polite Society School of Étiquette: June 2012

Monday, June 11, 2012

ETIQUETTE - IT'S A GOOD THING - Weddings - "From this day forward" are words of promise.

Weddings, Customs, &

Beautiful Summer Weddings

Enduring customs are part of the romance of weddings and the beloved custom of Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, and Something Blue is surely worth observing.

SOMETHING OLD - Weddings are an important rite of passage; an old piece of jewelry or family Bible symbolized the bride's connection to her past.

SOMETHING NEW - The bride journeys from her old life to her new one, with a token of her future - something new to ensure prosperity.

SOMETHING BORROWED - Long ago it was deemed lucky for a bride to borrow something from a happily married woman - to borrow a bit of her good luck. Costly veils were the favorite "Something Borrowed."

SOMETHING BLUE - Since the days of the biblical Hebrews, blue has been a color associated with spiritual loyalty and devotion.

AND A SILVER SIXPENCE IN HER SHOE - Bridese, please note: Two major symbols of wedded life combine here. The sixpence (or in America, a dime) represents future wealth, and the shoe is an ancient symbol of authority.

The Art of the Social Graces would make a fabulous wedding gift.

See introductions on yesterday's post. Very informative.

Friday, June 8, 2012

ETIQUETTE - IT'S A GOOD THING

Introductions

Introducing people is an integral part of good manners. People feel much more comfortable after being introduced. Sometimes it could get embarrassing if one cannot remember a person’s name; however, there is nothing wrong with asking someone to refresh your memory by asking his or her name.

Formal Introductions Present the person, who is younger, has less prestige, or who is not the guest of honor, to the person who is older, has more prestige, or is the guest of honor. Examples: Present your friend to Dr. Birch. “Dr. Birch, I would like you to meet my friend, Christopher.” Present your friend to your mother. “Mother, I would like you to meet my friend Robert.” Present a woman to a man. It is also customary for men to stand up for women. Women may stand if the person introduced to them is older.

Introducing Yourself It is your job to let others know who you are, whether in a formal, informal, or work place setting. Often someone else will introduce you, but sometimes it will be up to you. When it is, be sure to enunciate clearly, “My name is John Smith. I am pleased to meet you.” Or, if this is a work situation, “My name is Jane Smith, Human Relations Manager of Acme Corporation.”

Introducing A Number Of People When introducing a number of people, clearly state each person’s name, preferably in the order in which they are standing to avoid confusion. If you are a member of a group being introduced, nod your head when your name is mentioned and make eye contact with the person being introduced. If you are introducing a group and do not know everyone’s name, ask each member of the group to introduce himself or herself.

Please visit my website (www.PoliteSocietySchool.com) for my latest book, The Art of the Social Graces.

I hope you have enjoyed my tip of the day. Have a fabulous weekend and remember to be gracious and kind.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

QUEEN ELIZABETH JUBILEE CELEBRATION

LONDON - A bone-chilling rain-damped weather, crowds estimated at more than a million lined the banks of the Thames today to celebrate the Queen's 60th year on the throne. What a fabulous Royal Day - a thousand boats glided through the historic heart of London.

The Queen is 86 and her Prince Philip is 90. They still look so happy together. They waved to crowds and the crowds shouted "God save the queen."

So what can be better than watching the royals all day?? Well, let me tell you. Go shopping on the Buckingham Palace website. Everything is gorgeous, stunning, and once in a life time keepsakes.

Enjoy!

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.