Polite Society School of Étiquette: December 2012

Saturday, December 22, 2012

A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS

The excitement of Christmas is inextricably linked to well-loved tradtions: decorating the tree with glittering baubles and colourful lights, hanging capacious stockings by a blazing log fire, and wrapping up warm for Midnight Mass in a snow-covered village church. But there are other, lesser-known customs that take place around this sceptred isle at Christmastide: some stretch back into the darkness of pre-Christian times; others are recent inventions that combine fun with charitable aims. What they all have in common however is spectacle, goodwill, and for those who practise them - simply the Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without them.

I am thrilled to share with you the following traditions from English Home Magazine.

BOXING DAY MEETS

There are few sights more stiring than that of an English fox hunt: mounted followers resplendent in scarlet coats; magnificently-muscled hunters, straining at the bit to gallop over hill and vale; and baying hounds twitching to pick up the scent of their quarry. December 26 marks the biggest day of the year for most hunts, which nowadays chase scent-drag trails instead of foxes.

TOM BAWCOCK'S EVE, MOUSEHOLE

At Christmas time in the 16th century - so the story goes - the inhabitants of Mousehole (pronounced 'Mowzel') in Cornwall were facing starvation. Stormy weather had imprisoned boats in the harbour and food stocks had dwindled to almost nothing. But Tom Bawcock was not going to be beaten. He braved the waves to land seven different kinds of fish to make a huge 'stargazey' pie; and just in case the hungry villagers doubted his success, the pie was baked with the fishheads poking through the pastry.

His feat is celebrated on December 23 when the landlord of The Ship bakes another stargazey pie, and elderly villagers are handed fish-shaped biscuits, to the accompaniment of songs by the Mousehole Male Voice Choir.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS

I am thrilled to share with you the following traditions from English Home Magazine.

THE MUMMERS

"Roast beef, plum pudding and mince pie - who likes that better than King William and I?" chant the Marshfield Mummers: the Old Time Paper Boys every Boxing Day, as they take to the streets to perform an age-old play complete with sword fights, violent death and hope-filled resurrection. They are part of the mummers' tradition, with roots in medieval times, where troupes of actors stage fold-plays featuring characters such as Father Beelzebub, good St. George, and the evil Turkish Knight.

The Marshfield Paper Boys, with their rich west-country accents, earned their name thanks to the elaborate costumes they make out of coloured paper. Farmer Dick Knight has performed with them for 60 years: "At one time, almost every village in England would have had mummers but Marshfield is probably the only one where that custome has never died."

WASSAIL

"Waes Hael", the Saxon for 'good health', was a midwinter drinking toast of sweet, spicy punch, shared in a communal cup that became known as the Wassail bowl. In early times, carol singers would 'wassail' door to door in return for gifts of money at Christmas and New Year. By the end of the 17th century, when cider-making had become a staple industry, the wassailing ceremony was also practised in orchards to guarantee a good harvest.

Stay tuned...more tomorrow...

Sunday, December 9, 2012

21 DECEMBER - ST THOMAS' DAY

A Traditional Christmas in England

ST THOMAS' DAY

21 December

Once the day when adult members of each parish would give small amounts of money to their poorer, elderly neighbours. This was known as 'Thomasing' or 'Mumpsing'.

Merry Christmas

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.

Welcome

Saturday, December 22, 2012

A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS

Sunday, December 9, 2012

21 DECEMBER - ST THOMAS' DAY