Polite Society School of Étiquette: December 2014

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas to all!

I want to thank so many of you for all of your support with my children's book. I also appreciate the 5-star reviews!

EMMA WISHES YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS TOO!

And since she has been on her best behavior, she has been getting lots and lots of Christmas kitty treats...

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

LAY THE TABLE

With a sense of excitement and anticipation at its height, now is the time for final preparations. Enhance the sense of occasion by using the best table linen and cutlery - wash and iron if necessary or treat yourself to a new set.

If children are at a loose end, give them the task of polishing silver, making name cards and decorative napkin rings. If posting a party, check place settings and chairs - grouping the children together at their own small table will facilitate good conversation for grown ups Make sure there are plenty of games to keep children occupied.

PREPARE FOOD

This is also the time to prepare food that can be made in advance, to relieve pressure on Christmas Day. Even gourmands put aside their scruples at times to purchase prepared items, whether from quality supermarkets or specialist delicatessens. Do the same if it will make life easier - Pâtés, terrines, trifles and the ham can all be stored safely in the fridge for a few days. If it is frozen, do take care to defrost the goose or turkey at least 24 hours before it is needed. Prepare something light and easy for Christmas Eve. Bake a final batch or two of your shortbread to enjoy after the midnight service or for breakfast on Christmas Day. Finally, sit down and watch a Christmas film - It's A Wonderful Life and The Snowman are timeless and will ease you into the festivities.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

WEEK FOUR - December 14-20

WEEK FOUR

DECEMBER 14 - 20

Decorate a Tree

We have Prince Albert to thank for the Christmas tree - he introduced the tradition from his native Germany in 1841. It is now difficult to imagine the season without one twinkling in a corner of the sitting room. For many, this is when Christmas truly begins: the fun of sourcing the tree, the effort of bringing it in through the door, the scent of pine needles, the joy of remembering Christmases past, the pleasure of opening a box of decorations not seen for a year...

For longevity, keep trees well-watered - use a stand which will hold water - and away from direct heat sources.

SOME GOOD IDEAS...

Order groceries and stock up on supplies, including a last-minute Christmas cake, if necessary!

Add sparkle to decorations with a few silver or cut-glass baubles, drops and tea-light holders.

DECK THE HALLS...

Whilst the decorations are out, extend the Christmas mood to other parts of the home and gather from the garden armfuls of holly, ivy and mistletoe to bring indoors to weave into garlands and arrangements. String up cards and decorative bands along the mantelpiece or down a banister. Oranges are especially fragrant at this time: stud them with cloves arranged in a pattern for a fetching display. The warming glow of candlelight is essential, whether from a row of votives or a large triple-wick pillar.

But most of all - ENJOY this festive occasion with love, respect, kindness, and lots of JOY!

Saturday, December 6, 2014

WEEK THREE - DECEMBER 7 - 13

WEEK THREE

DECEMBER 7 - 13

Shopping for presents...

Making a day of shopping is a pleasure at this time, particularly if it is done well in advance of the big event. Set off early, before the crowds thicken, and do plan stops for tea and lunch. Whilst shopping malls offer greater convenience, markets and boutiques can provide a far more festive and heartening experience. Specialist independent jewelers, bookshops, vintners and cheesemongers bring expertise and enthusiasm to their trade; it is worth supporting their enterprise too.

Wrapping presents...

Set aside a few evenings this week to wrap presents to avoid a night of wrapping until the small hours on Christmas Eve.

ENJOY!

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

WEEK TWO - NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 6

CHRISTMAS IDEAS...

Sunday, November 30 marks the start of the four weeks of Advent, when the Church begins to remember the birth of Christ. Hang a festive wreath on the front door to offer a cheery welcome to all who enter or pass by.

Christmas offers opportunity to reconnect with those with whom we may have lost contact over the year. For a truly meaningful experience, little can match a thoughtful letter slipped into a carefully selected and personalized card.

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.

Polite Society School of Étiquette

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