Welcome

Polite Society School of Étiquette offers Beginning, Advanced, Business, and Tea Étiquette Courses. Étiquette tutelage is presented at speaking engagements, webinars, school seminars, private dinners, and specialty tea events. The School's mission is to educate adults and children in customary codes of conduct with an emphasis on everyday social graces.

Monday, August 29, 2016

Marina reading Emma

Katherine reading Emma The Etiquette Cat to her daughter, Marina


Marina really loves Emma!  She asks her mum to read it everyday.  

Nothing brings me more happiness than to see children enjoying my darling Emma.  I would like to take credit for the book but Emma provided the entire story.  She is the most adorable kitty.

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Reading Emma...

Emma the Etiquette Cat:  Meet Emma




I love to see children reading Emma.  It brings me so much joy.  








Saturday, August 13, 2016

POLITENESS

Politeness

Politeness is very very important.  Politeness makes it easier to make a good first impression in social or professional settings.  Someone who speaks to others in a courteous manner is more likely to make a good impression.  Being polite is especially important when communicating with customers and colleagues.

Confucius emphasized that virtues are not enough without politeness.  He viewed them as inseparable and saw courtesies as coming from the heart and when practiced with all the heart, a moral elevation ensues.

So when in doubt, be polite.  

Sunday, August 7, 2016

What is "Etiquette?"

WHAT IS ETIQUETTE







To the French we owe the word etiquette, and it is amusing to discover its origin in the commonplace familiar warning - "Keep off the grass."  It happened in the reign of Louis XIV, when the gardens of Versailles were being laid out, that the master gardener, an old Scotsman, was sorely tried because his newly seeded lawns were being continually trampled upon.  To keep trespassers off, he put up warning signs or tickets  -  etiquettes  -  on which was indicated the path along which to pass.  But the courtiers paid no attention to these directions and so the determined Scot complained to the King in such convincing manner that His Majesty issued an edict commanding everyone at Court to "keep within the etiquettes."  Gradually the term came to cover all the rules for correct demeanor and deportment in court circles; and this through the centuries it has grown into use to describe the conventions sanctioned for the purpose of smoothing personal contacts and developing tact and good manners.  

The Court today has ceased to be the arbiter of manners.  We now focus on moral virtues in general.  In particular - friendships.  So even though it is important to use the correct fork, knife, or spoon, it is just as important to be polite in all circumstances of social intercourse.  Social etiquette as well as professional etiquette are equally important.  Being on time for appointments, not interrupting, listening, dressing appropriately, shaking hands, no arguing or gossiping... are all at the heart of a system of rules of conduct based on respect and self control.