Polite Society School of Étiquette: TEA TRADITIONS.....Tea promotes wellness...

Saturday, January 20, 2018

TEA TRADITIONS.....Tea promotes wellness...

TEA AND HEALTH

Tea continues to be used to promote overall health and wellness in traditional Chinese medicine, and is believed to boost vitality and longevity. Contemporary research offers evidence of tea's benefits for a variety of health concerns, ranging from weight loss to heart fitness to anxiety reduction.

An integral part of Chinese culture, today tea is enjoyed by the general populace, but it was not until the Tang dynasty, which spanned from 618 to 907, that an appreciation for tea widened beyond aristocratic and monastic circles. The monk and tea master Lu Yu, who lived from 733 to 804, published a treatise on tea entitled Ch'a Ching, or The Classic of Tea. His widely read book held universal appeal, describing the benefits of the beverage, as well as more practical information, such as preparation, utensils, and different types of tea.

Lu Yu wrote about the traditional tea ceremony in a way that blended the teachings of spiritual wisdom and celebrated harmony, unity, and simplicity. An excerpt from the book reads, "The effect of tea is cooling and as a beverage, it is most suitable. It is especially fitting for persons of self-restraint and inner worth. Tea tempers the spirits and harmonizes the mind, dispels lassitude and relieves fatigue, awakens thought and prevents drowsiness, lightens or refreshes the body, and clears the perceptive faculties."

The Classic of Tea played a significant role in bringing the knowledge, customs, and practices of tea to a wider swath of China, but it could be said that tea itself is deserving of the credit for such widespread appreciation as it continues to enjoy, these many thousands of years later. It is a beverage that seems to transcend time and culture, bringing comfort and encouraging reflective moments of solace to all who savor it.

Credit to Victoria Classics.

NEW ONLINE TEA ETIQUETTE TRAINING AVAILABLE!

Ms. Bernadette M. Petrotta

Founder & Director

Polite Society School of Etiquette

Authored Books:

The Art of the Social Graces

The Art and Proper Etiquette of Afternoon Tea

EMMA The Etiquette Cat: Meet Emma

Website: PoliteSocietySchool.com

Email: PoliteSocietySchool@Whidbey.com

Blog: PoliteSocietySchool.blogspot.com

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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.

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Saturday, January 20, 2018

TEA TRADITIONS.....Tea promotes wellness...

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