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.

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE-MINCE PIES!

 


 

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

 

A COMPLETE A-Z ENGLISH CHRISTMAS


G IS FOR GARLANDS

H IS FOR HOLLY

I IS FOR ICE SKATING

K IS FOR KING'S COLLEGE

J IS FOR JOKES IN CRACKERS

L IS FOR LIGHTS

M IS FOR MINCE PIES!





It is estimated that more than 800 million mince pies are eaten in the UK over the festive period. These delicious pastries filled with mincemeat are offered to guests, served as a pudding, enjoyed during carol concerts, and are the perfect warming treat after a wintry walk.  (I enjoy mince pies without the mincemeat-but I am from America)  They are a delicacy that has been around since the Middle Ages.  As with many traditions, they take on religious importance, too - with established recipes for mincemeat featuring 13 ingredients to represent Jesus and his disciples.  Classically a mixture of dried fruits, spices, sugar and suet are cooked with alcohol to create the rich mincemeat filling.  Mince pies can be made in moments using store-bought or homemade mincemeat, so are perfect for unexpected visitors - simply keep pastry to hand in the fridge, too.  Serve with brandy butter or a dollop of cream.


Merry Christmas to you all!

Love, Bernadette



Learn étiquette and manners with one-on-one training in the comfort of your own home.  

Visit www.PoliteSocietySchool.com for more information about training!

Newest book available on Amazon and website.

Enjoy!


Bernadette M. Petrotta
Founder & Director
Polite Society School of Étiquette

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE


 

A COMPLETE A-Z ENGLISH CHRISTMAS


F IS FOR FATHER CHRISTMAS


Santa Claus, Kris Kringle, St Nicholas...    he goes by many names, but in the United Kingdom, it is the anticipation of the arrival of Father Christmas, delivering gifts on Christmas Eve and filling the stockings of those on the 'nice' list.  The legend of the figure has many different origins, some of which have been fused to create the character beloved by children at Christmastime.  Saint Nicholas, a bishop known for his kindness and generosity, is the start of the legends, and devotion to him encouraged the giving of gifts to others.  The Dutch named this figure Sinterklaas, which in turn became Santa Claus in English, and the popular name used in the The United States.  The English Father Christmas has become wholly synonymous with the American interpretation of Santa, but it also has roots that go back an unknown pagan figure who lifted people's spirits during the bleak winter months.  This man wore robes of green and a holly crown - much like the depiction of the ghost of Christmas Present in Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol.






Merry Christmas to you all!

Love, Bernadette



Learn étiquette and manners with one-on-one training in the comfort of your own home.  

Visit www.PoliteSocietySchool.com for more information about training!

Newest book available on Amazon and website.

Enjoy!


Bernadette M. Petrotta
Founder & Director
Polite Society School of Étiquette


Saturday, December 10, 2022

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE


 

A COMPLETE A-Z ENGLISH CHRISTMAS


E IS FOR EGGNOG







A creamy concoction of eggs, milk, cream, spices and a splash of rum has become a popular American indulgence over the festive period.  It began life though in medieval England as a 'posset' - a similar drink of warm milk enriched with wine or ale.  There is much debate about how the name evolved - some point to 'nog' as stemming from noggin, a wooden cup used to serve alcohol; others that 'grog' was a term for rum, and thus egg and grog became egg nog.  It is often served chilled, but it can also be enjoyed as a warming drink on chilly nights, as suggested in this deliciously Christmassy recipe.


Merry Christmas to you all!

Love, Bernadette



Learn étiquette and manners with one-on-one training in the comfort of your own home.  

Visit www.PoliteSocietySchool.com for more information about training!

Newest book available on Amazon and website.

Enjoy!


Bernadette M. Petrotta
Founder & Director
Polite Society School of Étiquette



Friday, December 9, 2022

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

 

A COMPLETE A-Z ENGLISH CHRISTMAS


D IS FOR DINNER IS SERVED!





Much of the build-up on Christmas Day is for the dinner - a roast with all the trimmings.  For many, a turkey is the centerpiece, although a traditional goose is becoming popular again, or an alternative choice is a large joint of beef,  Timing to ensure everything is served at the same time, often for a large number of people as extended families gather together, can be stressful.  But whatever you select to be served, it will be delicious for this most important of family meals.

I especially love turkey and I have recently decided since my family is quite small to roast a turkey breast in my oven.  It makes its own gravy too.  You just put a roasting bag and it comes out perfectly!


Merry Christmas to you all!

Love, Bernadette



Learn étiquette and manners with one-on-one training in the comfort of your own home.  

Visit www.PoliteSocietySchool.com for more information about training!

Newest book available on Amazon and website.

Enjoy!


Bernadette M. Petrotta
Founder & Director
Polite Society School of Étiquette



Monday, December 5, 2022

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

 

A COMPLETE A-Z ENGLISH CHRISTMAS


C IS FOR CARDS





In this modern age, sitting down to handwrite a letter to friends and family rarely happens.  The yuletide season evokes a touch of nostalgia, though, and an opportunity to send glad tidings to those we care about.  Take the time to spend an evening writing a thoughtful message and make sending the card worthwhile, perhaps adding a letter reflecting on the past year to those acquaintances not seen for a while.  Displaying a large number of cards received can often be tricky - a string around a room or up a staircase can be helpful for pegging cards onto.  After Christmas, look for local charities that collect cards for recycling.


Merry Christmas to you all!

Love, Bernadette



Learn étiquette and manners with one-on-one training in the comfort of your own home.  

Visit www.PoliteSocietySchool.com for more information about training!

Newest book available on Amazon and website.

Enjoy!


Bernadette M. Petrotta
Founder & Director
Polite Society School of Étiquette


Saturday, December 3, 2022

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

 

A COMPLETE A-Z ENGLISH CHRISTMAS


B IS FOR BAUBLES


The baubles hanging on the tree can often tell the stories of Christmases past.  Boxes are carefully brought down from the attic and lovingly wrapped treasures are freed from tissue paper and old biscuit tins.  Each bauble is given its special place, from vintage finds to those made by a child, to an old favourite passed down through generations and a new one or two to mark the current year.  Though trends may come and go, and new color schemes become desirable, often the tradition and ritual of bringing these old friends out just once a year mean many of us stick to a style and palette that can be built upon year on year, to create a truly personal expression of Christmas that evokes memories to cherish.


Merry Christmas to you all!

Love, Bernadette



Learn étiquette and manners with one-on-one training in the comfort of your own home.  

Visit www.PoliteSocietySchool.com for more information about training!

Newest book available on Amazon and website.

Enjoy!


Bernadette M. Petrotta
Founder & Director
Polite Society School of Étiquette


Friday, December 2, 2022

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

 

A COMPLETE A-Z ENGLISH CHRISTMAS


A IS FOR ADVENT


Christmas anticipation and preparations truly begin with the commencement of advent.  In churches, this may fall on the Sunday nearest the 30 November, but for secular celebrations, 1 December is the usual starting point, with many using an advent calendar to count down the days leading up to Christmas Day.  This may take the form of a traditional pictorial card calendar with windows to open each morning, usually with a small missive or festive icon behind.  Children (and adults) may also delight in versions with a chocolate behind each window.  Homemade options can be a lovely family tradition to bring out annually and can be personalized day by day with a thoughtful trinket or favorite item of confectionery.


Merry Christmas to you all!

Love, Bernadette



Learn étiquette and manners with one-on-one training in the comfort of your own home.  

Visit www.PoliteSocietySchool.com for more information about training!

Newest book available on Amazon and website.

Enjoy!


Bernadette M. Petrotta
Founder & Director
Polite Society School of Étiquette







Saturday, August 27, 2022

Informal Place Setting

 Informal Place Setting



Learn étiquette and manners with one-on-one training in the comfort of your own home.  

Visit www.PoliteSocietySchool.com for more information about training!

Newest book available on Amazon and website.

Enjoy!


Bernadette M. Petrotta
Founder & Director
Polite Society School of Étiquette


Wednesday, August 17, 2022

 

FREE ONLINE TEA AND ÉTIQUETTE COURSES

    FREE ONLINE "TEA ÉTIQUETTE" COURSE - SEPTEMBER 17 @ 2:00 PM

FREE ONLINE "BEGINNING ÉTIQUETTE" COURSE - SEPTEMBER 18 @ 2:00 PM


             CONTACT ME @ 360.929.3820


With purchase of book for $36.99 plus shipping & handling


See website for class descriptions - PoliteSocietySchool.com 



Learn étiquette and manners with one-on-one training in the comfort of your own home.  

Visit www.PoliteSocietySchool.com for more information about training!

Newest book available on Amazon and website.

Enjoy!


Bernadette M. Petrotta
Founder & Director
Polite Society School of Étiquette

FREE ONLINE TEA AND ÉTIQUETTE COURSES

    FREE ONLINE "TEA ÉTIQUETTE" COURSE - SEPTEMBER 17 @ 2:00 PM

FREE ONLINE "BEGINNING ÉTIQUETTE" COURSE - SEPTEMBER 18 @ 2:00 PM


             CONTACT ME @ 360.929.3820


With purchase of book for $45 - includes shipping and handling...


See website for class descriptions - PoliteSocietySchool.com 



Learn étiquette and manners with one-on-one training in the comfort of your own home.  

Visit www.PoliteSocietySchool.com for more information about training!

Newest book available on Amazon and website.

Enjoy!


Bernadette M. Petrotta
Founder & Director
Polite Society School of Étiquette

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

The Art of Timeless Étiquette, Graceful Dining Manners, & Afternoon Tea



About the book...


 The Polite Society School of Étiquette presents Volume IV, The Art of Timeless Étiquette, Graceful Dining Manners, & Afternoon Tea, featuring Social Graces, Étiquette History, Introduction Methods, Entertaining Guidelines, Correspondence Protocol, History of Tableware, Dining Out Manners, American and Continental Dining, Appropriate Dress Attire, History of Tea, Types of Tea, Tea Pairings and Tastings, Tea Food Dining Instructions, and Formalities for Preparing a “Proper” Afternoon Tea.  This latest volume is an updated compilation of Volume I and Volume II with additional étiquette guidelines and instructions.

 

The Art of Timeless Étiquette, Graceful Dining Manners, & Afternoon Tea 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 delights the senses with elegant and picturesque table settings, antique teacups, and beautiful linens.

 

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 savories, and tea tasting characteristics.  Instructions are provided on making the perfect pot of tea for this charming custom as it became the forefront 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 savories, 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 an added bonus, The Art of Timeless Étiquette, Graceful Dining Manners, & Afternoon Tea contains chapters on the history, usage, and care of all tableware that 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 continuing and 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 which resulted in several publications.

 

Credit is given to William Hanson who is the leading étiquette coach and social commentator in the United Kingdom.  His life’s work is and 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 absolutely priceless.

Whether one is a homemaker, business professional, or student, The Art of Timeless Étiquette, Graceful Dining Manners, & Afternoon Tea will empower every reader with confidence as he or she learns life-changing essential manners and practical skills while exploring the world of étiquette.


Learn étiquette and manners with one-on-one training in the comfort of your own home.  

Visit www.PoliteSocietySchool.com for more information about training!

Newest book available on Amazon and website.

Enjoy!


Bernadette M. Petrotta
Founder & Director
Polite Society School of Étiquette

Monday, June 13, 2022

AFTERNOON TEA WEEK



MEET THE MAN BEHIND AFTERNOON TEA WEEK 

Keith Newton has always been fascinated by afternoon tea – unusual for a man who is a real techie at heart.

“I’ve always been fascinated by hotels and luxury and the fact that anyone can have a taste of luxury through ‘afternoon tea’. You don’t have to pay £500 or £1,000 a night to stay at a luxury hotel, you can enjoy and embrace that ‘treat’ for much less. Many of these venues rely on the income from afternoon teas just as much as those people who stay overnight. It’s an essential part of their revenue.”

Even though Keith, who lives in Crosby and used to work for HM Customs & Revenue was a regular amateur ‘critic’ of afternoon teas just for fun. So much so that in 2002 he decided to create a website to share details of where to get a good afternoon tea experience in the UK.

“I’m a techie at heart and thought it would be fun to create a hub where someone could browse the opportunities for afternoon tea in their own community or where they were going on holiday or simply visiting for a weekend,” he said.

Keith’s website - https://afternoontea.co.uk – was originally founded as a hobby purely for information and to use his techie knowledge. However after it was mentioned on BBC Radio 2 its popularity rose dramatically. Keith then realised the demand was there and turned it into a business – in 2018 generating around £9million of business for those listed on the site.

This increasing popularity led to Keith founding Afternoon Tea Week (this week!) to provide a ‘moment’ for venues nationwide to celebrate their afternoon tea offerings and for consumers to share their experiences, tips and recommendations across social media.

The success Keith’s afternoon tea vision also encouraged him to set up the annual awards which return this year on Tuesday September 3. Aimed to celebrate the best the UK has to offer, more than 60 of the finest hotels and restaurants are taking part. Many are based in London and Keith is appealing for other venues across the UK to enter.

This year’s event takes place at Rosewood London, a venue which was the winner of last year’s Best Contemporary Afternoon Tea category. Other categories are Best Traditional Afternoon Tea, Best Themed Afternoon Tea, Best Children’s Afternoon Tea and Best Tea Service. 2019 will also see a new award for Best Vegan Afternoon Tea in response to the increase in the demand for alternatives to traditional menus.

“Afternoon tea is available in wonderful venues nationwide. We want to see more of those regional hotels and restaurants entering the Awards. Owners and managers shouldn’t worry about who else has won or price point of their offering – that’s not what these awards are about. I wish to showcase the best from across the UK based around many criteria including quality of food, quality of drinks, customer service and value for money,” Keith said.

Once a venue has entered for the awards they will be visited by judges on ‘blind’ visits on two separate occasions. Judges include pastry chefs, food critics and other professionals within the hospitality industry. They will book and pay as any other customers and venues will be judged from booking through to the moment the judges leave.

Keith said: "These are the only Afternoon Tea Awards to judge the entire customer experience, from arrival to departure, with a strong emphasis on food, tea, and service."

As well as the chance of winning a Best of Category, all entrants will have the opportunity to receive a commended or highly commended certificate, in recognition of outstanding service. Although entry to the 2019 awards is now closed, the opportunity to enter for 2020 will open up in October this year. Visit the website from October to register your interest.







Learn étiquette and manners with one-on-one training in the comfort of your own home.  

Visit www.PoliteSocietySchool.com for more information about training!

Newest book available on Amazon and website.

Enjoy!


Bernadette M. Petrotta
Founder & Director
Polite Society School of Étiquette