Polite Society School of Étiquette: THE 12 JOYS OF CHRISTMAS #10

Monday, December 18, 2017

THE 12 JOYS OF CHRISTMAS #10

The traditions and rituals of the festive season are a delight at this time of year. Take inspiration from ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE to help magnify the magic of Christmas.

#10 - The Christmas Feast

A decadent mid-morning glass of champagne is par for the course when setting the tone for a day of Christmas feasting. Whether the feast takes place in daylight hours or towards the end of the day, when the approaching dusk sets an atmospheric tone amid flickering candlelight, a suitable festive breakfast is in order to whet the appetite. Creaming scrambled eggs sit atop coral strips of smoked salmon or carved slices of home-baked ham, alongside golden brown toast rich with butter and citrus-fresh marmalade.

The turkey in all its burnished glory takes its rightful place at the centre of the spread, surrounded by golden roast potatoes crisped in goose fat hot from the oven. The enticing aroma of herb-flecked stuffing wafts from within the bronzed bird, whilst the surrounding platter bears pigs in blankets nestled into the nooks and crevices of plump thighs and juicy drumsticks. Tureens of carrots and Brussels sprouts dotted with melted butter sit alongside the gravy boat, itself teetering precariously under the weight of the delicious juices, whilst a bowl of vibrant cranberry sauce provides a zesty counterpoint to the rich flavors.

Slipping a treat to the dog under the table allows room for the traditional centerpiece Christmas pudding - carried to the table with a sprig of holly, it is then set ablaze with brandy, or whisky for a Scottish twist, adding a touch of drama to the feast. Served with cream and anointed with a further splash of neat spirits, or with brandy butter for richness, this is the most festive of sweet treats.

After a nip of digestif to settle the stomach, the cheeseboard beckons, with tempting mature hard varieties, voluptuous soft-rind offerings and fresh young cheese accompanied by homemade chutney and a token sprig of celery.

Come early evening after a post-prandial snooze, stomachs rumbling anew take everyone by surprise. Though the main meal may have taken place but a few hours previously, nothing is quite as fitting an end to the day as enjoying a mince pie or a slice of Christmas cake with a cup of tea whilst curled up on the sofa.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM:

Ms. Bernadette M. Petrotta
Founder & Director
Polite Society School of Etiquette

Author
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.

Polite Society School of Étiquette

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Monday, December 18, 2017

THE 12 JOYS OF CHRISTMAS #10

THE 12 JOYS OF CHRISTMAS #10

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