Polite Society School of Étiquette: TEA TRADITIONS....The Art and Practice of Drinking Tea

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

TEA TRADITIONS....The Art and Practice of Drinking Tea

The Art and Practice of drinking tea...

has its origins in thousands of years of history. That people the world over continue not only to drink but also to honor it through ceremonies and customs speaks to the timeless qualities of this comforting beverage.

Victoria Classics shares, "The enjoyment of tea," as being one of modern civilization's most sublime pleasures, while the ceremonies that surround the beloved brew are embedded in the very cornerstones of tradition.

Opening one's home to friends and strangers alike and welcoming them with food and beverage has long been anexpression of hospitality in many cultures across the globe.

Although it is commonly understood that the British elevated the taking of tea to its once and again place of prominence in polite society, istory reveals that tea parties were a popular pastime in Europe and in the American colonies for almost a century before becoming the high fashion of England's aristocracy.

The Dutch were among the first Eiuropeans not only to widely consume tea but also to serve it with dainty cakes and other delicious morsels in a convivial setting of friends, flowers elegant apparel, and cultured conversation. The English expanded tea party menus, adding a savories course, as well as a patina of refinement to the overall presentation.

But a far earlier practice draws on Chinese lore, which attributes the discovery of tea to Emperor Shen Long five thousand years ago. According to legend, the emperor, being possessed of a scientific mind, would boil his drinking water. When a leaf from a nearby plant in the garden drifted into his pot one day and lent its infusion to the hot water, he found, upon drinking it, a pleasant flavor. His enjoyment was such that he researched the beverage and discovered its medicinal properties-an attribute for which it is still known.

more on the next blog......

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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.

Welcome

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

TEA TRADITIONS....The Art and Practice of Drinking Tea

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