Welcome

Polite Society School of Étiquette offers a thoughtfully curated collection of courses designed to cultivate grace, confidence, and impeccable poise. The following courses are offered. Beginning Étiquette Course — An introduction to the essential principles of etiquette, gracious manners, and confident social interaction. Afternoon Tea Étiquette Course — An elegant exploration of afternoon tea traditions, tea-table etiquette, and the art of hosting and participating in this cherished ritual. Protocol, Decorum, & Savoir-Faire Course — A study of refined conduct, formal protocol, and the discernment required to navigate social and professional settings with confidence. The Story of Tea Course — A captivating journey through the history, culture, and traditions of tea, celebrating its enduring influence on societies around the world. Étiquette tutelage is also offered through speaking engagements, instructional webinars, school seminars, private dinners, and specialty tea events. The School's mission is to educate both adults and children in the traditional principles of etiquette and the essential social skills needed for everyday life. The curriculum encompasses the history of etiquette, social graces, dining etiquette, proper table settings, appropriate attire, protocol, decorum, and other valuable etiquette practices. Students also learn the art and essentials of preparing and serving a proper Afternoon Tea. Polite Society School of Étiquette provides students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the expectations of society with grace, poise, and confidence, empowering them to feel comfortable and self-assured in any social situation. All courses include foods and beverages as teaching aids. Interactive online training courses are available.

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

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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.