Polite Society School of Étiquette

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, October 17, 2011

2011 NORTHWEST TEA FESTIVAL

I thought I would share with you some feedback from the Northwest Tea Festival. So very nice......

Dear Bernadette,

Thank you so much for presenting Etiquette of Tea at the Northwest Tea Festival this year. It was very well received and we heard many compliments from attendees regarding the information that they learned from you. Your involvement, as in past festivals, played an indispensable role in making the Festival so successful. We trust that your experience was positive and we look forward to having you join us again next year.

The new venue seemed to be universally enjoyed by all. Comments we heard ranged from “this is much, much better” to lengthy compliments about the “better feel”, “better layout” “better flow” to name just a few.

This year’s expanded program (by including workshops) was also well received. The tea tasting sessions and workshops were filled to capacity in most instances. The only criticism we heard from attendees was that they wanted more of everything.

Douglas Livingston

Tea Etiquette Class
2011 Northwest Tea Festival - Seattle

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

AMAZON RATING

My ebook was just rated #1 in "table-setting cooking"

and #8 in "business etiquette."

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

NORTHWEST TEA FESTIVAL!!!

Another fabulous event. Each year becomes more exciting and this year was no exception. Premier tea suppliers along with tea authors and industry experts.

And, yes, speaking of experts - Mr. James Norwood Pratt (Tea Sommelier), author of New Tea Lover's Treasury, was there and presented Apprentice-Level workshops.

Here we are - Julee Rosanoff of the Perennial Tea Room, me, and Norwood and his lovely wife.

The BEST news is: I sold so so many books!!

Saturday, September 24, 2011

The Art of the Social Graces Book

For many, the word "etiquette" implies white gloves, finger bowls, children curtsying, and other genteel manners that once were the hallmark of proper behavior. This French word literally means a "ticket" or "card," and refers to the bygone custom of a French monarch making ceremonial rules and regulations for members of his court. While elaborate court rituals have gone the way of other archaic customs, "mindful etiquette" remains constant.

The Art of the Social Graces was written to enlighten readers in specific codes of behavior one needs in social situations as well as practical and graceful manners for dining.

Available in soft copy on my website: www.PoliteSocietySchool.com.

Available in ebook form on Amazon & Barnes and Noble.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Northwest Tea Festival

October 1st & 2nd, 2011

Be a part of this fabulous celebration of the exciting world of tea. The Northwest Tea Festival is brought to us by the The Puget Sound Tea Education Association. Their vision is to provide information and education on tea in all of its cultural formats as well as its variety of styles. I am thrilled to be a part of this fascinating organization as I will be speaking on Tea Etiquette.

Please check out the Northwest Tea Festival website - www.nwteafestival.com.

See you there!

I know this has nothing to do with tea, but I just cannot resist sharing..................

Sunday, September 18, 2011

John Montagu, Fourth Earl of Sandwich

I took a five-mile walk today and as I was feeding Gracie, I decided to write something

regarding one of life's pleasures..

The Sandwich

The notorious eighteenth-century gambler John Montagu, fourth Earl of Sandwich, is credited with inventing the sandwich. In 1762, Mr. Montagu would gamble for twenty-four straight hours. To keep gambling, he ordered sliced meats and cheeses served to him between pieces of bread. This method enabled him to eat with one hand and gamble with the other. Hence - the sandwich.

We now have open faced or closed sandwiches consisting of cucumbers, chicken salad, salmon, hummus, tomatoes, and more.

Monday, September 5, 2011

THREE ROYAL LADIES

Catherine of Braganza

Brought tea as part of her dowry
when she married Charles II.

Anna, Duchess of Bedford

Queen Victoria

Enthusiastically endorsed the
new ritual of Afternoon Tea with a
passion and often baked the sweets
herself for Prince Consort.

Tea is the perfect accompaniment to all the moments of our lives. Rest a teacup on the arm of a chair, and the balance of life immediately improves. Offer a cup of tea to an acquaintance, and discover a new friend.

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.