Polite Society School of Étiquette

Welcome

Polite Society School of Étiquette offers a variety of courses. Beginning Étiquette Course, Afternoon Tea Étiquette Course, Protocol, Decorum, & Savoir-Faire Course, and The Story of Tea Course. Étiquette tutelage is presented at speaking engagements, instructional 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 skills. History of étiquette, social graces, dining principles, table setting instructions, appropriate dress attire, protocol, decorum, and other useful étiquette techniques along with the essentials of preparing a “Proper” Afternoon Tea are incorporated in the curriculum. Polite Society School of Étiquette provides rules for living in our society that will enable students to feel comfortable and confident in all social situations. All courses include foods and beverages as teaching aids. Interactive online training courses are available.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITIONS

"D"

IS FOR DICKENS, DECK THE HALLS, DING DONG MERRILY ON HIGH!

The Victorian era was when many of the traditions of Christmas that are celebrated today were established. After Christmas had been abolished by Cromwell, there was a nostalgic interest in the festivities that used to be enjoyed. Prince Albert also introduced some German traditions, such as the Christmas tree, and the Royal family promoted the idea of family Christmases. This, paired with a novella written by Charles Dickens, cemented the ideologies of Christmas we uphold today. A Christmas Carol is not only an illustration of Christmas during Victorian times, it promoted many of the sentiments of what the season meant to secular society. The story is rich with the importance of family and love as well as merriment, enjoying food and drink, dancing and playing games, but also, most importantly, goodwill to all men and generosity of spirit.

From English Home Magazine

Saturday, December 3, 2011

A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITION

IS FOR CAROLS, CRACKERS, CHARITY, CHARADES

Although there are plenty of formal carol concerts, there is something charming about carollers singing with gusto on one's doorstep. In the name of charity and goodwill to all men, groups make their way from door to door by torch or, more romantically, candlelight, or sometimes gather on village greens beneath a streetlamp to sing and to garner donations for a variety of charitable collections.

From English Home Magazine

Thursday, December 1, 2011

A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITIONS

B is for Boxing Day, Baubles, Brandy, Baking, Bethlehem....

The day after Christmas Day is a national holiday that is perplexingly called Boxing Day. There are a number of explanations for the name, however, most relate to the giving of a box of money or food to those who are needy or who have provided a service. Churches would have boxes in which money was collected to give to the poor on St. Stephen's Day (December 26) and it was also commonplace for servants to be given this day off to spend with their families since they would have worked to maintain the household for the masters' Christmas Day celebrations. The servants would be presented with a box of gifts and food to enjoy. In most households today, Boxing Day is a rather relaxed affair and is usually spent with the extended family and friends. Rather than a formal dinner, a buffet of cold meats including left-over turkey and a specially cooked glazed ham, with pickles and potatoes is usually served.

From English Home Magazine

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITIONS

A IS FOR ADVENT, ANGELIC HOSTS, AWAY IN A MANGER

Although Advent Sunday is four Sundays before Christmas, in secular society the keeping of an Advent calendar is a popular tradition that usually begins on December 1st. Advent calendars stem from German Lutherans, who would count down the days until Christmas by marking a chalk line on the door. Printed calendars with 24 little doors to open day by day, are thought to have been first prpduced at the turn of the twentieth century by Gerhard Lang; however, the practice ceased during the Second World War due to paper rationing. German Richard Sellmer produced the first post-war calendar called 'Little Town', which was the first advent calendar in the United States. Today, calendars are available with religious and traditional festive designs. Some calendars are home made with pockets for sweets or treats which are a lovely alternative and can be brought out year after year and passed down through generations for an extra little touch of nostalgia.

From The English Home Magazine

Tis the Season of Grace

Tis the Season of Grace,

Season of Kindness, &

Season of Thankfulness,

Jewel like clusters of fall foliage, amber fields, collectable decorations adorning the house, beautifully set tables with ribbon-wrapped napkins, and all your favorite baked cookies are all the graceful gifts we enjoy in this wonderful season. I wish you all a wonderful Christmas.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Jewels...........

Flowers are the jewels we can all enjoy. Bring them into your home and into your life. Indulge your passion with a touch of refinement.

A post in my revised book. Should be ready in January.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Updated Bio on facebook and blog....

Just updated my bio!!!! Now to read my book again!!!! I am updating my book by adding pictures. It should be ready very soon.

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.