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, September 22, 2014

NORTHWEST TEA FESTIVAL - OCTOBER 4 & 5, 2014

The Northwest Tea Festival is the premier festival in the Northwest celebrating the world's most popular beverage. The complete program is listed on our website, both novices and veterans alike will enjoy exploring the world of tea.

$10 - Admission fee per day -
($15 for both days) includes free ceramic tasting tea cup and handy carry bag. Many workshops and all Presentations and Tea Tastings are free, some select workshops may require additional fees. Workshops and Tea Tastings have limited seating so arrive early for the best selection.

I will be teaching an Etiquette class. Please come and enjoy a fabulous day!

Etiquette of Tea
(Bernadette Petrotta)
11:45am - 12:45pm

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Etiquette - Definition

“Etiquette”

For many, the word “etiquette” implies white gloves, finger bowls, children curtsying, and other genteel manners that once were the hallmark of proper behavior. The actual definition of etiquette is a system of conventional rules that regulate social behavior. The etymology of 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. The ticket or card would indicate the proper dress code, expected impeccable behavior, and dining instructions for all who attended court. While these elaborate court rituals have come and gone along with other archaic customs, today’s etiquette remains traditional and constant.

Beautiful and ornate flatware make for an elegant table. Enjoy the diversity of patterns and history each piece entails.

Friday, August 15, 2014

EMMA The Etiquette Cat: Meet Emma

COMING SOON!!!

Taken from my book...

Mum keeps watching me while she prepares her breakfast because she knows how difficult this is for me.

Wow! Look at that teacup.

I really want to put my paw into the cup.

Decisions, decisions…

Thursday, August 14, 2014

EMMA The Etiquette Cat: Meet Emma

Polite Society School of Etiquette presents

Etiquette Series Volume III

EMMA The Etiquette Cat

Meet Emma

COMING SOON!

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.

Saturday, July 26, 2014

blog update

Updated blog with newest Volume in Etiquette Series.

Friday, April 25, 2014

Sugar in Jane Austin's time.....

Sugar in the 18 century (Jane Austin’s time) was kept

locked up because it was very expensive. It was sold

in many grades, from the highly refined, pure white

sugar that only the well off could afford, down to the

darkest of brown sugars used by the poor.

Granulated sugar had been only recently invented

and was not yet widely available. Sugar was molded

into large, cone-shaped loaves weighing several

pounds each that had to be broken up or grated

before the sugar could be used. Sugar cubes would

not be invented until 1843 – if people wanted sugar

for tea, they had to first break it into irregular lumps

with special tools called “sugar nippers,” from

which practices comes the traditional question “One

lump or two?”

Monday, April 7, 2014

English-style tea....

English-style tea places the loose leaves in a pot, then pours the brewed tea through a tea strainer into a teacup.

Be warned: The second cup of tea may be over brewed and bitter.

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.