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.

Monday, December 18, 2017

THE 12 JOYS OF CHRISTMAS #7

The traditions and rituals of the festive season are a delight at this time of year. Take inspiration from ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE to help magnify the magic of Christmas.

#7 - Drinks Parties

The art of hosting comes into its own in December, when the telltale thud of thick card invitations landing on the doormat occurs with pleasing regularity.

Having a drinks party takes on a special meaning at Christmas, when social circles intermingle and those who may not normally cross paths enjoy raising a glass together in the spirit of the festive season.

There is a thrilling sense of anticipation that goes hand-in-hand with preparation, whether as host or as a guest. Dress codes may be more relaxed in modern times but still, dressing up in festive finery or a gaudy Christmas jumper marks the beginning of the evening, be it a formal champagne reception or a cosy kitchen affair amongst close friends.

Inevitably at Christmas time, where there are drinks, there a canapés: devils on horseback with salt strips of bacon wrapped around plump juicy prunes and smoked-salmon blinis topped with cream cheese and caviar, and perhaps a squeeze of lemon. Other savoury treats might include freshly baked mouthfuls of flaky pastry in the form of vol-au-vents, mini tartlets and parmesan twists, whilst on the pudding side of things, mini mince pies and candied chestnuts are perfectly bite-sized for the sweet of touch. Now is the time of year, too, to tempt guests with a delicious selection of cheeses alongside smoked salmon and to indulge puddings treats.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM:

Ms. Bernadette M. Petrotta
Founder & Director
Polite Society School of Etiquette

Author
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

THE 12 JOYS OF CHRISTMAS #6

The traditions and rituals of the festive season are a delight at this time of year. Take inspiration from ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE to help magnify the magic of Christmas.

#6 - Carolling

Christmas is as much about the sights and sounds of its accompanying activities as it is about the big day itself.

December sees groups of carolers, young and old, walk tree-lined streets under a cloak of darkness. Bearing a lantern aloft, they make their way to front doors, where residents, stirred by sweet dulcet tones, open their doors to the harmonious strains of traditional tunes and charitable endeavours.

Beyond home, carol services offer a different appreciation of this most traditional of forms. Services taking place across the country evoke a similarly festive feel in all who attend their performances. Whether a cappella or accompanied by organs, brass bands or percussion, carol services are a unifying and stirring element of the season.

Sunday, December 17, 2017

THE 12 JOYS OF CHRISTMAS #5

The traditions and rituals of the festive season are a delight at this time of year. Take inspiration from ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE to help magnify the magic of Christmas.

#5 - Baking

Few things bring to mind the excitement of Christmas quite like the heady scent of seasonal treats lovingly prepared at home.

Redolent of times gone by, aromatic spiced cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves mingle with the perfume of citrus fruits - in both fresh and candied forms - alongside the rich toffee base-note of dried fruit in cakes, puddings and sweetmeats that are studded with jewel-like cranberries and ruby-red cherries. This is the time of year when baking truly comes into its own - floured handprints smeared across rosy cheeks, flushed from the glow of the Aga, are but an incidental hazard when there are bakes to create for family and friends.

More than ever, the kitchen becomes the heart of the home, with sturdy mixing bowls, festive biscuit cutters and cheerily printed crockery making an appearance.

Baking traditions warm both home and heart: there is little more cheering than proudly producing trays of biscuits for the tree, each laced onto delicate ribbons ready to be hung from the pine-scented needles; whilst the appeal of stirring the Christmas pudding, eyes closed and wooden spoon firmly in hand, transcends the generations eager to make that all-important festive wish!

Saturday, December 16, 2017

THE 12 JOYS OF CHRISTMAS #4 Nativity Play

THE 12 JOYS OF CHRISTMAS #4

The traditions and rituals of the festive season are a delight at this time of year. Take inspiration from ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE to help magnify the magic of Christmas.

#4 - Nativity Play

Whether in church or at school, the recreation of the nativity scene never fails to bring joy to those who witness its performance. The traditional telling of the story of Mary and Joseph, and their journey to Bethlehem, is a poignant reminder of the true meaning of Christmas amids what can often be a busy period filled with social occasions and merriment. Taking the time to sit quietly and absorb the familiar narrative affords a moment of contemplation that binds mankind in common experience.

Little ones, especially, are never more entranced by the story than when in costume - bursting with pride and eyes shining with joy, it matters not a jot whether their role is a lead part or a supporting character. Eager to show off new-found stage skills, their covert waves to parents in the audience become the stuff of cherished family memories when immortalised in snapshots brought out years later in reminiscence.

That is not to say that nativity performance is neer without a hitch - ebullient excitement can often bubble over into inadvertent misdemeanours. In fact, there is something of an innocent charm about the moment when the pressure becomes too much for baby Jesus as the newborn actor wails in protest, or the Angel Gabriel stumbles over his lines. Regardless, the spectacle about the birth of Christ is an experience intrinsic to the festival that bears his name.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

THE 12 JOYS OF CHRISTMAS #3 Decorating the House

The 12 Joys of Christmas #3

THE 12 JOYS OF CHRISTMAS

The traditions and rituals of the festive season are a delight at this time of year. Take inspiration from ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE to help magnify the magic of Christmas.

#3 - DECORATING THE HOUSE

Though the tree is the star of the show, the home is the stage upon which to play out Christmas proceedings. Dressing the set, so to speak, required an approach that takes tradition and style into equal consideration.

As a starting point, gathering foliage from the garden for use in festive decoration is a natural extension of a home's character. When arms are laden with holly, mistletoe and branches of evergreen, the immediate appeal of spreading Christmas cheer soon translates into fronds of ivy draped across the mantelpiece, or laurel leaves winding their way up olished staircase bannisters.

Drawing inspiration from nature is a much-loved theme at this time of year, and with good reason. Ornaments in organic forms or pine cones in painted hues echo the natural feel of their origins, whilst the ever-present robin redbreast makes an enchanting appearance as a reminder of the season's religious origins. Nostalgia gladdens the heart in the form of paper chains, whilst color-wise, shades of carmine and vermillion abound alongside metallic tones including burnished gold, pale bronze and elegant silver, reflected in the flattering half-light from pillar candles arranged in stepped heights at the base of a roaring log fire.

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

The 12 Joys of Christmas #2

THE 12 JOYS OF CHRISTMAS

The traditions and rituals of the festive season are a delight at this time of year. Take inspiration from ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE to help magnify the magic of Christmas.

#2 - CHOOSING THE TREE

Striding out across a Christmas tree farm, snow crunching underfoot, is undoubtedly one of the simplest pleasures of the festive period.

Wrapped up against the cold, those who take in these majestic, makeshift coppices are rewarded with the sight of dark-green needles under a blanket of snow.

Where tall and graceful firs may appeal to some, others may prefer more rounded pines. And whilst a dignified spruce would suit the elegance of a dining room, for the hallway or sitting room and fuller look of a broad-based tree is a pleasing fit.

So, how best to choose a tree? Seeking a professional outfit or visiting smaller, niche growers, allows for an effective overview. Firs are, by and large, the most popular Christmas trees, thanks to their frangrance and low needle drop.

Other varieties, such as pines and spruces, are noted for their colour and structure.

Whatever the tree of choice, be sure to check for freshness. Tree Grower Associations recommend a tactical running of the hand over any one branch - needles should be flexible and not fall off - then raising the tree a short distance off the ground and dropping it on the end, ensuring that only a few green needles dislodge. Selecting a tree grown to the best environmental and sustainable practices will ensure longevity, and also help to provide shelter for birds and wildlife whilst growing.

Friday, December 1, 2017

THE 12 JOYS OF CHRISTMAS

The traditions and rituals of the festive season are a delight at this time of year. Take inspiration from ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE to help magnify the magic of Christmas.

Preparing gifts for their recipients is as enjoyable as the thought that goes into their selection. Setting aside an afternoon or evening to do so may feel like an extravagance at a time of year when days are short and diaries are full, but the rewards are plentiful.

Wrapping paper aside, attention to detail is everything when it comes to finishing touches. Banded grosgrain ribbon and stitched border trims offer a classic touch when adorned with glass baubles and natural foliage, whilst silver-and-white tones provide a tasteful palette for experimentation. Traditionalists may prefer velvet ribbons in Victorian hues.

There is always a pleasing familiarity to be had in winding natural twine around thick brown paper parcels, and attaching springs of holly and dried orange rounds.

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.