The Art of Timeless Étiquette, Graceful Dining Manners, & Afternoon Tea

About the book...

 The Polite Society School of Étiquette presents Volume IV, The Art of Timeless Étiquette, Graceful Dining Manners, & Afternoon Tea, featuring Social Graces, Étiquette History, Introduction Methods, Entertaining Guidelines, Correspondence Protocol, History of Tableware, Dining Out Manners, American and Continental Dining, Appropriate Dress Attire, History of Tea, Types of Tea, Tea Pairings and Tastings, Tea Food Dining Instructions, and Formalities for Preparing a “Proper” Afternoon Tea.  This latest volume is an updated compilation of Volume I and Volume II with additional étiquette guidelines and instructions.

 

The Art of Timeless Étiquette, Graceful Dining Manners, & Afternoon Tea 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 delights the senses with elegant and picturesque table settings, antique teacups, and beautiful linens.

 

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 savories, and tea tasting characteristics.  Instructions are provided on making the perfect pot of tea for this charming custom as it became the forefront 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 savories, 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 an added bonus, The Art of Timeless Étiquette, Graceful Dining Manners, & Afternoon Tea contains chapters on the history, usage, and care of all tableware that 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 continuing and 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 which resulted in several publications.

 

Credit is given to William Hanson who is the leading étiquette coach and social commentator in the United Kingdom.  His life’s work is and 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 absolutely priceless.

Whether one is a homemaker, business professional, or student, The Art of Timeless Étiquette, Graceful Dining Manners, & Afternoon Tea will empower every reader with confidence as he or she learns life-changing essential manners and practical skills while exploring the world of étiquette.

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

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

Tea and Croquet

Tea and Croquet

Anna, Duchess of Bedford, became well known for her at-home tea parties in about 1860; and what else would one do at a tea party, play croquet!

Croquet was initially a game for the well-to-do Europeans.  The object of croquet is to complete the course of nine wickets and hit the finishing stake before your opponents do.  A ball scores a wicket by passing through each wicket, however, there are rules governing the manner and means by which a player may enter a wicket.

When croquet first came to the United States, tea and croquet parties were an important part of daily social graces.  During the summer at country estates, tea was held outside.

What beautiful occasions these must have been.

Although we no longer have to contend with étiquette concerning ladies moving across the court with their one skirts, there are stiff rules of polite and correct behavior that should be maintained during a croquet match.

Learn étiquette and manners with one-on-one training in the comfort of your own home.  

Visit www.PoliteSocietySchool.com for more information!

Newest book available on Amazon.

Enjoy!

Bernadette M. Petrotta

Founder & Director

Polite Society School of Étiquette

 

 

About my new Étiquette Book

My latest étiquette book is for anyone who wants to get started in refining their life.  

Please enjoy to the fullest and email me with any questions you may have.  

This book was a labor of love...

About the Book

 The Polite Society School of Étiquette presents Volume IV, The Art of Timeless Étiquette, Graceful Dining Manners, & Afternoon Tea, featuring Social Graces, Étiquette History, Introduction Methods, Entertaining Guidelines, Correspondence Protocol, History of Tableware, Dining Out Manners, American and Continental Dining, Appropriate Dress Attire, History of Tea, Types of Tea, Tea Pairings and Tastings, Tea Food Dining Instructions, and Formalities for Preparing a “Proper” Afternoon Tea.  This latest volume is an updated compilation of Volume I and Volume II with additional étiquette guidelines and instructions.

 

The Art of Timeless Étiquette, Graceful Dining Manners, & Afternoon Tea 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.

 

Flatware (Published in 1994 by Schiffer Publishing Ltd.) for much of this information.  Mr. Osterberg’s continuing and 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 which resulted in several publications.

 

Credit is given to William Hanson who is the leading étiquette coach and social commentator in the United Kingdom.  His life’s work is and 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 absolutely priceless.

Whether one is a homemaker, business professional, or student, The Art of Timeless Étiquette, Graceful Dining Manners, & Afternoon Tea will empower every reader with confidence as he or she learns life-changing essential manners and practical skills while exploring the world of étiquette.  

Learn étiquette and manners with one-on-one training in the comfort of your own home.  

Visit www.PoliteSocietySchool.com for more information!

Newest book available on Amazon.

Enjoy!

Bernadette M. Petrotta

Founder & Director

Polite Society School of Étiquette

Happy New Year! What are your goals?

Today I listened to Jennifer L. Scott's blog.  She is amazing.  She discussed on her blog how to use your new daily planner and how to develop good habits and achieve your goals.

I highly suggest you listen to her.  

One of my goals is to read more enjoyable books.  Today I started the book: Sisters of Fortune.  I scheduled thirty minutes a day to read!  It sounds crazy for me to schedule time to read but I rarely read books like this.  I am usually reading books on etiquette or I am researching more information for my future book.  I retired many years ago, but I am always working on something for my business.  I have also scheduled time to study French.  

I will continue my ballet classes and enjoy cooking and cleaning my home.  

I do hope this information is useful.  

Happy New Year!

Learn étiquette and manners with one-on-one training in the comfort of your own home.  

Visit www.PoliteSocietySchool.com for more information!

Newest book available on Amazon.

Enjoy!

Bernadette M. Petrotta

Founder & Director

Polite Society School of Étiquette

STEMWARE DEFINITIONS FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Be ready for the holidays!

Below is a short explanation about the different types of stemware. 

Stemware is a general term used to refer to drinkware that has some type of stem.  Stem styles vary in length and girth.  There are many variations and designs of stemware.  Each style is unique and serves a multitude of purposes.

 

Goblet  This is the largest piece of stemware; it holds from nine to twelve fluid ounces.  It is always used for water in formal dining, but at an informal dinner, its use is optional.

 

Red Wine  Today, with the exception of Waterford, most formal patterns offer just one size of red wine glasses.  Burgundy and Bordeaux have their own special stemware.  An all-purpose wine glass will have a rounded bowl that tapers slightly toward the rim to contain the wine’s bouquet.

 

White Wine  A white wine glass has a bowl that is smaller than red, and the sides are a little straighter because white wine does not have as intense an aroma as red.  Never fill more than half of a stemware in order to concentrate on the wine’s more delicate bouquet.

 

Hock Wine  These are white wines from the Rhine Valley and are named for their growing area, Hockenheim.  Initially, Hock wines were served in stemware with a colored bowl to hide the wine’s cloudiness, but today these wines are no longer cloudy.  Queen Victoria, whose ancestors on her mother’s side were from the house of Saxony Cobert, introduced Hock wines to England.  Rhine wines are served in long-stemmed glasses with small squared-off bowls.  These are often not available as part of a regular stemware pattern.

 

Champagne  The most common shape available today is the flute which has a long, narrow bowl to preserve the effervescence of the bubbles.  It has supplanted the traditional saucer champagne, which has a shallow wide bowl, letting bubbles escape too quickly to today’s tastes.  In the past, a gentleman always carried his own swizzle stick which he used to take out the bubbles—not make more.

 

Cocktail  Strictly speaking, a cocktail glass should not be included in a formal stemware grouping; cocktails are never served at the formal dining table.  

 

Cordial  There are many different after-dinner drinks, and almost every single one has its own special glass.  Cordial glasses are never flared because the cordial’s aroma must be contained in the glass so the drinker can savor it.  These glasses have very small bowls because liqueurs are very concentrated and only a small amount is taken.

 

Sherry  The one apéritif that is still used at a formal table is the sherry glass to accompany the soup course.  Today, it is rarely available in stemware patterns but is sold as a specialty glass.  

 

Learn étiquette and manners with one-on-one training in the comfort of your own home.  

Visit www.PoliteSocietySchool.com for more information!

Newest book available on Amazon.

Enjoy!

Bernadette M. Petrotta

Founder & Director

Polite Society School of Étiquette

Tips on Serving Tea

 Tips on Serving Tea

*  Serve the tea in the following ways:  plain, with cream (usually when the word “cream” is used, it really means milk), with sugar, with cream and sugar, with lemon, with lemon and sugar, with honey, or with honey and cream.

 

*  Never serve cream and lemon together in tea.  The citric acid of the lemon will cause the cream to curdle.

 

*  If a guest requests lemon, pour the guest a cup of tea and place the lemon slice in the cup.  If the guest desires another cup of tea, remove the used slice of lemon.  As hostess, pour another cup of tea for the guest and place another lemon slice in the cup.

 

*  Used lemon slices are placed on a separate saucer, not on the teacup saucer.  Never use a teaspoon to press the lemon slice after it is placed in a cup.  Untouched, the oil from the peel and the fruit will provide the desired essence.

*  Sugar is served in the form of cubes for neatness.

Learn étiquette and manners with one-on-one training in the comfort of your own home.  

Visit www.PoliteSocietySchool.com for more information!

Newest book available on Amazon.

Enjoy!

Bernadette M. Petrotta

Founder & Director

Polite Society School of Étiquette