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, December 5, 2022

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

A COMPLETE A-Z ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

C IS FOR CARDS

In this modern age, sitting down to handwrite a letter to friends and family rarely happens. The yuletide season evokes a touch of nostalgia, though, and an opportunity to send glad tidings to those we care about. Take the time to spend an evening writing a thoughtful message and make sending the card worthwhile, perhaps adding a letter reflecting on the past year to those acquaintances not seen for a while. Displaying a large number of cards received can often be tricky - a string around a room or up a staircase can be helpful for pegging cards onto. After Christmas, look for local charities that collect cards for recycling.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Love, Bernadette

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

Saturday, December 3, 2022

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

A COMPLETE A-Z ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

B IS FOR BAUBLES

The baubles hanging on the tree can often tell the stories of Christmases past. Boxes are carefully brought down from the attic and lovingly wrapped treasures are freed from tissue paper and old biscuit tins. Each bauble is given its special place, from vintage finds to those made by a child, to an old favourite passed down through generations and a new one or two to mark the current year. Though trends may come and go, and new color schemes become desirable, often the tradition and ritual of bringing these old friends out just once a year mean many of us stick to a style and palette that can be built upon year on year, to create a truly personal expression of Christmas that evokes memories to cherish.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Love, Bernadette

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

Friday, December 2, 2022

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

A COMPLETE A-Z ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

A IS FOR ADVENT

Christmas anticipation and preparations truly begin with the commencement of advent. In churches, this may fall on the Sunday nearest the 30 November, but for secular celebrations, 1 December is the usual starting point, with many using an advent calendar to count down the days leading up to Christmas Day. This may take the form of a traditional pictorial card calendar with windows to open each morning, usually with a small missive or festive icon behind. Children (and adults) may also delight in versions with a chocolate behind each window. Homemade options can be a lovely family tradition to bring out annually and can be personalized day by day with a thoughtful trinket or favorite item of confectionery.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Love, Bernadette

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

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Enjoying Tea at Vintage Tea Leaf

So long ago....

Saturday, August 27, 2022

Informal Place Setting

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

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

FREE ONLINE TEA AND ÉTIQUETTE COURSES

FREE ONLINE "TEA ÉTIQUETTE" COURSE - SEPTEMBER 17 @ 2:00 PM

FREE ONLINE "BEGINNING ÉTIQUETTE" COURSE - SEPTEMBER 18 @ 2:00 PM

CONTACT ME @ 360.929.3820

With purchase of book for $36.99 plus shipping & handling

See website for class descriptions - PoliteSocietySchool.com

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

FREE ONLINE TEA AND ÉTIQUETTE COURSES

FREE ONLINE "TEA ÉTIQUETTE" COURSE - SEPTEMBER 17 @ 2:00 PM

FREE ONLINE "BEGINNING ÉTIQUETTE" COURSE - SEPTEMBER 18 @ 2:00 PM

CONTACT ME @ 360.929.3820

With purchase of book for $45 - includes shipping and handling...

See website for class descriptions - PoliteSocietySchool.com

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

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.