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.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

NORTHWEST WOMEN'S SHOW

PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND!!

MARCH 2-4, 2012

CenturyLink Event Center

1000 Occidental Way S

Seattle, 98134

25,000 Attendees

400 Exhibits
Please attend my class:

Etiquette Class at the Women's Show - Bernadette Petrotta of Polite Society School will teach you: Common Courtesies, Introductions, Professional Life, Appropriate Attire, Graceful Endings & Dining Manners

The Northwest Women's Show, has been held in Seattle for the past twenty four years and draws up to 25,000 attendees. With over 400 exhibits, up to five stages, local and national celebrities, strong local and national support, The Northwest Women's Show has become a successful regional tradition.

Our past events include:

Wholesale Heaven, an event that started in 1983 which included sales reps, importers and manufacturers in the clothing and gift industries. It was hugely popular for many years. Open to the public. We REALLY miss this show!

Monday, February 27, 2012

Victoria Tea Festival

North America's Largest Tea Exhibition was fabulous!

I was so welcomed and so humbled by all who attended my tea etiquette class. I was also very happy to be part of the signature fundraiser for Camosun College Child Care Services and to be part of this destination event for the city of Victoria.

I appreciated the commitment and the support of all of the volunteers who assisted me in my presentation.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

2012 EXCITING NEWS!

Well this has been a busy new year for me. I have been in the process of publishing and revising my etiquette book. It should be ready in about one month. I will keep you posted.

Also, I will be speaking in Victoria, Canada at the VICTORIA TEA FESTIVAL on February 18, & 19. It is one of North America's largest tea festivals and will be held in Victoria's historic Crystal Garden. 4,000 Greater Victoria residents and visitors are anticipated to attend this weekend tea extravaganza that presents tea from every possible angle.

See website below for more information:

http://www.victoriateafestival.com/

Friday, December 23, 2011

A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITIONS

"T"

IS FOR TWELFTH NIGHT, TURKEY, TINSEL, TOBOGGANS

Twelfth Night is traditionally the end of the Christmas celebrations and falls on 5 January on the eve of Epiphany. As with many of the Christian traditions, it is a celebration adopted from pagan practices and their festivities for Saturnalia. The idea that everything is reversed is a big part of the festivities, for instance the king and all noblemen would become peasants, and vice-versa. A special cake would be made with a bean in one half and a pea in the other. The half with the bean was for the men, the pea for the women and those who received the slice with the bean and pea would become king and queen for the night and rule the feast and merriment.

It is widely considered that all decorations should be taken down by the Twelfth Night to avoid bad luck. This superstition is based on a belief upheld until the nineteenth century, when decorations remained until Candlemas on 2 February, (40 days after Christmas). As the decorations were foiliage, people believed that the greenery contained tree spirits which had to be released to ensure spring would return and vegetation grow.

From English Home Magazine

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITIONS

"S"

IS FOR SHINING STAR, SILENT NIGHT, SPROUTS, STOCKINGS, SNOW, SILVER BELLS

The Star of Bethlehem, which guided the three kings to the Baby Jesus, is commemorated by placing a star atop of the Christmas tree. Placing the star on top is usually the finishing act of decorating the tree and the honour is customarily bestowed upon the youngest child, who is lifted up to the highest branch. Sometimes an angel is placed instead of a star to represent the Angel Gabriel; however, it has become increasingly popular to call this a Christmas fairy, which appeals more to the magical aspects of Christmas rather than the religious, and as such is normally pretty and sparkly.

From English Home Magazine

Monday, December 19, 2011

A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITIONS

"R"

IS FOR ROASTED CHESTNUTS, ROBINS, REINDEER

The opening line of The Christmas Song is so evocative of Christmas it can transport the listener to a cosy winter night by the fireside in just a few bars of "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire...". The idea of sweet chestnuts cooking in the crackling flames, waiting to be peeled so the tasty kernel can be enjoyed, is a deliciously wintery image and one that has been enjoyed for centuries. Chestnuts are a nutritious snack, but should not be confused with the horse chestnut that produces 'conkers' which are inedible.

Chestnuts are often used in the rich stuffing made at Christmas, adding a distinct nutty flavour. To roast chestnuts, the skin should be split before cooking to avoid the flesh expanding and exploding. They can be cooked in an oven, not just over an open fire - although this process is far more romantic. It is also common for roasted chestnuts to be sold by street sellers over the festive season, as a lovely treat for Christmas shoppers.

From English Home Magazine

Sunday, December 18, 2011

A-Z CHRISTMAS STEEPED IN TRADITIONS

"Q"

IS FOR THE QUEEN'S SPEECH

For some, watching the Queen's speech at 3pm on Christmas Day is an integral part of the tradidtions of the day. The first broadcast from the monarch began during the reign of the present Queen's grandfather, King George V, who in 1932 spoke in the 'wireless' from an office in Sandringham. The tradition was maintained by his son, King George VI, who became king following his brother's abdication and continued by the Queen.

With the advent of television, the Queen made the first speech by this medium in 1957. This allowed the public a glimpse of the monarch at her home, dressed for Christmas. The address usually lasts around 10 minutes and is anchored by a theme chosen by Her Majesty. It is a rare occasion where the Queen offers her own thoughts on events without Government advice and as such it is considered an important part of the relationship between the sovereign and her subjects.

From English Home Magazine

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.