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.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

A CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN! Week One...

Week One - November 23-29

STIR UP SUNDAY

'Stir up, we beseech thee...', begins the line in the Book of Common Prayer for the Sunday before the start of Advent.  Now known as Stir-up Sunday, this has been the day for making Christmas pudding for generations.  Traditionally, the pudding mixture is stirred from east to west, to represent the journey of the Three Wise Men, and it is important for all members of the family to have a turn with the wooden spoon: each should make a wish.

Christmas pudding is also known as plum pudding, which refers to the Old English word for raisins: plums.  Preparing the pudding a month ahead allows time for flavors to mature and, brought to the table stuffed with coins and alight with a blue flame, it is one of the highlights of the Christmas meal. Serve with brandy butter, cream or custard.


Monday, November 3, 2014

SPICY GRANBERRY GINGERBREAD

CHRISTMAS IS COMING......

Get ready for the season with this wonderful recipe.  You could pour yourself a cup of holiday tea with a warm slice of this fabulous holiday bread while watching past seasons of Downton Abbey!

Note:  Cookbook author Melissa Clark originated this cranberry gingerbread recipe, which she calls, "rude, sticky, and wet."  Edible Seattle's version has even more ginger and whole grain flour.  I took the granulated sugar out and here it is:

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup fresh cranberries cut in half
2 tbs water
l/2 cup butter (1 stick)
2/3 cup dark brown sugar
l/2 cup whole milk (I used 2% milk fat)
l/2 cup molasses
l/4 cup honey
l l/2 cup milled whole wheat flour
l tbs ground ginger
l/2 tsp ground cinnamon
l/2 tsp baking powder
l/4 tsp baking soda
l/2 tsp salt
l/2 tsp ground black pepper
l tbs freshly grated ginger
3 tbs chopped candied ginger
2 large eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease or line 9x9-inch pan with parchment paper.

In a saucepan set over medium heat, add the cranberries and water.  Stir until cranberries begin to soften.  Let cool.

Set a second pot over medium heat and add the butter, brown sugar, milk, honey, and molasses.  Heat until fully warmed and remove.  Do not let boil.

In a large bowl, sift all the dry ingredients.  Stir in the butter mixture, add the fresh and candied ginger, and mix in the eggs, one at a time.

Pour the batter into the pan and drizzle the cranberries on top in an even pattern.  Bake at 350 degrees until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (roughly 50 minutes).  Remove and let cool.

ENJOY!

Let me know how you like it.
I will be making it again and adding currants or raisins to the cranberries - just to sweeten them up a bit.


Saturday, November 1, 2014

EMMA The Etiquette Cat: Meet Emma

Hello everyone,

EMMA The Etiquette Cat: Meet Emma is now for sale.  

See my website:  PoliteSocietySchool.com 

Also, I will start posting on my blog some magical Christmas festivities in anticipation of the joyful season to come.  


Friday, October 10, 2014

EMMA The Etiquette Cat: Meet Emma


Polite Society School of Etiquette presents Etiquette Series Volume III, EMMA The Etiquette Cat: Meet Emma. 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.


EMMA, The Etiquette Cat: Meet Emma is the third book in Ms. Petrotta's Etiquette Series following Volume I, The Art of the Social Graces, and Volume II, The Art and Proper Etiquette of Afternoon Tea.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON in Softcover and ebook form.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=emma+the+etiquette+cat


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…