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, September 30, 2019

Northwest Tea Festival

I taught a Tea Étiquette Class at the Northwest Tea Festival here in Seattle this weekend.

It was fabulous!

My dear friends Kathy and John Paul from California attended my class.

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Newest Book Cover

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Healthy Banana Bread

I made this tonight! So healthy and delicious too.

Healthy Banana Bread

Ingredients

l/2 cup sugar

l/4 cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil

2 eggs

l l/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (3 to 4 medium)

l/2 cup buttermilk + 5 teaspoons

l teaspoon vanilla

2 l/2 cups whole wheat flour

l teaspoon baking soda

l teaspoon salt

l cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

3/4 cup currants

Directions

Place oven rack in middle of oven.

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease 2 loaf pans with olive oil.

Mix sugar and olive oil in mixer.

Add eggs until blended.

Add bananas, buttermilk and vanilla until blended.

Beat until smooth.

Stir in flour, baking soda and salt.

Stir in nuts and currants just until moistened.

Bake for one hour

Saturday, September 14, 2019

English Home Magazine - Country Edition - The Art of Rural Life

This article sums up my life here on beautiful Whidbey Island! It is so nice to read how an etiquette columnist writes about her life in the country.

Mrs. Minerva Writes:

Whilst I rather love a trip to London for a spot of shopping, a lovely supper and the chance to see something wonderful at the theatre, I cannot imagine living anywhere other than the country. It is where I am most at home. To be able to get up in the morning and enjoy a beautiful view, the sound of birdsong and the scent of wild flowers in the air is a joy I would not change.

Rather like marriage or a new haircut, it does, however, take some getting used to. There were many things I found perplexing when we first arrived. It was in the depths of winter and - initially at least - there seemed not an awful lot to do. In London, if Iwere feeling bored or lonely, I could pop to the V&A or ring up any number of friends and invite them for supper.

In the country, being social means making more of an effort, but the rewards are greater. The height of the social calendar is the local anateur dramatic society's annual production in the village hall.

However, the true joy from such an endeavor stems from feeling part of a community. If I have learned one thing, it is the value of friends.

The article continued.....

ENGLISH HOME - October edition 2019

Bernadette M. Petrotta

Founder & Director

Polite Society School of Étiquette

Website: PoliteSocietySchool.com

Email: PoliteSocietySchool@Whidbey.com

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

New Book Cover

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.