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.

Saturday, May 21, 2022

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

Sunday, January 30, 2022

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

Monday, January 3, 2022

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

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

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

Friday, October 22, 2021

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

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Lifelong Manners...

Lifelong Manners

Learn to write a thank-you note.

Learn how to introduce yourself.

Learn how to address people (Ex. never call an adult by his/her first name unless instructed to do so).

Learn how to answer the telephone correctly.

Learn all of this and more in my newest book! See below.

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

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Lifelong Manners to live by...

The top étiquette lessons to live by.

Please chew with your mouth closed.

Do not interrupt anyone when they are speaking.

Do not tell anyone about their appearance unless it is nice.

more coming...

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

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.