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.

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Etiquette Book

 

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.

 

With beautiful photographs, exquisite china, gleaming silver, and stunning floral bouquets, The Art of Timeless Étiquette, Graceful Dining Manners, & Afternoon Tea delights the senses with elegant and picturesque table settings, antique teacups, and beautiful linens.

 

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 savories, and tea tasting characteristics.  Instructions are provided on making the perfect pot of tea for this charming custom as it became the forefront 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 savories, 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 an added bonus, The Art of Timeless Étiquette, Graceful Dining Manners, & Afternoon Tea contains chapters on the history, usage, and care of all tableware that 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 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 about training!

Newest book available on Amazon and website.

Enjoy!


Bernadette M. Petrotta
Founder & Director
Polite Society School of Étiquette

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE-MINCE PIES!

 


 

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

 

A COMPLETE A-Z ENGLISH CHRISTMAS


G IS FOR GARLANDS

H IS FOR HOLLY

I IS FOR ICE SKATING

K IS FOR KING'S COLLEGE

J IS FOR JOKES IN CRACKERS

L IS FOR LIGHTS

M IS FOR MINCE PIES!





It is estimated that more than 800 million mince pies are eaten in the UK over the festive period. These delicious pastries filled with mincemeat are offered to guests, served as a pudding, enjoyed during carol concerts, and are the perfect warming treat after a wintry walk.  (I enjoy mince pies without the mincemeat-but I am from America)  They are a delicacy that has been around since the Middle Ages.  As with many traditions, they take on religious importance, too - with established recipes for mincemeat featuring 13 ingredients to represent Jesus and his disciples.  Classically a mixture of dried fruits, spices, sugar and suet are cooked with alcohol to create the rich mincemeat filling.  Mince pies can be made in moments using store-bought or homemade mincemeat, so are perfect for unexpected visitors - simply keep pastry to hand in the fridge, too.  Serve with brandy butter or a dollop of cream.


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, December 13, 2022

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE


 

A COMPLETE A-Z ENGLISH CHRISTMAS


F IS FOR FATHER CHRISTMAS


Santa Claus, Kris Kringle, St Nicholas...    he goes by many names, but in the United Kingdom, it is the anticipation of the arrival of Father Christmas, delivering gifts on Christmas Eve and filling the stockings of those on the 'nice' list.  The legend of the figure has many different origins, some of which have been fused to create the character beloved by children at Christmastime.  Saint Nicholas, a bishop known for his kindness and generosity, is the start of the legends, and devotion to him encouraged the giving of gifts to others.  The Dutch named this figure Sinterklaas, which in turn became Santa Claus in English, and the popular name used in the The United States.  The English Father Christmas has become wholly synonymous with the American interpretation of Santa, but it also has roots that go back an unknown pagan figure who lifted people's spirits during the bleak winter months.  This man wore robes of green and a holly crown - much like the depiction of the ghost of Christmas Present in Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol.






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 10, 2022

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE


 

A COMPLETE A-Z ENGLISH CHRISTMAS


E IS FOR EGGNOG







A creamy concoction of eggs, milk, cream, spices and a splash of rum has become a popular American indulgence over the festive period.  It began life though in medieval England as a 'posset' - a similar drink of warm milk enriched with wine or ale.  There is much debate about how the name evolved - some point to 'nog' as stemming from noggin, a wooden cup used to serve alcohol; others that 'grog' was a term for rum, and thus egg and grog became egg nog.  It is often served chilled, but it can also be enjoyed as a warming drink on chilly nights, as suggested in this deliciously Christmassy recipe.


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 9, 2022

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENGLISH HOME MAGAZINE

 

A COMPLETE A-Z ENGLISH CHRISTMAS


D IS FOR DINNER IS SERVED!





Much of the build-up on Christmas Day is for the dinner - a roast with all the trimmings.  For many, a turkey is the centerpiece, although a traditional goose is becoming popular again, or an alternative choice is a large joint of beef,  Timing to ensure everything is served at the same time, often for a large number of people as extended families gather together, can be stressful.  But whatever you select to be served, it will be delicious for this most important of family meals.

I especially love turkey and I have recently decided since my family is quite small to roast a turkey breast in my oven.  It makes its own gravy too.  You just put a roasting bag and it comes out perfectly!


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



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

 

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