by Jens O. Rivera (Editor), Bernadette Michelle Petrotta (Author)
Polite Society School of Etiquette presents The Art of the Social Graces. Whether you are a homemaker, business professional, or student, The Art of the Social Graces 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. From beginning to end of ten clearly organized sections, accompanied by easy-to-follow illustrations, The Art of the Social Graces takes the reader through a brief history of etiquette, offers introduction methods, provides techniques for entertaining, invitations and dining, presents guidelines for table settings, and even puts forward the etiquette of tipping. Other topics include dressing for success, conducting oneself in the business world, and writing thank you notes. In the Easy Entertaining section, the reader is presented information on table settings for formal dinners with a serving staff, informal dinners without a serving staff, family style dining, buffet style dining, and supplementary entertaining guidelines. Clear illustrations depict the various table settings discussed. The section entitled, Graceful Dining Manners, is devoted to explaining, in great detail, the art of Continental and American dining. Easy-to-follow diagrams depict utensil rest and finished positions for these dining styles. Also included are instructions on dining at a buffet, the proper way to consume soup with and without soup bowl handles, and how to hold and drink from cups and stemware. As an added bonus, The Art of the Social Graces contains a section on Victorian Afternoon Tea with instructions on making the perfect pot of tea, illustrated tea settings, and dining etiquette for scones, savories, and petits fours. The Art of the Social Graces will empower readers with confidence and learning essentials that will be life changing. Website: www.PoliteSocietySchool.com
Author Biography
Ms. Bernadette Michelle Petrotta is an author and small business owner, married, and has a son. After receiving her degree, she spent 32 years in public service with the City of Los Angeles in an administrative capacity. In her spare time, she researched the world of etiquette and eventually amassed a library of materials, including a collection of rare silver flatware and antique porcelain serving pieces. In 1996 she founded the Polite Society School of Etiquette which offers a variety of courses, speaking engagements, seminars, individual training, and instruction at private dinners and tea events. As founder and director, her mission is to educate people of all ages in customary codes of conduct, dining principles, useful etiquette techniques, formalities in the home and in public, and social skills to enhance everyday living. Her entrepreneurial spirit, continuing education, and high quality teaching principles qualify her to be a leading source in this rapidly expanding industry. Ms. Petrotta has been a featured speaker at the Annual Northwest Tea Festival, Annual Victoria Tea Festival, Annual Northwest Women's Show, and Designs for Dining Fund Raiser.