DAY ONE:
Rather apprehensive on my first day, I made sure I arrived well on time, as it was an etiquette course, showing up late would just be like showing up in joggers for an interview! Meeting the rest of the ladies was an upmost pleasure, they were all delightful, and the huge cultural diversity made for interesting conversation throughout the week.
The first module was one of my favourites throughout the course. International etiquette and general behaviour, we uncovered the nuances of British social codes, and international behaviour. I have now mastered the proper forms of introductions, greetings, saying goodbye and elocution. Interestingly, the key fact of this module is that religion is the prime indication of etiquette, which in fact makes a lot of sense.
The second module was the art of the table. Prior to this module I thought I had perfectly good table manners, however the multitude of things I learnt indicated otherwise. Table manners vary dependant on which country you are in. I now know how to distinguish table setting and manners from formal, protocol and informal settings. This module was the trickiest, and there was SO much to learn. Feel free to book a seminar or workshop with KemiStyle to find out all you need to know, when hosting or attending a dinner party.
DAY TWO:
This was a fun filled day! In the morning the ‘finishing touch’ girls visited Kensington Palace, former home of Diana, Princess of Wales. The Last Debutantes exhibition, was so good, it is a temporary exhibition exploring the glamorous and alluring world of the debutante. I now wish I was born in the 1940’s so that I could have had a ‘coming out’ party.(No not in that sense lol) The ‘coming out’ party was the London season, which would have suited me just fine, getting all dressed up, partying, fine dining, going to Royal Ascot and the Polo. However having to be escorted everywhere would have annoyed me, as those of you who know me, know I like my independence.
The 8 course meal was my favourite module of the course. We experienced a formal luncheon in The Milestone Hotel, where no detail was left unturned. I learnt the art of working from the outside in, just as Jack did in the Titanic. I can now pass the port properly, but please do not ask me to use a knife and fork to eat fruit; I was utterly appalling at this. I think in future I shall skip the 6th course!
DAY THREE:
The art of entertaining and being entertained. What not to say at dinner parties…..Politics, Religion and Money is a NO NO! I am known for being Miss organised, I love hosting parties (my 21st has been my best to date) this module was good, as it has given me the correct procedures to host any type of party in the future.
Poise and deportment, walking with a book on my head, was rather fun. To my surprise it did not fall off, must be due to my ballet classes when I was a young girl! We mastered walking in heels (although this is something I am used to, having worn heels for as long as I can remember) descending staircases, and getting in and out of a car with grace and elegance.
DAY FOUR:
Personal Image and society dress codes, was a module I thoroughly enjoyed, I had an advantage due to my profession, although you never stop learning, and I defiantly learnt a few things, for example the protocol difference between a black and white tie do.
In the afternoon on the last day, we indulged in afternoon tea, which is something I really enjoyed. I first experienced afternoon tea, for my 18th birthday, and I can’t get enough of it. I, likewise to Anna the 7th Duchess of Bedfordshire, find myself getting hungry between lunch and dinner. In 1840 she introduced the tradition of afternoon tea to be served between 3-5pm, traditionally a ladies only event, although in today’s society men can also enjoy the art of tea in all its forms: cream, light, high and royal tea. There is a whole rule of etiquette behind the notion of tea, which goes much further than the cute little monkey on PG tips!!
No matter who you are or what you do, your manners have a direct impact on your professional and social success, I have learnt SO much in my time on the ‘Finishing touch’ course. I feel very passionate about Image, and I am now developing this passion in decorum. The two compliment each other fantastically, I am now pleased to say I am an Image and Etiquette Consultant. If you wish to learn more, please contact me and I can create some bespoke programs that suit you and your company.
In the meantime in the words of my course tutor…..don’t forget to mind your manners!!
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