Monday, January 30, 2012

Thank-You Note Etiquette

The secret to success in life is The Thank-You Note!
www.petitepapery.com
To be Socially Savvy you must know that writing thank-you notes are a must and do remember: The sooner you send ... the sweeter it is for the receiver!
There are many tips to remember but here's a few that will keep you going in the right direction:
  • Keep stationery cards and stamps at your fingertips.
  • Write only on the face or front of the card - never the back.
  • First sentence should start with Thank-you.
  • Date goes at bottom left. (yes, it does)
  • Your return address goes on back flap of envelope.
  • Use black or blue ink for more formality, and make sure your stationery reflects your image
  • Remember correct forms of address: Ms. Joy Weaver, Mrs. James Weaver-(never Mrs. Joy Weaver) and Miss Joy Weaver (if I'm under 18 yrs old)
Here's a example:
Dear Nicki,
Thank you for the perfect birthday gift! You know exactly what to give to a girl who is addicted to handbags. I adore my new bag and will carry it smiling as I remember the fun surprise birthday lunch.
Thrilled and very happy! 
All my best,
Joy


January 31st, 2012

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Hello Beautiful!

Have a beautiful weekend sweet friends, 
and don't forget to count your blessings
 - one by one.
xoJoy


Saturday, January 14, 2012




Did you know that January is 
National Hot Tea Month? 

If you were invited to “take” Tea at a party would you be confident enough to navigate the event? Let’s take a moment to polish-up on our tea-time manners.

First we must know the terminology – there are various types of teas parties:

Afternoon Tea is served in the U.S. typically between the afternoon hours of three o’clock 
and five o’clock. A variety of teas are served along with three distinct courses – first, finger 
sandwiches are eaten, scones are next, and finally the sweet treat of pastries. In addition, 
afternoon tea is sometimes called “low tea” because it is served at low tables placed beside armchairs. 

Afternoon tea has been around for many centuries, but became popular in the 1840’s by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, who suffered hunger pains during the long afternoons between lunch and the late evening meal. It became the “it “ thing to do and eventually turned into a social affair among the English aristocracy.

High Tea - remember the biggest faux pas is to refer to afternoon tea as “high tea.” (You will be looked down upon as a novice tea drinker) Often times the term “high tea” is misused by people who want tea-time to sound more refined. Note to self: “high tea” is a hearty, simple, sit-down meal that the Industrial Revolution workers of the 19th century originated. The workers came home in the late afternoon from the fields, factories, and mines starved after a long and hard day of work. Traditionally the high tea meal was served in the late afternoon. It was set-up family style with tea to drink and meat to eat, now known as a supper buffet.

Royal Tea is a choice of tea and a four-course menu of finger sandwiches, scones, sweets, desserts and a glass of champagne or sherry. The addition of the glass of champagne or sherry is the distinction of “royal tea.”

Light Tea is a lighter version of afternoon tea. The menu excludes the fingers sandwiches but includes scones, sweets, and of course a variety of teas.

There are various ways to serve the food at a tea. A savvy host knows an easy and elegant way to present each course is on a tiered stand. The first course eaten is from the bottom tier and we work our way up.

The first tier (bottom) is reserved for the finger sandwiches. 
The second tier (middle) holds the scones. 
The third tier (top) is for the small pasties, tarts and other bite-size sweet desserts.

There are several “nevers” to remember:

Never fill your cup to the rim – it will only spill onto the saucer creating a dilemma. 
Never stir so others can hear it.  Do not allow the teaspoon to touch the sides of the cup. Quietly stir in a little figure-eight
         motion and place the spoon on the front-side of your cup. 
Never cradle the cup with your fingers. 
Never swirl the tea around in the cup as if it were a wine glass. 
Never-ever bounce the tea bag up and down in your cup to help the steeping process. 
Never drain a tea bag by winding the string around a spoon. 
Never place your empty cup, saucer and plate back on the tea table when you leave. The tea table is the display for the tea and
         food and should remain beautiful through the tea time. 



There are also several “always” we should adhere to at tea-time:

Always keep your tea cup and saucer close together, do not separate more than 12 inches apart. For example: if you are sitting
         on a sofa and lean back – pick up your saucer too, or if your stand up, do not leave the saucer sitting on the table. 
Always hold your saucer (with the teacup) in the palm of your hand at waist level and sip. (a silent sip!) 
Always request the tea bag be placed in the teapot first and the hot water added. 
Always pour tea in your cup first in order to judge the strength before adding lemon, sugar or milk. 
Always use lemon slices in your cup, instead of wedges. 
The handle of the spoon and the handle of the cup point to 4 o’clock. 
Always take your spoon out of your cup after stirring, then place your spoon in front of your cup 
Always request a saucer to hold the used tea bag, sugar wrappers or any disposables used. 
Always write your host a thank-you note after the tea party. 

  Hosting a tea in your home is a special way to entertain friends or even hold a business meeting. There is much to know about “tea-time” and this information will prepare you in advance and provide you the confidence needed to navigate the tea table.
  
Oh yes, and remember one more thing ... Do not raise your pinky finger up when holding a tea cup. It will guarantee you a place in the tea drinkers “hall of shame!”

So what is your favorite flavor of tea? 
xoJoy

Thursday, January 5, 2012

What's Your Word?


Last year I asked what your one word was for the year. This year I ask the same question.

My word is: Grateful 
There is not enough space on the internet for me to list all the ways for which I am grateful. It includes my blog friends, husband, friends, family, clients, but above all to The Lord. 
Eph 3:20 And now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly more that I could ever ask or imagine according to the power that is at work in me through Christ Jesus.

What is your 2012 word?