My Etiquette Adventure: From Messy Eater to Duchess-in-Training
“Etiquette is simply respect,” Myka Meier, the founder of Beaumont Etiquette, wisely shared with me. And let me tell you, respect is something I desperately needed to learn—especially if I ever wanted to have dinner with the Queen without causing a royal scandal.
Today, I found myself at the iconic Plaza Hotel, ready to take on an etiquette class. Now, I’m not exactly known for my grace. In fact, I’ve been described as “a tornado at the dinner table.” But hey, if this class could transform me into someone who could hobnob with the royals, it was worth a shot!
The Price of Politeness
First things first, etiquette classes don’t come cheap. A private course at Beaumont Etiquette costs over $1,000. “Why so much?” you might ask. Well, as Myka pointed out, “It’s more relevant now than ever before, because we communicate mostly electronically now.” Ah, yes, the lost art of face-to-face communication. Who knew texting wouldn’t cut it when meeting actual humans?
Table Manners: A Crash Course
So there I was, nervously eyeing the table setting. Myka explained, “Your water glass is always directly above your knife.” I couldn’t help but quip, “Oh, so that’s what those forks are for!” Myka continued with a smile, “Your bread plate is on your left. Remember the lowercase ‘b’ for bread and ‘d’ for drinks.”
And let’s not forget the napkin etiquette. Myka warned, “Never go down to your napkin. You don’t want to look like you’re hiding something under the table.” I chuckled, “No hiding my messy eating habits today!”
A Toast to Sophistication
Next up, the art of holding a glass. “Hold it by the stem,” Myka instructed. I joked, “I always just grip it like a caveman.” Myka laughed, “And for fingerprints, right?” Apparently, sophistication means no lip rings on your glass.
High Heels and Higher Hopes
Finally, it was time to tackle the ultimate challenge: walking in heels. “I’ve never walked in heels, not a single time,” I confessed. Myka reassured me, “Don’t worry, we’ll get you there.” With her guidance, I managed a somewhat graceful stride. “I’m basically a royal now,” I declared, feeling like a duchess.
By the end of the class, I realized that etiquette wasn’t just about fancy dinners. It was about showing respect, whether at work or with friends. And while I may never be a pro at heels, Myka gave me the confidence to be an etiquette expert with practice.
So, the next time you’re at a formal dinner, remember: never lick your fingers. It’s a faux pas even a duchess can’t afford!
