Hey, Show Some Etiquette British Company Teaches English Manners to Foreigners by Heather Nalbone A trip with The English Manner is a travel experience like no other. The British companyís organized itineraries include overnight stays in private castles, afternoon tea with aristocrats, and personal visits with renowned artists and wine connoisseurs. Travelers fortunate enough to land a spot on one of the agencyís group vacations can call upon famous chefs for a cooking tutorial, royal florists for a lesson on flower arrangements, and even the Royal Shakespeare Company for an acting class. All of this is possible through the connections of Alexandra Messervy, a former member of the queenís royal household. The English Manner is her brainchild, and her goal is to tutor foreigners in the cultural and social graces of British society. A bit old-fashioned? Perhaps, but not at all unnecessary for young diplomats or others in positions where entertaining and social aptitude can sometimes make or break important relationships. U.S. Director Genie Ford put it this way: ìWe have all these bright, intelligent young people who donít have the skills they need. They are competing in a world they know nothing aboutÖ. Many people who are intellectually advanced havenít figured out all the extra little things that help us get ahead in life.î What little things? Sending thank you notes, for one, or looking people in the eyes during conversations. Such topics are discussed at length in tutorials held both in England and locally at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, D.C. The scope of these classes varies from Modern Manners for Men to Entertaining With Style. Surprisingly, one of the most popular courses so far has been a seminar in manners designed specifically for children ages 7 to 11. For those seeking a more thorough crash course in etiquette and entertaining, The English Manner arranges three- to eight-day excursions throughout the English countryside. Each trip is unique, but expected activities might include beauty treatments at the Christian Dior Health and Beauty Spa, dinner with an earl in his private residence, or even a round of golf with members of the British Parliament. Behind each outing is a group lesson in manners, cultural skills, and the ìdosî and ìdonítsî of proper dining behavior. ìTo us, etiquette is just as simple as common courtesy,î Ford said. ìItís making those around you feel comfortable, wherever you are.î Although it did take a couple of cancellations and multiple phone calls to secure an interview for this article, the entrepreneurs behind this organization are typically generous with both their time and their societal standing. Most travel itineraries are prearranged, but Messervy willingly uses her connections to tailor schedules according to specific individual interests. To her, quality is just as important as substance, and groups are limited to 16 people to ensure personal attention. The cost of a luxury tripó$1,000 to $1,500 per person per dayóincludes everything from lodging and transportation to meals and cocktails. Bambi Duvall of McCabe Bremer Travel, which works with The English Manner, admits the price is somewhat steep, even for the high-class traveler. However, sheís just as quick to point out that itís an experience that canít be readily found elsewhere. She says that aside from a struggling economy and decreased consumer spending, there are no real rivals to The English Manner because its approach is so unique. ìYou canít just go and stay in private homes through a tour company,î Duvall said. ìIn these trips, you are visiting personally with dukes and duchesses in their homes.î For more information on The English Manner, please visit www.theenglishmanner.com or contact Bambi Duvall of McCabe Bremer Travel at (877) 871-9538. Heather Nalbone is a freelance writer in Silver Spring, Md.