In the Royal Manner : Expert Advice on Etiquette and Entertaining from the Former Butler to Diana, Princess of Wales [Hardcover]

Paul Burrell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1999

Paul Burrell has worked in the service of the royal family for 22 years, working his way up from footman to the Queen, to Princess Diana's personal butler at both Highgrove and Kensington Palace. Now, for the first time ever, he shares the secrets of royal entertaining with the general public. Burrell covers all aspects of throwing the perfect party or dinner party for all occasions: invitations, place settings, menus, recipes, napkin folds, and the art of giving a toast. Featuring the rules of etiquette that set the standard at Buckingham Palace, color photographs of proper place settings and decorations, and favorite recipes of the royals, this is the comprehensive bible of entertaining at home.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

If anyone should know about proper etiquette and entertaining, it's England's royal family. Centuries of grand affairs have honed their skills and that of their servants as well. Paul Burrell, former butler to Diana, Princess of Wales, puts his 20-plus years of experience to good use in the book In the Royal Manner. Arranged by season, this lavishly illustrated volume, complete with color photographs throughout, provides detailed guidelines on "etiquette and entertaining, as well as the royal standards for teas, picnics, children's parties, simple suppers and brunches, holiday meals, formal weddings, and other celebrations." From straightforward recipes--including one of Princess Diana's favorite desserts, Pears in Port Wine Sauce with Cinnamon Ice Cream--and full menus, to seating charts, table manners, arranging centerpieces, even folding napkins, every aspect of a special occasion is covered. Also of interest are the informative sidebars that document Burrell's personal knowledge of "palace history and lore, along with his special perspective on the traditions of the royal family and his treasured memories of the late Princess of Wales." A useful and beautiful homage to the royal style, In the Royal Manner will expertly aid you in planning a party that's truly fit for a king.

From Library Journal

Etiquette fit for Buckingham Palace.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; 1st edition (November 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 044652641X
• ISBN-13: 978-0446526418
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 8.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #341,469 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #29 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Leaders & Notable People > Royalty > Princess Diana
  • #58 in Books > Cookbooks, Food & Wine > Regional & International > European > English, Scottish & Welsh

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An entertaining book on entertaining .....and more., October 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: In the Royal Manner : Expert Advice on Etiquette and Entertaining from the Former Butler to Diana, Princess of Wales (Hardcover)

Snippets of Royal history with bits of inside info on the establishment - along with the most delicious recipes- you will want to try them all. You don`t have to be a florist to make any of his flower arrangements. A book for anyone and everyone.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Now HERE is one excellent Butler!, March 20, 2000

By 

Robert Wennekes (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In the Royal Manner : Expert Advice on Etiquette and Entertaining from the Former Butler to Diana, Princess of Wales (Hardcover)

Mr. Paul Burrell managed to write a wonderful book with some great information if you entertain .. or if you are a Butler. What I like about it is that Mr. Burrell did not write one of those "tell all" books about Diana, Princess of Wales. For that reason he earned my respect. As Chairman of The International Guild of Professional Butlers I know that there are those who would sell their story. I know that Mr. Burrell was offered an enourmous amount of money but he refused! Good for him. And Yes, his book is absolutely wonderful.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Yummy Recipies, Interesting Behind-the-Scenes Royal Info, March 13, 2002

By 

njbookworm (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In the Royal Manner : Expert Advice on Etiquette and Entertaining from the Former Butler to Diana, Princess of Wales (Hardcover)

This lovely little book discusses the many aspects of elegant entertaining -- from perfect table setting, to eye-catching flower arrangements. Burrell's passages on entertaining and party planning are peppered with touching stories about his employment as former butler to Diana, Princess of Wales.

Burrell demonstrates his knowledge and class on each beautifully photographed page. No wonder he was held in such high regard by the royals!

A Few Notes:
- I would not call this an "Etiquette" book, as it deals much more with proper table setting and party planning. As such, I think it would be better labeled as an "Entertaining" book.

- The range of party/theme ideas is impressive. Some of Burrell's examples include a sit-down dinner, afternoon tea, and childrens' party.

- For those interested in the life of Princess Diana, this gives you a tasteful and telling behind-the-scenes look. Frankly, some of Burrell's Diana anecdotes were some of the best parts of the book...

Enjoy!