Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

I have to say that at the beginning I didn't want to get the book but now I think that is one of the best books about etiquette I've ever bought, and I have lots of them.
The recipes are incredible and very easy to prepare.
The elegance and the exquisite taste is really unique, and the flower's centrepieces awesome, is something that anybody can do without a professional training.
I think is a MUST TO HAVE BOOK.

I was extremely skeptical about this book, but it is really super. Great recipes, and entertaining ideas. This is not a book about Princess Diana although she is refered in it, but it a wonderful source in the finer points in dinning. Definately worth it if you do any sort of formal entertaining!

I love this book! The most fascinating facet about it involves a concept that many people forget : entertaining is just as important as your personal etiquette. While the book mainly focuses on your role as a host/hostess, it also includes some helpful tips on protocol. Paul Burrell is brilliant, not too posch in his approach to explaining the ways of how things should be done. The English Royal family has been setting the standard for years on social etiquette, and this book makes it possible for others to continue the legacy. The book also includes unique recipes and decorating ideas.

Move over, Miss Manners and Emily Post! Mr. Burrell's devotion to his princess and her reliance on him are well known, which only adds to his credibility as a new author of etiquette and entertaining! Mr. Burrell tells we commoners how to set a table with style and entertain our guests with elegance and ease. He also includes tasty recipes, some of which were favored by the late Princess of Wales. Highly recommend to any hostess or anyone wanting to learn more about real etiquette.

This is a beautiful book with good recipes (although a warning: measurements are English style, not American); but I found myself wishing for more personal remembrances of the princess and her family. Obviously, Burrell is respecting the memory of Diana, and that's good, but couldn't he have found a happy medium?

Simple advice and delightful recepies for all occasions.

If you recognize the name, then you know this was the butler who almost went to jail for supposedly stealing personal items belonging to the late Diana. He was saved by a timely intervention from the Queen, who suddenly recalled being told that he was intended to have the stash. Speculation on why she waited until he was on trial abounds; especially since he immediately walked off the stand and over to the tabloids and sold his story there.

But if you can overlook that blatant act - it's simply Not Done to expose your employer, even if she is dead - this book is a pleasent and colorful glimpse into serving royalty. But it is just a glimpse - nothing very substantial, nothing complete. The pictures of food served at a few different social occasions are delicious by themselves, but any coffee table cookbook will offer more of the same with more recipies as well. This one might be a good second hand purchase, if you like this sort of thing.