Butlers Household Managers

The only published manual on managing households in the 21st century according to British tradition.

Serving the wealthy and powerful is not for the faint of heart nor enthusiastically uneducated-it requires know-how developed over a millennium by the very people-British butlers-who have looked after the personal lives of the most discerning and demanding of individuals. In the really old days, failure could result in death; today, it merely results in firing. Yet there is no need for either, as there are right ways to conduct oneself and engage with employers, their families, and guests; and right ways to look after their prized possessions and beautiful properties. Whether looking back at the traditional world that helps define the butler; or analyzing the fast-changing world that offers its challenges to butlers in real time; or anticipating the future for our profession-a world populated by technology, including robots-and how best to prepare for it, this first of a two-volume series provides a voice in the ear of the thinking professional and a measure of stability for those entering the profession. The know-how presented has been brought together and updated for the 21st Century butler and household or estate(s) managers, and is furthermore equally applicable: a) to any private individual wishing to introduce or maintain high standards in their person life; and b) to any service industry where superior service is expected and appreciated by clients, consumers, patients, et al, and is, in fact, vital to the success of any company and its bottom line. 931 definitions are provided as footnotes and in a glossary to smooth the way for readers. The 125 color photographs and 785 pages of know-how gleaned over more than a quarter of a century of work in service, up close and personal, to the wealthy, as well as over six decades of living and learning, add up to a tome that is a must-have for any professional's library. For it not only provides an overview of this unique style of service and the expectations of others, but also the tools to succeed. In addition, the reader will have access to the author, who is Chairman of the International Institute of Modern Butlers, for advice on any service-related questions or difficulties. Volume I is the updated edition of the best selling book, "Butlers and Household Managers, 21st Century Professionals" and together with this Volume II, comprises the first and only comprehensive work on the service skills that have made butlers a household name (pun incidental) and the envy of anyone wishing to provide superior service.

Everyone's favourite butler is back! Get your home spic and span with Charles MacPherson's expert tips and tricks for everything from polishing silverware to organizing the garage. After over 30 years as a professional butler and household manager, Charles MacPherson knows a thing or two about keeping a home clean and organized. He has poured his vast knowledge and expertise into this pocket-sized volume, perfect for easy day-to-day reference or to guide your next marathon cleaning session. Everything you need to know is here. With step-by-step instructions for cleaning, organizing, and maintaining every room in your home, The Pocket Butler's Guide to Housekeeping comprises information-packed chapters on cleaning, laundry, organization, and more. Wondering how to tackle a fresh stain? Looking for recipes for natural and gentle cleaning products? Want to finally master those crisp hospital corners for making your bed? Look no further than this definitive cleaning caddy companion. With handy checklists for daily, weekly, monthly, and annual cleaning; a complete guide to laundry symbols and fabric types; advice for hosting guests; and even tips for dealing with pests, damage, and long-term maintenance, this is a volume no home should be without.

Host a dinner party * Make a bed * Set a table * Use the proper fork * Polish silver * Prepare high tea * Present a calling card * Make conversation * Fold a shirt ... all with the charm, ease and sophistication of a butler. Now in its fifth printing, this beautifully illustrated style, etiquette and entertainment guide lays out the essentials of entertaining and household management in a clear, straightforward style. For anyone who rents or owns--be it a small urban condo or a lavish country estate--The Butler Speaks includes everything you need to know to simplify, organize and care for your home. Charles MacPherson offers modern advice on personal style and etiquette--how to receive guests; present your business card; make polite dinner conversation-- and advice on entertaining at home--how to make a cheese plate; hold your cutlery; set a table--all with the flair, charm and unpretentious grace of the butler.

Your favourite butler is back with even more advice to help you succeed in etiquette and entertaining! In a fantastic follow-up to his national bestseller, The Butler Speaks, Charles MacPherson lays out the essentials of entertaining and business etiquette in this small, easy-to-follow guide. Now in its third printing, The Butler Speaks has become a go-to resource on household management, manners, and personal style. With a combination of his best tips from the first book and a wealth of new information, The Pocket Butler is the perfect basic overview for anyone looking for that extra edge in business and in life. In addition to revisiting topics such as how to present a business card, shake hands, or set a table, The Pocket Butler offers advice on e-mail and text messaging etiquette, how to set up a modern greeting line in a boardroom, foolproof menu plans for every entertaining scenario, and much more. In his signature unfussy and approachable style, Charles shows how modern manners are more important than ever before, not only for those just entering the workforce, but for all professionals at any stage in their careers.

Perched on an island off the shores of Cornwall, England, the soaring castle of St. Michael’s Mount has been home to the St. Aubyn family since 1647. For nearly thirty years, Stanley Ager, one of the most esteemed butlers of the twentieth century, ensured that St. Michael’s Mount was an impeccable place to live and a gracious and welcoming one for guests to visit. Revered by everyone from royalty to the estate staff, Stanley Ager considered it his calling to run a home gracefully and efficiently. Several of the men whom he trained at St. Michael’s Mount went on to serve in the Royal Household at Buckingham Palace and at British embassies throughout the world. But you don’t need a manor to benefit from Ager’s wisdom on homekeeping. This carefully detailed, charmingly illustrated, eminently useful volume offers important insights and techniques, including how to: Wipe a glass—or a chandelier—until it sparkles *** Fold napkins precisely—in six different ways *** Polish furniture—or silver—to a mirror finish *** Lay a beautiful table and serve a meal impeccably *** Brush, buff, and maintain any manner of clothes and footwear *** Fold and pack for a trip—for business or pleasure *** Select and pour wine *** Stage “impromptu” romantic picnics *** And, among other graces, open a door soundlessly, roll an umbrella perfectly, and iron a newspaper

"Comprising information for the mistress, housekeeper, cook, kitchen-maid, butler, footman, coachman, valet, upper and under house-maids, lady's maid, maid-of-all-work, laundry-maid, nurse and nurse-maid, monthly wet and sick nurses, etc. etc." (From the title page.).

An annotated introduction exploring the contemporary importance of the book "The House Servants Directory", the identity and character of the author, and its significance in American history.