An Etiquette expert explains what it takes to be a good ‘hostess’
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Minding one’s manners has always been seen as the pinnacle of proper behaviour and socialisation. But these days, it’s an oft-forgotten trait.
Well, a new Netflix show Mind Your Manners is gaining traction – and its star is here to help us elevate how we socialise with each other.
Harvard Business School graduate and etiquette expert Sara Jane Ho shared how she views etiquette as a form of socialisation. She explained that since she was often brought on business trips with her parents from a young age, Sara learned how to master the different codes of conduct.
The Vancouver-born multi-linguist was raised in Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, Britain, and the United States thanks to her father’s work in oil exploration.
Sara went on to attend prestigious institutions ranging from Georgetown University to Harvard Business School. In keeping with her mother’s interest in etiquette, Sarah attended the Institut Villa Pierrefeu in Switzerland after graduating from Harvard in 2007. There, she became dedicated to teaching others how to bring out their own beauty, both inside and out.
Then she was inspired to take her growing etiquette knowledge to China, where she founded her charm school, Institute Sarita, in 2012.
Sarah told reporters: ‘Wherever I go, I see myself as in the field. I'm observing: “What are the codes of conduct here? How are people behaving?”.’
She added: ‘I recall my friends in Beijing asking me for advice on how to hold a breakfast meeting and other such questions, so I figured this might be a good way to combine what I love doing with my mother’s legacy, whilst addressing a market need in China.’
Her school, which describes itself as ‘China’s leading finishing school’, brings students first-hand experience to help them become more ‘poised’ members of society. She also offers two courses for prospective students: The Debutante, which is for single women, and the Hostessing course, which is for married women.
Students are then taught on a range of topics, from high-end social etiquette and protocol, to how to peel an orange and eat an oyster. However, some of her advice is a little bit unorthodox.
At one point on the show, she tells her student: ‘There are no ugly women in the world, just lazy ones!’ while another episode sees her advising a student to break up with her Caucasian boyfriend and try dating someone Chinese instead.
On Instagram, she also revealed that she would spit phlegm in the street – but only in a discreet location with a drain.
Meanwhile, on drinking tea, she said that keeping pinkies out can look ‘really pretentious’. ‘Definitely pinkies in.’
The term 'etiquette' has been around for centuries, but its use has been in a constant state of evolution. The late 20th and early 21st centuries have seen a marked rise in the presence of specialised etiquette experts, such as Sara Jane Ho.
By breaking down etiquette into different subjects, such as table settings and communication style, they can present complex concepts in a more easily digestible manner, providing essential guidance and advice to help people of all ages engage in more successful social interactions.
Moreover, etiquette experts help to emphasise the importance of etiquette as an expression of respect and kindness and introduce a more ethical outlook to the way in which we interact with those around us.
Some of the rules of etiquette from the 19th century are still used today, for example:
As such, modern etiquette experts not only provide practical guidance but can also act as important advocates for creating a more respectful society.
What do you think of Sara’s advice? Let us know in the comments!
Well, a new Netflix show Mind Your Manners is gaining traction – and its star is here to help us elevate how we socialise with each other.
Harvard Business School graduate and etiquette expert Sara Jane Ho shared how she views etiquette as a form of socialisation. She explained that since she was often brought on business trips with her parents from a young age, Sara learned how to master the different codes of conduct.
The Vancouver-born multi-linguist was raised in Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, Britain, and the United States thanks to her father’s work in oil exploration.
The show talks about how to conduct oneself in different social events. Credit: Netflix
Sara went on to attend prestigious institutions ranging from Georgetown University to Harvard Business School. In keeping with her mother’s interest in etiquette, Sarah attended the Institut Villa Pierrefeu in Switzerland after graduating from Harvard in 2007. There, she became dedicated to teaching others how to bring out their own beauty, both inside and out.
Then she was inspired to take her growing etiquette knowledge to China, where she founded her charm school, Institute Sarita, in 2012.
Sarah told reporters: ‘Wherever I go, I see myself as in the field. I'm observing: “What are the codes of conduct here? How are people behaving?”.’
She added: ‘I recall my friends in Beijing asking me for advice on how to hold a breakfast meeting and other such questions, so I figured this might be a good way to combine what I love doing with my mother’s legacy, whilst addressing a market need in China.’
Her school, which describes itself as ‘China’s leading finishing school’, brings students first-hand experience to help them become more ‘poised’ members of society. She also offers two courses for prospective students: The Debutante, which is for single women, and the Hostessing course, which is for married women.
Sara offers two courses for aspiring students. Credit: sarahjaneho/Instagram
Students are then taught on a range of topics, from high-end social etiquette and protocol, to how to peel an orange and eat an oyster. However, some of her advice is a little bit unorthodox.
At one point on the show, she tells her student: ‘There are no ugly women in the world, just lazy ones!’ while another episode sees her advising a student to break up with her Caucasian boyfriend and try dating someone Chinese instead.
On Instagram, she also revealed that she would spit phlegm in the street – but only in a discreet location with a drain.
Meanwhile, on drinking tea, she said that keeping pinkies out can look ‘really pretentious’. ‘Definitely pinkies in.’
The term 'etiquette' has been around for centuries, but its use has been in a constant state of evolution. The late 20th and early 21st centuries have seen a marked rise in the presence of specialised etiquette experts, such as Sara Jane Ho.
By breaking down etiquette into different subjects, such as table settings and communication style, they can present complex concepts in a more easily digestible manner, providing essential guidance and advice to help people of all ages engage in more successful social interactions.
Moreover, etiquette experts help to emphasise the importance of etiquette as an expression of respect and kindness and introduce a more ethical outlook to the way in which we interact with those around us.
Some of the rules of etiquette from the 19th century are still used today, for example:
1. Never open your mouth when chewing.
2. Never pick your teeth or put your hand in your mouth while eating.
3. Never wipe your fingers on the table cloth, nor clean them in your mouth. Use the napkin.
As such, modern etiquette experts not only provide practical guidance but can also act as important advocates for creating a more respectful society.
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