Message from the Chairman
by Steven Ferry
We are happy to announce International Butlers Day for the 28th of May. The date was set and the day conceived by Ms. Josephine Ive of Magnums in Australia, to commemorate her father’s birthday—who was born on the 28th May, 1921 and worked all his life as a butler, starting as a footman, and then a valet before being promoted to butler. Ms. Ive is spearheading the organizing of the celebrations for the day and has put out an infographic toolkit to help you organize celebrating the day wherever you are around the world. There is even a nicely produced International Butler Times for your enjoyment and edification…
Butlers in the Media
by Steven Ferry
The term Business Butler is the latest use of our profession to denote something of superior quality.
A very good article by Mr. Jim Grise looks at the relationship between a lack of a recognized educational path for our profession, and the need during job interviews felt by some in the profession to name-drop who they have worked for in order to assert their qualifications.
A positive article about the profession from one ex-royal butler…
Letters to the Editor
Read letters from readers regarding, “That video shot in the Maldives”, as well as about a previous article, “Of rice and forks”, and then “SABA again”.
“Great memories. I have since learned how to hold a camera still! I learned so much that day, not least of which; how to tie a proper bow tie. You can’t spend a day with Steven Ferry and not come away wiser and more knowledgeable.” Frank Mitchell…
The Wisdom of Butlers Past, Part 48: Recommended Table Laying
by Steven Ferry
What follows is a sort of checklist of things to do to prepare for a formal dinner of 14. Such as: place 8 salt cellars (no mention of pepper pots) and 6 water bottles on the table. On larger tables, placing a silver “epergne,” a centerpiece with a central bowl and between 2 and 8 smaller bowls and candleholders extending out from there. In these bowls were placed extra food, so guests could help themselves rather than having to pass the items to one another. They were also used to place side dishes, fruit, sweetmeats (i.e. sweets and chocolates), chips, dips, and other finger foods. Today, centerpieces are usually floral…
Let’s Talk Mixology, Part 67: Spring Fruit Water
by Amer A. Vargas
We are now well into Spring, and life around us is blossoming with fragrances and colors… Why not match this with a colorful cocktail for-all-ages?
Cocktails don’t necessarily have to be overworked or complicated, nor contain alcohol if you are not in the mood for it.
So, on this occasion we will be brewing a very simple aromatized water…
My Butler Julius
by Butler Julius
While watching the incredibly moving funeral of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh at St. George’s Chapel, I recalled the time I had the honour of Serving His Royal Highness at a private function. One particular memory of that day was when he was standing next to his son, HRH the Prince of Wales: both gentlemen looked absolutely immaculate in their Saville Row suits. However, when it came to the pocket square fold, they took a very different direction: the Duke with his customary presidential fold and the Prince with the traditional puff. As to which one has the most merit, a tailor once told me the secret is: the less contrived it looks, the better it is…
Paying Attention to Details
Because one image can say more than a thousand words, click on “read more” to find out how good (or not so good) someone’s attention to detail can be, and be left speechless…
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Care of Leather Goods, Part 7: Conditioning Leather
by Steven Ferry
Leather should be conditioned occasionally (depending on how dry the climate is) to maintain its suppleness; or as a remedial action when the leather starts to dry and crack; and certainly when the item has been neglected. This is a two-step process that involves dusting the item first and then cleaning it with a gentle and natural cleaner without harsh chemicals. Then applying a conditioner made of natural oils (to soften, moisturize, and shine), butters (to condition), and waxes (to protect). Use a cloth or soft sponge to apply and a dry cloth to remove any excess. The oils will soak into the leather fibers, enhance…
Special Notice: Update on SABA Court Case
- On 4 Aug 2020, student Ms. Lin Yang instituted a Combined Summons at the Cape Town High Court against South African Butler Academy Close Corporation, Butler Holdings (Pty) Ltd, Butler Training (Pty) Ltd, Guild Recruitment Close Corporation, Mr. Newton Hilton Cross, Mr. Willem Adriaan Coetzer.
- Instead of entering a plea, the defendants launched an interlocutory application requesting Ms. Lin Yang to put down half a million Rand as security deposit, arguing that she is not a South African citizen, she does not live in Cape Town…….
The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world. Contact us for all your training needs via email at enquiries@modernbutlers.com or via telephone: USA 1-813- 354-2734. We invite you to also visit our website www.modernbutlers.com for more information.
Please email the editor of The Modern Butler’s Journal at newsletter@modernbutlers.com with any article ideas, concerns, comments, or suggestions.