A Butler’s Guide to Entertaining

Essential advice on entertaining etiquette from an impeccable and unflappable English butler.

The rise of the celebrity chef and the downturn in the economy has re-kindled an interest in all things culinary and encouraged the great British public back indoors to cook and entertain for themselves. Who better to steer you through the minefield of entertaining etiquette than a quintessentially English butler?

This is the ultimate guide to entertaining in style from the man who knows how it’s done, whether you are hosting cocktails for colleagues, afternoon tea with the family, or a full-blown feast for a legion of friends. Invitation etiquette and how to greet you guests is covered, alongside information on seating plans, place settings and organizing the table service. Plenty of information on estimating quantities, preparation and serving the food and drink is included, and there is even advice on steering away guests who have outstayed their welcome.

Containing everything you need to know about entertaining, this is a must-have guide for any host with the most.

Ex-public schoolboy Nicholas Clayton has been a butler for 11 years. His work has taken him all over the world as he has been butler to the rich and famous and even royalty. Nicholas lives in Bristol.