I’m a former royal butler – here’s how to make houseguests feel like royalty, from mints at the front door to pouring milk AFTER tea… and the clothes to avoid
Make your house guests feel like royalty – with these insider tips from King Charles III’s former butler.
Grant Harrol was butler to the King and Queen Consort between 2005 and 2011, and his client list also includes Prince William, Prince Harry and the late Queen Elizabeth II. Here he reveals how to make your home fit for a king and queen and reveals the do’s and don’ts of greeting guests and hosting dinner parties.
He shares his wisdom with MailOnline Travel ahead of delivering exclusive Q&As and workshops at Warner Hotels across the country, claiming you ‘don’t have to spend a lot of money to make your home feel luxurious’.
From perfecting the right way to pour tea to the transformative wonders of infusing bowls of mints, scroll down to discover how you can add a regal glow to your hosting at home.
Give your guests a royal welcome
Grant Harrol (above) told MailOnline Travel: ‘You don’t have to break the bank to make your home feel luxurious’
For a “truly royal” greeting for guests at the door, offer a greeting such as “good morning,” “good afternoon” or “good evening,” says Grant.
Do this in combination with a “polite, firm handshake,” he continues, and “then step aside and let them pass you first before closing the door, offering to take their coat or jacket as they enter the house ‘.
Etiquette advocate Grant also advises creating a “calming atmosphere” by lighting a candle or spraying a refreshing scent in the entryway and adding decorative pieces such as neatly arranged throw pillows or fresh flowers.
And ‘placing a small container of mints or chocolates at the entrance to your home is an eloquent way to welcome any guests’.
Time for tea: this is how you serve the perfect cup of tea
Grant says offering guests a cup of tea is a ‘must-do’ when it comes to etiquette. And always put the tea in first
According to Grant, offering guests something to drink or treat is a must-do in etiquette.
He says: ‘No royal welcome would be complete without refreshments. Always ask your guests if they would like a cup of tea, coffee or a cool drink before sitting down and preparing for first-class hosting.”
And if you make a hot drink for your guest, there are certain rules you must adhere to.
Grant settles the age-old debate about how to pour the perfect cup of tea: ‘Make sure you pour the tea first, followed by the milk. From my experience, this is exactly how the royal family likes to do it.’
Chatting at a royal level
Grant says: ‘No matter how well you know your guest, it is essential that they feel cared for, as if you were meeting for the first time.
“The polite way to start a conversation is to ask your guests how they are before talking to them about yourself, which shows your appreciation for their presence and the time you have together.”
Set your dining table correctly
Claiming that you set up your dining table correctly will create a ‘fine and proper experience’ for guests
“You certainly don’t have to invest in expensive silverware or extravagant placemats, but setting up your table or dining area with the right placement will ensure a polished experience,” says Grant.
According to the etiquette expert, dinner plates should be placed in the center of the place setting, and side plates should be placed to the left of the plate with a butter knife on top.
He adds: ‘Depending on the number of courses, there must be three sets of cutlery per person. Forks should be on the left side of the plate, with the knives on the right side and the blade edges facing down. Place the dessert fork and dessert spoon above the plate, with the fork tines to the right and the spoon bowl to the left.’
Organize a ‘royal good’ dinner
Grant says guests don’t have to lift a finger at a dinner party
‘Every good dinner party requires exceptional hosting – and there are several top tips you can follow if you really want to give your guests the royal experience,’ explains the etiquette expert.
Guests should always be seated first, and a host should ensure that their glasses are “beautifully complimented with a drink of their choice” before sitting down.
He adds: ‘Address your guests politely by thanking them for their presence and then introduce each course on the menu. When it’s time to eat, wait until each guest has their meal before you start eating yourself.
‘Make sure that the table is cleared between each course, take any used cutlery and napkins with you and replenish them if necessary. Your guests shouldn’t have to lift a finger.’
What not to wear
If you want to look royal, Grant advises against wearing tracksuits and leggings
Grant says there are certain items of clothing the royals will not wear in public, including leggings, tracksuits and sweatpants.
However, he adds, “These items may be fine in the privacy of someone’s home, but in public try to wear items that are something special.” a king or queen will and wear Always remember to wear your invisible crown.”
Grant will share more royal advice in a series of workshops hosted by Warner Hotels. Guests will have the chance to enjoy a relaxing weekend in ‘some of Britain’s most picturesque locations’ and get a glimpse into everyday life at Buckingham Palace. The dates and locations are: 8 March at Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel, North Wales (three nights); May 31 at Nidd Hall Hotel, Harrogate, North Yorkshire (three nights); 14th of June at Alvaston Hall Hotel, Nantwich, Cheshire (three nights); July 5 at Heythrop Park Hotel, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire (three nights); August 23 at Gunton Hall, Lowestoft, Suffolk (three nights); September 6 at Thoresby Hall, Nottinghamshire (three nights).
To make a reservation or for more information, visit: warnerleisurehotels.co.uk/live-shows/the-royal-butler.
Follow Grant on Instagram here – www.instagram.com/the_royal_butler.