The Resort at Pelican Hill Offers Etiquette Lessons for Young Guests

If “manners maketh man,” then the Children’s Etiquette Program at The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast, Calif., is the perfect way to jump-start lessons in good decorum when man (and woman) is still pint-size. Starting April 24 on select Sundays, kids ages 7 to 12 can enroll in small-group etiquette lessons taught by Kathleen Cover, founder and president of The Etiquette School of Beverly Hills and The Etiquette School of Newport Beach.

“We have created a unique and fun environment for the children to actually experience how to properly conduct themselves in a party-like setting,” Cover said.

The three-hour program features lessons in everything from first impressions and communication skills to resort and travel etiquette. Although Cover will tackle some of the more obvious skills — such as penning thank you notes and shaking hands with good posture and eye contact — diligent students will also master how to react to a gift they already have or don’t care for and even how to stand and walk with confidence.

And never fear: The little ones won’t go hungry. Between sips of sparkling apple cider in fancy stemware, a four-course tasting luncheon provides an optimal setting for pupils to grasp fine-dining skills. According to Cover, learning how to use a finger bowl is always a big hit with students.

During a parent welcome reception after the course, each child will be rewarded with a Certificate of Completion in Social and Fine Dining Etiquette.

“Participating in our program makes an impressive statement to the world that they are trying to be the best they can be,” Cover said.

The program is open to both hotel guests and nonguests and costs $175 per child. Reservations are required.

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