Did the Russian Emperor Alexander I really calmly bring the ball to an end, knowing that the French were 10 miles away and on the offensive?
Yes! Exactly. And only after it was over was the outbreak of the War of 1812 announced. The Emperor could not violate the rules of etiquette and interrupt the ball.
This conversation took place on June 22, 2025, at a brunch at the Shanuar restaurant. Our international trainer, Larisa Evans, moderated the brunch, which was dedicated to Russian historical etiquette.
Guests were treated to a most exquisite breakfast, and the incomparable flavors of chicken liver pâté, zucchini pancakes with red caviar, poached eggs with black sturgeon caviar, and fresh seasonal berries were even more wonderful when combined with a fascinating lecture. Larisa introduced guests to the various subtleties of Russian historical etiquette, what went on behind the doors of great Russian palaces and in their state rooms. Larisa also didn’t forget about modern French etiquette (she lives in the South of France), exquisitely weaving into the narrative of noble breakfasts in the family of a 19th-century Russian count a story about how she recently observed, over lunch with the descendants of Victor Hugo at the Jokey Club Paris, how gracefully and discreetly modern French aristocrats both observe and violate etiquette.
There were quite a few men among the guests, which pleasantly surprised us. It’s very gratifying to see that members of the stronger sex are also interested in good manners and are interested in knowing not only stock market quotes and oil prices, but also how to properly place a napkin on their lap and how much wine is appropriate to pour into their pretty neighbor’s glass.