Butlers
What is a Butler?
Professional butler duties vary and may include, but are not limited to, managerial responsibilities, keeping accounts, marketing, and maintaining the wardrobe for the principals of the residence. A personal butler will be well versed in etiquette, serving, and have a thorough understanding of formal home care. They are traditionally hired to oversee one estate or home and will support the principal while often overseeing other household staff.
A butler will also prepare the residence for guests, including managing the preparation of guest accommodations, greet them when they arrive, assist in getting them settled and make sure they take care of all needs during their visit. They will also assist in organizing the estate or home for special events or parties, including greeting guests, managing the event staff and assuring everything runs smoothly.
Butlers are often the most formal member of the domestic staff categories and will help maintain traditions in a formal home or estate.
An experienced butler will possess a strong understanding of wine and food pairings and will understand and often train other staff in formal service, including formal table setting, serving, and more. Many have attended a specialized school for butler training and may hold a certificate in wine specialization. It is not uncommon for a butler to hold a degree in the Culinary Arts.
They are often the most formal member of the domestic staff categories and will help maintain traditions in a formal home or estate. A butler will understand how to write and manage a schedule for household staff and may take on the responsibilities of a household manager.