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Chamois VS Microfiber

Chamois VS Microfiber

Private Chauffeurs or the Butler which is your choice for cleaning and drying the Bentley

I was coming out of a very nice restaurant the other day and saw two Bentleys out in the parking lot with private chauffeurs standing by each. One had a Chamois in his hand wiping down the front corner. I have always used a Chamois for my vehicles and thought they were always appropriate if kept clean. I spoke to each of the Chauffeurs and had a brief conversation. Each had an opinion; one uses a microfiber and the other a chamois.

Chamois vs Microfiber cloth for car cleaning, A long-running debate exists about which is better for cleaning your car: chamois leathers or microfiber cloths. But honestly, I think there’s room for both in your car care kit, with each type of cloth suitable for different applications and uses.

There’s no denying the versatility of microfiber cloths. These synthetic cleaning tools can be used for everything from washing and drying paintwork to applying polish and wax, so I would definitely recommend having a handful in your car care toolkit.

The only downside to microfiber cloths is that they’re not as absorbent as chamois cloths, so you’ll spend longer drying your car with a microfiber towel than when using a chamois. They also tend to become waterlogged much more quickly than chamois cloths, so their drying properties will diminish as you move from panel to panel.

Elsewhere, chamois cloths are much better for achieving a streak-free finish than their microfiber counterparts, making them ideal for cleaning and drying the windscreen and windows. They’re also great for buffing wax, resulting in a high-shine finish that’s more difficult to achieve with microfiber cloths alone.

To clear things up, here are the pros and cons of using both microfiber and chamois cloths as part of your car care regime.

Microfibre cloths

Pros

  • Super versatile
  • Affordable to buy
  • Can be used for cleaning and drying
  • Ideal for applying wax and polish

Cons

  • Not as effective at drying as chamois cloths

 

Chamois cloths

Pros

  • Super absorbent
  • Synthetic versions are affordable
  • Achieve a streak-free finish
  • Fuss-free drying guaranteed

Cons

  • Can’t be used for wet cleaning

 

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TIPS FOR HOSTING A HIGH TEA PARTY AT YOUR HOME WITH HOUSEHOLD STAFF

tea setting domestic staff

Creating a first-class tea gathering in your private home with the assistance of household staff involves careful planning and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a memorable event:

Planning the Event

  1. Set a Date and Time: Choose a date and time that works for you and your guests. Afternoon tea is traditionally served between 3 PM and 5 PM.
  2. Create a Guest List: Decide on the number of guests you’d like to invite. Aim for an intimate setting with around 6 to 12 guests. Please keep in mind the amount of household staff you have that can handle the number of guests.
  3. Send Invitations: Send out elegant invitations at least three weeks in advance. You can use printed invitation cards or digital invitations, depending on the formality of the event. Hopefully one of your staff members is an expert in the invitation wording.

Menu Selection

  1. Choose Tea Varieties: Select a range of high-quality teas. Consider including black, green, herbal, and perhaps a specialty tea (I just started using a lemon/ginger tea, you will love it).
  2. Plan Food: Prepare a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and local jam, and an assortment of pastries and sweets. I am sure your private chef will have plenty of ideas. Aim for a balance of savory and sweet items.
  3. Dietary Considerations: Check with guests about dietary restrictions or preferences and plan accordingly.

Setting the Scene

  1. Select a Location: Choose a suitable room or outdoor area in your home. Ensure it’s well-lit and has enough seating. Make sure the Domestic Staff has an easy flow access to and from the kitchen or Butler’s Pantry.
  2. Decorate the Table: Use a beautiful tablecloth, fine china, and elegant silverware. Add decorative elements like fresh flowers, candles, or a themed centerpiece.
  3. Arrange Seating: Ensure comfortable seating for your guests, allowing for easy conversation.

Involve Household Staff

  1. Briefing the Staff: Communicate your vision for the gathering to your household staff. Choose the Household Manager or the Lead Butler to be the lead “go-to” person. Discuss the menu, the setup, and any specific tasks they will need to handle.
  2. Assign Roles:
    Head Butler: Designate a staff member to serve tea and food.
    Household Manger: If you will be mingling with guests, assign someone to help with logistics.
    Clean-up Crew: Ensure someone is available to tidy up as needed (distribute extra napkins, spilt tea, etc.).
    Staff Wardrobe: Make sure the household staff is dress appropriately. The Head Butler or Household Manager would look nice in a serving jacket and tie.
    Housekeeper: Make sure your Professional Housekeeper checks the Restrooms periodically throughout the event.

Preparing for the Gathering

  1. Tea Preparation: Brew the teas just before guests arrive to ensure freshness. Use a variety of teapots for different teas.
  2. Food Presentation: Arrange the food attractively on tiered stands or platters. Ensure everything is ready to serve when guests arrive.
  3. Set Up the Beverage Station: Create a tea station with all the tea choices, sugar, milk, and lemon. Use your finest silver tea service set. Allowing your Butler to go around warm up or refill their teacup would really add flavor to the room.

Hosting the Gathering

  1. Warm Welcome: Greet your guests warmly as they arrive. Offer them a drink and introduce them to others. Designate a staff member to take their coat at the door if need be.
  2. Service Style: Depending on the formality, you may serve guests or let them help themselves. Ensure staff is attentive to guests’ needs throughout the gathering.
  3. Engage Guests: Facilitate conversation and ensure everyone feels included. Share stories or anecdotes related to the teas or food.

Conclusion of the Gathering

  1. Thank Your Guests: As the gathering winds down, thank your guests for attending and express your hope that they enjoyed the tea.
  2. Follow Up: Consider sending a thank-you note or message after the event, particularly if guests brought gifts or contributed in any way.
  3. Feedback: Reflect on the event with your household staff to discuss what went well and what could be improved for future gatherings.

 

By following these steps and paying attention to the details, you can create a sophisticated and enjoyable tea gathering that your guests will remember fondly.

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House Manager/ Family Assistant – Birmingham, AL

Family of 4 in Birmingham Alabama is looking for a full-time Household Manager/Family Assistant.

Duties are as follows:

  • Overseeing of the outside contractors for the 8,000 square foot home
  • Drive the children as needed (ages 9 and 11)
  • Prepare 3 to 4 dinners a week for the family.   Have the dinner waiting in the refridgerator or sitter ready for them.  (this is not a formal setting).
  • Hands-on approach (houskeeping) to training and pitching in when needed to cleaning the home.
  • Running errands as needed.
  • Some personal assistant duties.
  • Other duties as assigned.

This is a full time position with competitive salary and benefits.

This is a live-out position.

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Navigating Housing Negotiations for Domestic Staff in Today’s Market

Providing housing for domestic staff is becoming an increasingly complex negotiating factor. The dramatic rise in the housing and rental markets has impacted everyone, and negotiating housing for household staff in today’s rental environment presents noteworthy challenges.

Rising Costs and Negotiation Dynamics

Increased housing costs can significantly influence negotiations, requiring careful navigation by both clients and candidates. Clients often see rising costs as justification for controlling the terms of housing provisions, particularly when they feel that requested salaries are disproportionate to their budgets.

The Advantage of Furnished Housing

Clients who offer furnished housing can alleviate the stress of relocating, adding complexity to these negotiations. Accepting provided housing has several advantages, such as reducing logistical stress and offering the convenience of furnished accommodations. For candidates moving from different states or regions, having a ready-to-live-in place can be extremely helpful in easing the transition into a new role.

Short-term Rental Solutions

For live-out positions where housing is not provided, it is advisable to negotiate a short-term 60-day rental, such as an Airbnb or an extended stay hotel, for practical reasons. This period allows candidates to acclimate to their new surroundings and identify suitable neighborhoods without the pressure of a long-term commitment, minimizing dissatisfaction with the housing or job.

Effective Negotiations

Effective negotiations require openness and clear communication. Candidates should express their needs and concerns while considering clients’ perspectives and constraints, striving for a balanced agreement that benefits both parties.

Strategic Approach

Given the current housing landscape, a strategic approach to negotiating employment terms in the Private Service Professional sector is essential. If you’re struggling to make a decision or negotiate these terms in your work agreement or contract, please contact us for guidance. We’re here to ensure you don’t feel disadvantaged in the process.

 

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Social Media and Domestic Staff Hiring

Most of us have some type of a Social Media platform (instagram, facebook, tiktok, etc.). I applaud the household professionals who use these platforms for self promotion. For example a Private Chef will show off his food, a butler will have a nice table set or a tutorial on how to shine shoes properly. In the case of my recent run in with a Head Steward looking for a position, she used her social media platforms to promote more than her skills.

Turn off your social media when interviewing.

Listen to my latest story on this Social Media Disaster.

 

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Candidate of the Month, Household Managers

CAIT DAVIS
Household Manager
Washington DC area/Virginia

With nearly 15 years of household management experience, I bring an organized skill set with an attention to detail. Along with hiring, training, and organizing households I have also worked closely with contractors, architects, and interior designers with construction and remodeling of several properties. For each household or property I like to create a “Bible” of vendors and contractors and making sure that yearly those are up to date and most cost effective. I really thrive in environments that are ever changing and like to offer an outside perspective of what will work best for the principals and their staff and put those operating procedures in place. I like nothing more than to offer a “turn key” life for whomever I work for.

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Candidate of the Month, Private Chef

So you are not looking for a full-time chef and only need one for a few weeks or a month while traveling or at a summer home. Ryan McSherry is the “it” guy who is ready to take on the roll (last minute availability) . You will find a short question/answer where you will better understand Ryan and his short-term abilities.

There is also a small bio on Ryan below.

Please feel free to reach out to us and we can discuss scheduling Ryan for you. You can also look at is amazing food at liaisonfaire.com and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/liaisonfaire

 

Why one week to a month gig rather than a full-time private chef position?

As a Private Chef who works for a wide variety  of families through the year, I enjoy being dynamic and flexible to meet the needs of each individual client. As a freelancer, I am able to continue learning and growing with each new placement, as well as travel extensively between bookings, learning the cuisines of the world. Finally, with shorter bookings, every day has the feeling of a “Special Occasion” for the clients and myself.

 

What are a few items that help you prepare for your arrival to make it an easier start for all parties involved?

In addition to the basics: a very detailed Preference Sheet and a bottle of VERY high quality Olive Oil, I always pack my collection of imported Italian pasta-making tools. Obviously, everyone loves handmade Pasta, but I also love surprising guests with unexpected dishes, such as homemade Japanese or Chinese style noodles for dishes like Ramen or Dan-Dan.
You say you wear many hats.

 

What are some other duties you have assisted with while working a short term gig (non chef related)?

Beyond the basic duties as a Private Chef (preparing delicious meals and keeping the kitchen pristine), I have found myself assisting in a myriad of other was, as an extension of the hospitality I provide. With some clients, this has meant letting their little children sit with me while I prepare meals and teach them to recognize fruits and veggies. For other clients who are older or may have issues with mobility, I have made extra trips to the pharmacy and sat with the client to ensure they are taking their medicine properly, as well as to provide general comfort and familiarity during hard times. Even as a Chef, I believe that hospitality always comes first, inside of the kitchen and out.

Chef Ryan McSherry grew up in a small, antebellum Georgia town, surrounded by history and farms. Hailing from an “industry” family, Ryan spent his childhood learning to make salsas from the family pepper plants, and sneaking chocolate sauce into pots of home-brew beer. Once he no longer needed milk crates to see over the stove, Ryan started working for the family catering company.

As a typically rebellious teenager, Ryan discovered the writings and shows of Anthony Bourdain, and started seeing food less as a job and more of a calling. Inspired by the artistry behind fine dining, Ryan moved to Miami at the age of 19 to chase the “Chef Dream.” Ryan intended on formally attending culinary school, however, he ended up working his way into Miami’s best restaurant at the time, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink. Once there, Ryan learned that good cooking is not about taking courses or memorizing recipes; it’s about connecting people and expressing true hospitality. With the advice of his Chef and mentor, Ryan decided to forgo culinary school, instead opting to work his way through the incredible MGFD kitchen. Many times, Ryan could be found spending his days off working in other Miami kitchens to expand his palate.

As his obsession with food grew, Ryan moved from Miami to New Orleans, then on to Atlanta and finally to Nashville, learning and advancing through the kitchen hierarchy at every stop. Never satisfied with specializing in just one cuisine, Ryan pushed himself to train in French, Indian, Latin American, Southern, and Italian cuisines. Along the way, Chef Ryan dedicated years to making handmade pasta, which is still a favorite of his many clients today.

As a private chef, Ryan is currently based in Nashville, but he travels far and wide for his clients. Chef Ryan divides his professional time working as a personal in-home chef for the elite of Washington DC and Bar Harbor, ME, and conducting elaborate “Tasting Menu” dinner parties across the country. Known for his passion, professionalism, and flexibility, Chef Ryan McSherry is an ideal candidate for your vacation, travel or yacht needs.

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Keep Your Receipts!

This is something that needs to be said. Most of us do this and stay on top of it, but for a few, this can save your job and your credibility.

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Live-In, Live-On, and Live-Out


 
It is important that you have the housing situation understood before the contract is signed. Who is paying for the electric, internet, etc. These are items that need to be discussed with the client or the agency. It can be the Estate Manager, Butler, Household Manager, Domestic Couple, and or the Senior Companion. Take the time to view the housing while on the interview or through a video walk through.

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One of those great mentors – a tribute.

When I started my Agency 25 years ago I worked with various agencies/mentors who were very helpful and trustworthy. Werner Lauhert, owner of The Homestaffing Network, was one of those great mentors. If I had a problem or not quite sure how to approach a client I would call on Werner and bend his ear for advice. His depth of knowledge has helped me carve the way to having a successful staffing agency.

A few days ago I had the great pleasure of having lunch with Werner and his wife Chris. It was great to reminisce and talk about the past and discuss the future of the industry. I wish him all the best and much success with your future.

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