TEA ETIQUETTE

The second week of May is National Etiquette Week and there is a lot of etiquette associated with the serving and drinking of tea that has developed over the years. 

 

Since Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, had her first afternoon tea and began inviting her friends to do the same, it has become a cultural sensation, expanding into a three course afternoon affair, along with customs, rules and expectations. Although times have changed, there is something about the act of the tea that draws us back to an experience that lets us slow down, relax and savor the moment.

 

Tea time etiquette has changed drastically over the years. For example, pouring hot tea into the saucer to cool before drinking and keeping the tea under lock and key would today seem quite rude and unnecessary. Today there are, however, still some general rules for tea time etiquette that are related to tea and tea ware in particular no matter whether you are having a formal afternoon tea or a more casual buffet style event.

Loose leaf tea is preferred for an afternoon tea brewed and served in a teapot. Always take the teapot to the kettle and remember to remove the leaves after the proper steeping time to make the perfect cup of tea. The hostess can pour herself if the guests are seated or for a buffet may select “tea mums” for the honored position of pouring for no more than 20 minutes each. The teacup should be filled only three-quarters of the way and milk or sugar if desired, should be added before the tea. If preferred, a thin lemon slice, sometimes with a clove placed in the center, can float in the teacup, but never remove the lemon once it has been added or use a spoon to press.

The proper manner to drink tea is to leave the saucer on the table or your lap (if there is not a table) and lift the cup, putting it back between sips. If standing, however, make sure that the cup and saucer are no more than 12” apart. Hold the cup by the handle, using a bent index finger and thumb to pinch the handle and although once necessary for balancing cups without handles, pinkies need not be raised nor should the teacup be grasped with the palm of your hand! Allow the tea to cool slightly as a teacup is shallow and wider than a coffee cup to allow the tea to temper before drinking. If stirring is necessary, place your teaspoon in the cup at the six o’clock position and gently more it toward twelve o’clock and back without making noise and never leave it in the cup or sip the tea from it. The proper placement of the teaspoon is across the top of the saucer before tea is served and on the right side during use, plus returning across the back is an indication to the hostess that you are finished.

Despite tea etiquette, remember that it is the spirit of tea that makes it so special - a time to honor guests, focus on companionship and conversation - so relax and have a great time without noticing the Faux Pas of others!

TEA TIME TIDBITS
Tea time refreshments
(savories, scones and sweets)
may be placed on the table on tiered servers
or presented in courses on platters or trays

 

"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do,
do it all for the glory of God"
I Corinthians 10:31