It's tea etiquette time are you ready? Do you know what is expected of you if you should be lucky enough to be invited to a tea social? You certainly do not want to look like a country bumpkin do you? Thought not. Time to mind your P's & Q's.
The ABC's of Tea Etiquette 1. Most tea parties require a formal invitation. Part of the invitation will inform you what type of party it will be, whether it is expected that you will bring your own tea cup, whether it is formal attire including hats and other pertinent information that you need to know. So please read it entirely.. do not skim over or you will surely be embarrassed.
2. Formal teas will have linen napkins and sometimes servers who will place the napkin on your lap. Once placed on your lap the napkin should never touch the table again. Less formal teas use paper napkins and will not have a server.
3. BIG NO NO - leaving lipstick on either the linen napkin or the tea cup.
4. If for some reason you need to leave the table for a moment you place your napkin on your seat. The hostess will place her napkin to the left of her plate.
5. IMPORTANT - hold your cup of tea by its handle. Not like a coffee mug with your little finger through the handle. Also make sure your little finger has a slight curve.. not stuck out straight like a board.
6. Gentle swishing of the tea is expected but do not leave your spoon on in the cup nor sip from the spoon. The spoon should rest on the saucer but keep in mind to do it softly. Tea china has a tendency to be noisy.
7. Always keep the saucer close to the tea cup so when getting ready to take a sip lift both the saucer and tea cup. Sip while holding the saucer under the cup but a few inches lower.
8. If eating, please DAINTY small bites are a must. It using utensils you only can use them once. Then place them on the side of your plate. You cannot use them again for a 2nd helping of jam. Remember to smile and chat in between dainty bites of your food.
9. Before the big day you might want to practice just a little at home to make sure you remember the rules.
That's all there is to it. Now just remember to practice so you don't make a fool out of yourself. Just in case, check out this video below on etiquette and you will be all set.
Do you understandknow what is expected of you if you should be lucky enough to be taken to a tea social?
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Sandra M. Morris
