FAQ: Tea Manners

We’re pretty casual here at T-Party. There’s no dress code and we want our patrons to feel as comfortable at our shop as they do in their own homes. But every so often, we are asked about tea manners. If requested, we’ll do an etiquette lesson during a child's birthday party or for a Brownie troop trying to earn their manners badge. So here’s a little tea time etiquette, but please take it with a grain of salt, or perhaps a big lump of sugar . . .

Pinkie up or down
Contrary to popular belief, when holding the teacup the pinkie finger should not be extended.

Napkin basics
Put your napkin on your lap. Never put your napkin back on the table until you are ready to leave. If you must get up before you are finished, place the napkin on your seat. Replace it on your lap when you return. Blot or pat your lips, rather than wiping the napkin across your mouth.

Spoon usage
When stirring your tea, don’t make noises by clinking the sides of the cup. Gently swish the tea back and forth being careful not to touch the sides. Never leave the spoon in the cup (you might loose an eye) and don’t sip tea from the spoon either. When you are done stirring, place your teaspoon on your saucer.

Sipping vs slurping
Tea is to be sipped, not slurped and not used to wash down a large bite of food. Don’t drink if your mouth has food in it; swallow your food before sipping. Take dainty bites of food and avoid talking with your mouth full.

To pour or not to pour
At a formal tea, the hostess pours the tea for everyone. Don’t start serving until everyone is seated. At an informal gathering, set out a couple of teapots and let the guests help themselves.

Double dipping
When eating scones, the jam and cream should be placed on your plate first and then spread on your scone, not applied directly from the dishes on the tea table.

Minding your P’s & Q’s
Remember to say “please” and “thank you” when asking others to pass you the sugar, milk, or dishes. At the table, pass items to your right. Sit up straight with your elbows off the table and don’t tip the chair.

There — now aren’t we all more civilized!

Susan

Comments

[clarice]

This was interesting to read. Although I have to say tea is much more fun to drink with one's pinky up ;- )
Clarice

[Gina E.]

Hi Susan and Cynthia, I have just discovered your Blog whilst surfing some of my regular favorite blogs, and I am so pleased I found you! But I am also VERY disappointed...that you are on the other side of the world! Never mind, I will be visiting you regularly and I know many of my blog friends will also visit you, as we are nearly all lovers of old fashioned tea-time parties and other vintage delights. My own passion is for vintage hand embroidered linen, which you can see on my blog from time to time, as I find new items for my collection.
Hugs from Gina in Melbourne, Australia.