Are you taking part in this year's Biggest Morning tea? The offical date is this Thursday and it's a fun way to raise funds for cancer research. I thought that if you're heading off to a morning tea, or even hosting one, you may like some etiquette tips for drinking tea.
So welcome to your masterclass-Tea Etiquette 101....a basic introduction to drinking tea the "proper" way. When talking tea drinking, no one does it better than the English, and you know what a huge Downton Abbey fan I am.
Traditionally tea would be served in the afternoon, at 4 o'clock, at intimate small gatherings of specially invited guests. It would be refered to as "low tea." If tea was served in the morning it would be at 11 o'clock and was called "Elevensies."
Guests would be predominantly women. Once everyone is seated, the hostess would pour the tea for her guests. She would then offer milk, sugar or lemon. Tea first, then milk. And sugar before lemon. Milk and lemon were never served together. The teaspoon goes behind the teacup, and one should never leave it in the cup! Tut-tut.
If there was a large number of guests, close friends of the host were asked to be the "pourers." This was considered to be a great honor.
Never pass a cup of tea. Tea should be poured one cup at a time and should be taken directly from either the host or the assigned server. Though, if you are in a tea-house, the tradition is the person who is closest the teapot serves the tea.
Along with the tea, there would be three distinct courses of delicate food served- small, bite sized sandwiches (crustless of course!), scones and then pastries. And I know you are not going to dunk anything in your tea.....gasp, quelle horreur!
Drinking your tea
Never, hold your tea cup with your pinkie finger extended! Drinking tea this way is actually considered to be rude- ....tut, tut tut!!
One should place their saucer in their left hand, just resting on the tips of your 4 fingers- which are slightly apart. The thumb rests on the rim of the saucer. A handled cup is held with the index finger through the handle, the
thumb just above it to support the grip, and the second finger below
the handle for added security. The rest of the fingers follow this curve. One must never cradle their teacup in one's hand either- a social faux pas.
If stirring your tea, the sound of the spoon hitting the sides is also a faux pas. One should "stir" their tea without any sound, moving the spoon in a gentle, back and forth arch motion- a swish more than a stir. No clinking of teapoons please! Swishing only! Look into your teacup when drinking-not over it. Are you feeling very "proper"?
If teacups could talk, what do you think they would say? Do you think each teacup has it's own personality? Do you think your teacup could keep a secret? Is it elegant and a bit posh, is a friendly looking cup, or perhaps it looks like it would be a bit of a gossip?
In Victorian times, well-to-do ladies would bring their own delicate tea cup in an ellaborate box. Well, I know how they feel, we all have our favourite tea cup don't we? If you like to take your teacup with you, you could make my Mug bag so you could take your teacup with you- just like Victorian ladies did.
Afternoon tea would be officially over at 6 o'clock, and was indicated by the host standing and removing her napkin. It would be time then for the guest to remove their napkin, stand, place their napkin on their chair, and thank the host before leaving.
So I was thinking, does one's teacup reflect the owner's personality? Even back in Victorian times women took their favourite tea cup with them. I have a favourite cup and it has been for a few years now. It's something familar. What do you think? What is your teacup like?
I hope you've brushed up on your tea manners ahead of Thursday and don't commit any social faux pas.
Remember, always...
Have a lovely morning on Thursday.
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