Tea Party Etiquette

Just like the royalty and upper class did in the original tea parties, it is important to use proper etiquette when attending a formal tea party. Here are a few tea party etiquette tips to remember:

◦If you like to have milk in your tea, add it to the teacup before the tea is poured. Also, do not use lemon in your tea if you are also using milk to avoid curdling of the milk.
◦Hold the handle of the teacup using your thumb and your first one or two fingers. There is no need to stick out your pinky; this is an exaggeration of how people sometimes tilt their pinky upwards to balance the cup. Do not loop your fingers through the teacup handle or cradle the side or bottom of the cup with your hands.
◦Take small, quiet sips of your tea. Do not blow on the tea if it is too hot.
◦When you are not drinking tea, place the cup on the saucer.
◦Make sure to place the napkin in your lap and never on the table; if you leave the table put the napkin in your seat.
◦It is fine to eat most of the foods with your fingers, taking small bites; however, use a fork when trying to eat messy foods.