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Tea Party Etiquette
Serving the Tea:There is a correct order in which tea party foods should be eaten. Tea is served first, since this is the ‘star’ of the show! Serving the tea first, will make the serving less confusing, especially if there are several flavors offered.Bring the Tea Pot to the Tea Kettle. Then bring the tea pot, with the steeping tea, to the table. The first cup is usually poured by the hostess and or the Guest of Honor. After that, each guest may pour her own tea. Lemon slices, sugar, and milk should be offered with tea. Tidbits to Know!* If using sugar, be careful to not dip the sugar tong or sugar spoon into the tea.* Stir tea gently with a teaspoon, being careful not to click it against the sides of the cup. Then place the teaspoon on your saucer behind the cup. * When drinking the tea, hold the cup and saucer near the chest, then take the teacup off the saucer and bring it up to your mouth to drink. * If the tea is hot, leave the tea cup on the table to cool. Do Not blow, sip, or slurp! * If you are not seated at a table, simply hold the saucer in your lap with your left hand and raise the teacup with your right hand. Return the cup to the saucer between sips. * Do NOT stick your pinky out when drinking tea. Just hold the teacup normally. * If tea bags are used, then there should be a small dish at each place setting on which you can place the used tea bag.
Serving the Food:The order in which the food is taken:
Tidbits to Know!* If serving on a 3-tiered server, place the scones on the top tier, savories and sandwiches on the middle tier, and desserts on the bottom.* Scones and Muffins: Break off a bite-size piece, then put a small amount of butter or jam on it. If Devonshire (clotted) cream is available, a small amount may be dabbed on after the jam. * Never dip a scone in the jam or cream. * Tea Sandwiches: Take bites of the tiny sandwiches. These small sandwiches, open-faced or closed, may be eaten with the fingers. Never stuff the whole thing in your mouth, even though it's small. *Hor d’Oeuvres or Canape’s: are intended to be eaten with the fingers. *Small fruits and berries on the stem: If served strawberries with the hulls on, cherries with stems, or grapes in bunches, it’s ok to eat them with you fingers. Otherwise, the utensil of choice is a spoon. *If small scissors are not provided next to the cluster of grapes, you may tear off a small bunch.
Table Etiquette:Here are some table etiquette tips to know so your tea party will run smothly.Tidbits to Know!* Do not dine with gloves on. * Never lay a serving utensil on the tablecloth or table. * Completely unfold your napkin and place it in your lap. * Leave your napkin on the chair, if you must leave momentarily. When finished, fold napkin neatly and lay it on the table. * When finished eating do not push your plate away from you. Leave plate where it is and lay your fork and butter knife across you plate.
Here are a couple books you may enjoy on etiquette: (let me know if you would like for me to list more)
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