Tea Time Etiquette

People all over the world love their tea, but no one enjoys proper teatime more than the British.

The phrase "tea time" is typically used to refer to a social gathering. As the name suggests, friends will gather at teatime to relax over a steaming cuppa. The people of England are stereotypically viewed as prominent tea drinkers, and many Britons are expert tea growers and blenders.

If you ever have the good fortune to attend a proper English teatime, accept the invitation and, for heaven's sake, mind your manners. Not everyone has the good fortune to participate in teatime, and etiquette is an important part of the tradition.

Teatime traditions have relaxed over the years, but certain points of etiquette do remain. Teatime in England is certainly not the stodgy ceremony that it once was. In the past, for example, the lady of the house would keep her tea safely locked away, and would bring it out only when her teatime guests came to call. Today, of course, British women keep their teas in canisters. Another old British tradition would require a gentleman to pour his tea into the saucer, and sip it only when it was cool enough to do so. Just imagine the reactions of patrons at a modern teahouse if a man rudely drank his tea in this manner!

Even in our modern society, there is certain etiquette to be followed when a British host or hostess invites you to teatime. For a proper teatime gathering, the hosts will forward written invitations to all of the guests. These invitations are designed to provide all of the detailed information that the guests will need, including what to expect. By sending invitations, the guests can be fully prepared for the gathering and will not feel out of place.

There are certain items required for proper English teatime etiquette. A teapot is first and foremost. Silver teapots are used for all formal affairs, while china teapots are chosen for more casual or intimate gatherings. Tables are properly set with teaspoons, cups, saucers and a sugar bowl. Sugar tongs, a tea strainer, a lemon dish and a fork are among the required utensils. Forks are provided when cakes are being served, and knives are placed on the table to use with jam or cream for the scones. Every proper teatime table has a separate spoon for each jar of jam and cream. Refreshments are placed only on the table where the teatime guests are seated.

When serving tea, it's important that the hostess spend teatime with her guests, rather than fussing in the kitchen. Teatime etiquette requires the host or hostess to entertain and visit with the guests.

You don't have to be English to celebrate teatime. Treat yourself to a pretty teapot, invite some friends over and enjoy each other's company while sipping your favorite blend. Just remember to do as the British do, and mind your manners.

Article Source: http://publisherscloninghouse.com

Author Emanuel Elley writes for several popular web magazines, on home decor and family life issues.
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