A Tea Party? The first visual of it either has something to do with very welldressed individuals sipping from their cups in utter silence or little kids playing ‘Tea Party’ with their stuffed toys, isn’t it? That is exactly how people perceive tea parties. Don’t they? Well, this is a misperception that we’ll clear in this piece today and also tell you how to enjoy a perfect tea party. Read on!

Tea parties are like time machines, where they tend to take people back in time to tea time. Here in this moment, things are slower, better where you sip on your tea most elegantly and pamper yourself in the company of your loved ones. The aura of a simple cup of tea is what one can call absolute bliss and it has now become the modern form of entertainment. Be it business meetings, birthdays, formal weddings, or any other gathering that has to be special and requires that touch of exquisiteness.

With a beautiful setting, peaceful atmosphere, and delicious food, it can be a lovely way to entertain friends and family. The host gets to show their best tea sets, napkins, and tablecloth. The host gets to showcase their table setting skills and decorations most elegantly. Some tea etiquettes are all it
takes to help the party be a huge hit and become the talk of the town. Let’s see how.

Now the question: What are Tea etiquettes? Let us make it easy for you to decipher. They are a set of rules and steps a host and guest must follow to be a proper host or guest. Tea etiquettes are not all that complicated. They are just a simple list of rules one must follow to enjoy a successful and proper tea party. Fret not! We are here with the perfect guidelines with which you can host a
successful tea party.

Proper Tea Etiquette Guidelines:

AS A HOST
– Invitations with theme (if any) to the guest must be sent out a week or two in advance via phone, email, in person or by hand (written invitation)
– Showcase your teapot set on a platter and include the teapot, kettle with boiling water, sugar bowl, and creamer, lemon slices on a plate, tea bags or loose tea, and a container for used teabags.
– Arrange the teacups to the right side of your tea set tray with saucers, spoons, napkins, and teaspoons.
– Showcase all the other items you are going to serve on the left side of the tea set tray.
– Remember sandwiches that are sliced in bite-size, pastries, and scones are served in such parties.
– Food should be elegantly placed either in tiered plates or different plates.
– Always keep the teapot warm. When it is empty and warm then insert the tea bags and add boiling water according to the requirement.
– Never fill a cup to the rim and always serve tea in a cup and saucer.
– Fill it halfway for guests who like their tea with milk and three quarter for guests who like it plain or with sugar.
– Lemon, milk, or sugar according to preference can be added after the tea is served.

AS A GUEST
– If you are a guest and you receive an invitation, the response must be prompt.
– Always reach the destination on time with a little present for the host.
– Always open the party napkins and keep them on your lap while you are seated to avoid staining your clothes.
– Always stir the tea from south to north direction and never in circles or touch the sides of the teacup.
– Always stir without making any noise.
– The teacup handle must always point at 4 o’clock.
– Once you are done with the use of the spoon, place it on the saucer behind the handle.
– When using tea bags, never move them around in the cup to speed up the process.
– Always hold the teacup by its handle.
– Never dunk the cookies in your cup.
– Always have your tea without the slurping sound, don’t move around without a saucer or sit back without the saucer.
– Never lift your pinkie finger while drinking tea.
– Once you’re done drinking the tea, don’t place the empty teacup and the saucer on the table, let the host collect it from you.
– Try to keep the table clean and as it was when you arrived.
– Always thank the host for having you.
– Send your host a heartwarming Thank You note to express your pleasure.
With all these guidelines, you are sure to have a beautiful tea party which will be the talk of the town for days together.
While the etiquettes around drinking tea might seem all old-school or outdated, it is an art that must be preserved and cherished. Here’s us signing off with the hope that these manners and etiquettes with time become YOUR CUP OF TEA!