Afternoon Tea Etiquette: The Basic Rules to Know

There is a big difference in the etiquette of drinking tea at home and in a public gathering. The afternoon tea etiquette may fly when enjoying tea at home, but it always stands out in a public gathering. But what is afternoon tea etiquette in the first place?

10 Basic Rules for Afternoon Tea Etiquette

Well, afternoon tea etiquette is a custom that originates from Great Britain and is now considered the basic rule of etiquette globally. So, when attending a formal herbal wellness tea party, you must observe this etiquette. Below are the basic rules of afternoon tea etiquette you should know.

Dress properly

You must be well-dressed when attending a function that observes tea etiquette. In most cases, you will have to wear smart attire. What this means is that you cannot attend the function in jeans, t-shirts, and a pair of sneakers. Ideally, men are required to wear a collared shirt, while women wear a tea-length dress or a blouse with slacks.

Stir the tea silently.

Another thing you should know about such functions is that it is often very silent. As such, actions such as a circular stirring of a cup of herbal wellness tea would be heard by everyone if you were careful. So, to avoid being the center of attraction and causing distraction, don't stir the tea in a circular motion. Instead, use a forward and backward motion to get the tea mixed.

Make use of the napkin.

Finding a well-folded napkin at a herbal wellness tea occasion is typical. Many often make the mistake of thinking it is there for decorative purposes or saving it to use at the end of the function. But you can immediately use the napkin by placing it over your lap. You can also feel free to use it to wipe your fingers after touching food.

Keep your table clear.

Also, keep things on the table when you get to a function that requires this etiquette. While it is common today to keep smartphones and purses on the table, at such functions, you are to tuck away any device in your purse and place it by your chain.

Hold the teacup with elegance.

Another thing that requires your attention at a herbal wellness tea function is how you hold the teacup. You should pinch the top of the handle with your index and thumb and allow your middle finger to follow the shape of the cup handle. Don't make the common mistake of raising your pinky.

Pouring yourself the tea

It is also expected of you to pour yourself herbal wellness tea. At a tea function, the tea is often brewed with loose tea. So a filter will be provided for you, as well as sugar and milk. The correct way to pour yourself the tea is first to strain the tea, then add any sugar and milk last. And remember to stir lightly.

Utilize the saucer the right way

Also, the organizers will provide you with a saucer at a tea function. Wait to lift the saucer with the cup when you are ready to start drinking the tea. Never bring the saucer to the cup. Instead, lift only the cup, and after a sip, always return the cup to the saucer.

Eat in order, from savory to sweet.

At the function, you should expect a variety of finger foods. It is often a three-course tray ranging from desert to sandwiches, cakes, and so on. It is tempting to want to dive right into the dessert. But etiquette expects that you have the savory first, then proceed to the sweet.

Refrain from dunking your scones and biscuit in the tea.

Dunking scones and biscuits in your herbal wellness tea at home is common. But etiquette at a tea gathering frowns at dunking your scones and biscuit in your tea. This aspect of etiquette dates back to the Victorian era, when tea-dunking was considered childish behavior.

Wait for the tea to cool.

Take your time enjoying your tea when you start blowing the tea. It is considered bad manners to blow your tea to get it to cool. Instead, you are expected to wait for the tea to cool down. Even when it is cool, you should always take small sips.

Observing afternoon tea etiquette can be challenging if you are unfamiliar with it. You may have to unlearn many habits to observe the afternoon herbal wellness tea party etiquette. But if you observe these few rules above, you should be good to go.