Continuing our lesson series in Tea Etiquette, we are know turning to proper table manners, such as where to put your tea cup once you are done and preparing tea and eating tea sandwiches.
So, let us begin!
Whenever you have a tea cup and saucer they must be together, unless your sipping your tea. Thus, if you are sitting down, your saucer should be held on your lap, until you are done drinking. Likewise, when standing you should always hold your saucer as well. When you are finished with your tea, and wish no more, politely ask your hostess where you should put your tea cup and saucer. It is impolite to dispose of it on the serving table, as it is first and foremost the center attraction, and should remain the picture of beauty.
Try not to eat noisily. Slurping your tea should be avoided at all costs. Also, try not to ask a question to a person in mid-mouthful. Of course ill-timing cannot be helped, but just smile and nod encouraging the person to finish, without having them rush or make sheepish gestures. Also do wait until everyone is served, unless your hostess instructs you to eat immediately.
Tea sandwiches should be prepared crust-less, in shapes of triangles, rectangles, or squares. They
must be small enough to eat with the hands. The standard length of a sandwich is 2-3 bits long. The sandwiches should be eaten with two fingers and the thumb.
That’s all for today! Remember to have fun and enjoy your fellowship and tea time. After all it is time for yourself first and foremost and your friends.
See you soon,
Alyssa
Pictures found at weheartit.com