What is tea etiquette?

It's customary for the person doing the hosting to pour the tea out, and for the teapot to be left on the table with the spout facing the person who poured. If sat at a table, the proper manner to drink tea is to raise the tea cup, leaving the saucer on the table, and to place the cup back on the saucer between sips.

Why is tea etiquette important?

Afternoon Tea began as a social gathering around the 1840s in England. This ritual came with some “rules” on how one should conduct themselves during this type of tea time. Proper etiquette is important as it is a sign of respect to the host and the rest of the guests at afternoon tea.

Is it rude to drink tea with your pinky up?

People often think proper tea drinking means sticking your pinky out. That's actually rude and connotes elitism. It comes from the fact that cultured people would eat their tea goodies with three fingers and commoners would hold the treats with all five fingers.

Do you wear gloves during tea party?

The customary attire for men and women attending a tea is semi-formal. Often ladies sport hats, gloves and brightly colored suits and dresses. Black is never appropriate for a tea party. It is OK for a lady to wear her hat at the table; however gloves should be removed before the tea service begins.

What do ladies wear to high tea?

A dress or skirt is always a good choice for high tea. If you're wearing a dress or skirt, make sure it is at least knee-length. A blouse or lightweight sweater is an excellent choice to wear with a skirt. Pants or trousers can be worn to high tea, just avoid denim, leggings, and overly casual pant styles.

Tips for Proper Tea Etiquette

Can you wear jeans to a tea party?

What to Wear for Afternoon Tea. Most venues have a relaxed 'smart casual' dress code these days, so there is no need for men to wear a jacket and tie (unless otherwise specified) - trousers or smart jeans, collared shirt and clean/un-scuffed shoes are acceptable. No sportswear or trainers (sneakers).

What does drinking with your pinky up mean?

It has been said that sticking your little finger into the air when drinking tea makes you appear elegant and regal. This myth has come from two things whenever the upper classes has servants.

What does pinky out while drinking mean?

Many etiquette experts frown upon extending the pinky finger while drinking and deem it a sign of pretentiousness. According to a 2010 study, exclusion of the pinky finger reduces grip strength by 33%.

What does it mean when you lift your pinky while drinking?

Etiquette is about showing courtesy, kindness and respect to others and there is something quite snobbish about holding the pinky out when drinking. It is as though the small gesture is meant to make others feel bad about themselves and there is nothing kind, courteous or respectful about that.

What is the proper way to hold a cup?

Myka Meier of Beaumont Etiquette says the correct way to hold your coffee mug is like this. “Loop your index finger into the handle and keep your thumb on top of the handle. Your remaining three fingers — middle, index and pinkie — are tucked into the palm of your hand.”

What are some of the etiquettes for a guest invited to a tea ceremony?

What should you not do at a tea party?

What is coffee etiquette?

The coffee spoon should lie on the saucer, on the right side, with the handle towards the guest. It should have contact with the surface of the saucer. Do not leave your spoon in the cup nor put it across the saucer or cup. Never lick the spoon, nor use it to try the infusion or cool it down.

How do you hold a tea cup?

“Today, most all etiquette authorities agree; The proper way to hold a tea cup is with one or two fingers of the right hand put through the hole of the cup handle, while balancing the cup with your thumb on the top of the handle. Your other fingers should be curled beneath the handle,” says an article on Etiquipedia.

What is smartphone pinky?

Dubbed “smartphone pinkie” (which is not a formal medical term) by some people on the Internet, the issues that could result from using your smallest finger as a phone stand join a growing list of hand, wrist, elbow and neck problems that experts say is probably connected to overusing handheld technology.

What does a raised pinky finger mean in India?

In India, holding up the pinky is a signal that the person has to urinate. Similarly, in Indonesia, when a man points his pinky finger downward it is a signal that he needs to urinate. In Turkey, it's tradition to link pinky fingers when two people are making a bet.

What does it mean if a man wears a pinky ring?

Most commonly, a single ring was worn on the pinky finger to indicate a man's wealth and status. Even today, men who wear pinky rings intend to make a statement about their wealth and prosperity. With no other rings on the hand, a pinky ring can show off a man's riches — or draw attention to its owner.

What's the difference between afternoon tea and high tea?

Delectable scones, tea sandwiches, and cakes are the hallmark of an afternoon tea, which is served in midafternoon. A high tea, however, includes much more substantive fare, such as meat, fish, and egg dishes, as well as breads and desserts, and is offered in the early evening.

What time is high tea?

Its origins can be found in the lower classes, who compensated for the lack of a lunch break in their workdays by taking tea — along with cold cuts, cheeses, pies and hearty hot dishes — immediately after work. Today, high tea is generally taken between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Do you wear a hat to high tea?

Headwear. Hats are OUT for high tea events – one simply does not wear a hat at the table sweethearts. Although there are two jolly good exceptions to this rule – for Winter high tea you could wear a wool beret and for Summer High Tea outdoors you should protect your precious face from the sun.

What is the etiquette for afternoon tea?

One must eat the sandwiches first, and with fingers not cutlery. Then the scones – they should still be warm. Scones should be broken in 2 by hand, not with a knife, and each half eaten separately.

What is a tea party hat called?

Taking it from the top, one of the prized possessions of an afternoon tea goer is a fabulous tea hat or fascinator. What differentiates the two is that fascinators are typically attached to a headband or hair clip.

What does a man wear to a tea party?

Tea Party Attire For Men

Usually, a collared shirt is a must for this type of attire, but a tie is unnecessary. Try pairing a sport coat with a patterned button-down. A nice pair of dress slacks will do great with some more casual types of footwear like loafers.

What is the first thing to eat at a high tea?

The correct order to enjoy the food that accompanies afternoon tea is savory to sweet: sandwiches first, then scones, and sweets last. You can use your fingers to eat all three courses. To eat a scone, you simply break it in half with your fingers.