Not many things beat a nice cup of hot tea in the afternoon surrounded by good company. While afternoon tea is a very relaxed and delightful affair, there is a sense of etiquette that goes along with it. After all, you don’t want to be the one getting awkward glances from people because you are slurping too loud or talking with your mouth full of cookies.
Let’s have a look at a few dos and don’ts of afternoon tea.
DON’T: CALL IT HIGH TEA
People often call afternoon tea “high tea.” However, the two of them are not the same thing.
High tea signifies a completely different meal, containing more savory and hearty options rather than sweet and light. It is traditionally served around 5 p.m., often with a meat dish alongside.
Afternoon tea is typically served between 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with scones, a selection of cakes, and crust-less sandwiches.
DON’T: SERVE YOURSELF FIRST
Serving yourself first shows bad tea etiquette, especially if you are the one hosting. There should always be one person assigned to pour tea for everyone at the table. A tea strainer should be used to fill the teacups three-quarters of the way and no more.
This is because you want to leave room for your guests to add milk, lemon, or sweetener, if they desire.
DON’T: LEAVE THE PINKIE UP
Pinkies are supposed to be down. Always!
There is a common misconception that stretching out one’s pinkie helps balance the cup when taking a sip. That, however, is not the case. In fact, it is quite pointless and can one look a bit silly or even pretentious at times by doing this.
The proper way to hold the teacup is to keep the pinkie finger down while holding the handle.
This has quickly become one of the most common faux pas of afternoon teas and one that should be avoided if you are a true tea enthusiast.
DO: DRESS APPROPRIATELY
Afternoon tea gatherings usually involve a casual dress code. While you don't have to be decked out in a fancy gown, you should certainly avoid ripped jeans/shorts and sneakers.
The aim is to look put together and neat.
DO: STIR UP AND DOWN INSTEAD OF IN CIRCLES
To mix in the sugar, stir your teaspoon up and down (6 o’clock to 12 o’clock motion), instead of in circles. The stirring should be done 2 to 3 times silently, with the spoon set aside on the saucer once finished.
DO: POUR THE TEA FIRST AND MILK SECOND
While the order in which the milk and tea are poured into the teacup is hotly debated, we suggest adding the tea first before the milk.
In earlier times, milk used to be poured into the cups before hot tea to prevent any cracking. However, tougher porcelain is now easily available, eliminating the need to follow this routine.
In addition, not every guest prefers milk in their tea. Therefore, not adding the milk first gives them an option to have their tea as they please.
