English Afternoon Tea Etiquette

Learn Elegant Tea Party Manners and Traditions

Nov 7, 2007

Creme Scones at Afternoon Tea, Photo by Steve Woods, Courtesy SXC

Tips and Ideas on how to attend an English style afternoon tea or tea party with style and elegance. Learn teatime etiquette, manners, and traditional charming behavior.

Knowing proper etiquette and manners allows one to relax and enjoy the charm of an afternoon tea. This English tradition is a lovely way to spend time with friends in a genteel and special atmosphere. Following are tips for proper teatime behavior.

Good Manners when Holding a Teacup at Afternoon Tea

Once filled, holding a handled teacup correctly insures grace while avoiding spilling hot tea. One's fingers are placed to the front and back of the handle with the pinkie finger tilted slightly up for balance. It is rude to loop fingers through the handle or to hold the body of the cup with the palm of the hand.
Tea should always be sipped sweetly with elegance to show good manners.
Practicing at home before attending a public party might be a wise choice when one is unfamiliar with having afternoon tea.

Tips for Tea Time Etiquette, Manners and a Making a Good Cup of Tea

It is considered rude to stir one's tea in wide circular motions. Proper etiquette requires the teaspoon to be held at the six o'clock position to begin. Then, any added liquid is folded lightly towards the twelve o'clock position two or three times.
The teaspoon should never be left in the teacup. When not in use, the small teaspoon is placed on the right side of the tea saucer.
When not in use, the teacup is placed back on the saucer, rather then held. The saucer will be on the table, or in one's lap if there is no table.
If having milk in one's tea, pouring either the tea or the milk into the cup first constitutes good manners. As a side note, cream is generally avoided as it can mask the taste of the tea.
Sugar cubes may be added to tea with or without milk.
When having lemon with tea, delicate lemon slices are generally offered. A small fork is usually provided for adding lemon to tea.
Another tip is not to combine lemon with milk in tea, as the lemon juice will cause the milk to curdle.

Tea Party Manners while Eating

When seated at the table, the napkin is put on one's lap. The napkin should never touch the table once one is seated. Even if temporarily leaving the table, the napkin is set on the seat.
If served scones, split the scone in half horizontally with a knife. Butter is spread on part of one of the scone's crumb sides. This is topped with jam, if desired.
When Devonshire cream is served with jam and scones, add a dollop by spoonful, on top of the jam.
Tea sandwiches and treats should be eaten in delicate bites. Remember to smile and chat between bites.
Forks should never be set back down on the table. Instead, they are set on the side of the plate.

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Remember, afternoon tea parties are, above all else, about socializing and enjoying friends. Revel in the moment, savor the delightful food, and relax with the warmth of the tea and friendship. No one will truly care whether you eat your scone or hold your teacup "correctly"... but good manners help create a nicer entertainment experience.

The copyright of the article English Afternoon Tea Etiquette in Entertaining is owned by Janienne Jennrich. Permission to republish English Afternoon Tea Etiquette must be granted by the author in writing.