What better place to start reintroducing manners than at the dining table or more specifically at a High Tea?
Here are some tips for a traditional afternoon tea:
- Invitations will always set the theme for the day, especially if you include a dress code
- Tea enthusiasts can bring along their own tea cup, carefully wrapped in a special box. Remember, pieces don't have to match and bone china is not always necessary; just ensure all crockery is not chipped and is stain free. Lemon with tea is becoming popular again, placing a lemon dish on your table with serving tongs may encourage guests to try tea a little differently.
- A white table cloth is essential, I always have a clean, crisp, white, linen cloth as a base and lay a nice lace table cloth over the top.
- Never extend the pinkie finger; ideally your third and fourth finger should tuck back nicely towards your wrist. There are many theories as to why the pinkie extension is practiced, varying from the upper class wanting to limit touching the same cup as their servants; tea cup handles used to be a lot smaller and the pinkie got in the way; lack of utensils so the little finger was used to eat with... I even found one ludicrous theory stating that it was syphilis affecting the joints!
- Milk is to be poured after the tea, why? Because the Queen does it that way and surely Her Majesty knows tea!
- Never ever clink the spoon whilst stirring (unless you are my dad trying to wake the house with your early morning coffee). After you have gently stirred the milk and sugar, place the tea spoon to the back of your cup to the right of the handle.
- If seated, do not lift the saucer with the tea cup, ensure you lower your eyes to observe your actions to ensure no tea is spilt to stain white linen. It is also considered improper to make eye contact with further diners while you are sipping your tea.
- Scones and cucumber sandwiches are a traditional treat to have with tea, but remember, don't use the serving spoon to spread the jam and cream on your scones!
- Take small bites to participate in conversation and sip your tea to savour the flavour - no-one is in a hurry so there is no need to gulp.
- Linen napkins remain on your lap during the afternoon tea. If you do leave the table momentarily, place the napkin nicely on your chair, never on the table as this indicates you are leaving the function.
- The hostess traditionally indicates the end of an afternoon tea by placing her napkin to the left of the plate, guests are to follow suit.
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