Tea Time Etiquette

Even though people around the world love their tea, the practice of "teatime" belongs to the people of Britain.

The phrase "tea time" is typically used to refer to a social gathering. As the name suggests, friends will gather at teatime to relax over a steaming cuppa. The people of England are stereotypically viewed as prominent tea drinkers, and many Britons are expert tea growers and blenders.

If you are ever fortunate enough to attend teatime in England, it's important to mind your manners. There is a certain set of rules to be followed, known as teatime etiquette.

Over the years, the rites and traditions of teatime have relaxed. Certainly, British teatime etiquette is not the regimented ceremony that it once was. For example, gentlemen would be expected to pour their hot tea into the saucer, not sipping until the tea had cooled. This archaic tradition has all but disappeared, and anyone drinking tea in this manner would cause raised eyebrows in today's modern tearooms. In fact, it would likely be considered rude and boorish behavior. Historically, teatime etiquette would require the lady of the house to keep her tea locked safely away, producing it only at teatime. Of course, the modern English woman keeps her tea in a countertop canister, just like everyone else.

Even though some traditions have gone by the wayside, other points of teatime etiquette remain. Modern hosts and hostesses of proper British teatime will expect certain behaviors from their guests. For example, teatime guests are sent written invitations which outline all of the detailed information. From these invitations, guests will know what to expect at the gathering and will not feel awkward in any way.

Proper English teatime etiquette requires certain essential items. First and foremost, there must be a teapot. China teapots are chosen for intimate gatherings, while silver teapots are the vessels of choice for more formal affairs. The table will be properly set with cups and saucers, teaspoons and a sugar bowl. Utensils including sugar tongs, tea strainer and a lemon dish and fork are set out. If cake is being served, forks will be provided. Knives are placed on the table for enjoying jam or cream with scones. The proper teatime table will have a separate spoon for each jar of jam and cream. Refreshments are placed on the table where guests are seated, and nowhere else.

The host or hostess is expected to spend time entertaining his or her teatime guests, rather than fussing in the kitchen. Therefore, everything must be ready to serve before the guests arrive.

Anyone can enjoy proper British teatime. Invite some friends over, set the table with your prettiest teapot and utensils, and splurge on English scones and cream. Teatime is a wonderful way to enjoy the company of friends while sipping a favorite blend, any time at all.

Emanuel Elley writes for several well-known web magazines, on family fun and happy family subjects.
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