Tea Time Etiquette

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

Teatime is more than a refreshing break; it's actually a social gathering. Friends and associates gather at teatime to relax for a tasty cuppa and some good company. Stereotypically, residents of England are viewed predominantly as tea drinkers. Many Britons are also expert tea growers and blenders.

Teatime in England is something that not everyone has the good fortune to experience, so remember to mind your manners should you ever be invited. If you are ever fortunate enough to participate in this noble British tradition, be sure to follow proper teatime etiquette.

As with every culture, the social rules and traditions have become lax over the years. English teatime etiquette is certainly not the staid ceremony that it used to be. In the early days, gentlemen were expected to pour their hot tea into the saucer, allowing it to become cool enough to drink. This tradition has long since disappeared, and anyone drinking tea in this manner would certainly raise some eyebrows in today's tearooms. Those following modern teatime etiquette would surely view this as rude and boorish behavior. Another archaic tradition saw the lady of the house keeping her tea under lock and key, and bringing it out only at teatime. This act is of course long past, and modern British hostesses keep their teas in a countertop canister.

Despite the disappearance of certain traditions, some proper English teatime etiquette remains. Today's hosts and hostesses do expect a certain level of decorum among their teatime guests. It is still a common practice for the teatime host or hostess to send written invitations to his or her guests. With the teatime details clearly stated, guests know what to expect and no one will feel awkward.

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.

When serving tea, it's important that the hostess spend teatime with her guests, rather than fussing in the kitchen. Teatime etiquette requires the host or hostess to entertain and visit with the guests.

Holding a proper English teatime is a fun way to entertain friends. Set out your teapot, cups and saucers, serve fancy cakes or scones, and invite your friends to join in the fun. You must remember though, this is teatime, so do mind your manners.

Author Emanuel Elley enjoys writing for a number of well-known web sites, on home decor and family life subjects.
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