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Take Your Tea With Milk And Manners

People all over the world love their tea, but no one enjoys proper teatime more than the British.

By Emanuel Elley

People all over the world love their tea, but no one enjoys proper teatime more than the British.

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.

There are certain items required for proper English teatime etiquette.  A teapot is first and foremost.  Silver teapots are used for all formal affairs, while china teapots are chosen for more casual or intimate gatherings.  Tables are properly set with teaspoons, cups, saucers and a sugar bowl.  Sugar tongs, a tea strainer, a lemon dish and a fork are among the required utensils.  Forks are provided when cakes are being served, and knives are placed on the table to use with jam or cream for the scones.  Every proper teatime table has a separate spoon for each jar of jam and cream.  Refreshments are placed only on the table where the teatime guests are seated.

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.

You don’t have to be English to celebrate teatime.  Treat yourself to a pretty teapot, invite some friends over and enjoy each other’s company while sipping your favorite blend.  Just remember to do as the British do, and mind your manners.

Emanuel Elley is a regular columnist for a number of today's best Internet sites, on family fun and happy family topics.Don't reprint this article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.

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