The ‘proper’ way to drink tea

We all love a cup of tea. Whether it’s in a paper cup from the cafe, in your favourite mug or some other kind of drinking vessel, but did you know that there are some very strict rules about how to drink tea? Yes, there really is an etiquette to how to drink tea ‘properly’.

5 TEA ETIQUETTE TIDBITS

1. Pouring the tea. ?The host should pour everyone’s tea and the teapot should remain on the table with the spout facing the person who poured.
2. ?To dunk or not to dunk. Unless situated in an informal setting, it is inappropriate to dunk a biscuit into tea.
3. Food presentation. ?A tiered cake stand should be used when food is served with tea. The top tier is usually filled with scones, the middle for sandwiches and the bottom comprises sweets, pastries, and desserts. Don’t forget the order of eating, which is sandwiches, scones, and finally, sweets.
4. Napkins are placed to the left of the plate with the folded edge on the left and open edge closest to the plate. Place a napkin back to the left of the plate — never on the chair — when momentarily leaving the table.
5. How to stir tea?. Starting from the 12 o’clock position in the cup, slowly fold the tea with a spoon from 12 to 6, back and forth about 2 to 3 times. The spoon should be resting on the saucer to the right of the cup when it is not being used.