Afternoon tea is a delightful way to spend an afternoon, showing off your etiquette and social grace. In today’s casual society, understanding the rules of ‘proper’ English-style afternoon tea etiquette will leave you feeling one step closer to royalty. Afternoon tea is an understated art, however, no matter how many generations of practice you’ve been through, if you’re still a bit daunted by this quintessential English tradition, don’t worry—we’ve got you sorted with these easy-to-follow afternoon tea etiquette rules guaranteed to leave you feeling refined.
Getting Started: Invitations
Nothing should begin without an invitation. The host should extend an invitation for tea and a date should be set. An afternoon tea invitation is usually printed and sent several weeks in advance. Remember, as the host, it is your responsibility to make sure your guests have the invitation.
When To Arrive
Proper etiquette dictates that guests arrive about fifteen minutes before afternoon tea is served. This gives you time to catch up and welcome your guests, or take the time to look around the room and enjoy the delightful atmosphere.
Potting Up The Tea
When it comes to tea, it’s a good knowledge to have how to ‘pot up’ a cuppa. To pot up a cuppa, you should use one tea bag per person in your tea party. Once all the tea bags are in the pot, fill the pot with boiling water and leave it to brew for four to five minutes. There’s nothing worse than tasting a cup of tea that has been brewed for too long and has become tannic.
Serving
When it comes to serving and pouring tea, there are many etiquette rules that apply, but the most important rule to remember is to pour the tea from the pot, not from the lid. Guests should serve themselves from the pot, instead of waiting for the hostess to pour for each person.
Food On Offer
What afternoon tea would be complete without food? Afternoon tea is usually served with finger sandwiches, scones, cakes, and pastries.
Finger Sandwiches
Finger sandwiches are an essential part of afternoon tea and are traditionally served on a three-tiered cake stand. They’re small bite-sized sandwiches, filled with a variety of fillings, for example, smoked salmon and cream cheese, ham and mustard, egg sandwich, and cucumber.
Scones
Scones are usually served with a dollop of clotted cream and jam. Cream should be slathered on the top, and followed by a spoonful of jam.
Cake and Pastries
Cakes and pastries shouldn’t be overlooked. Afternoon tea usually serves a selection of bite-size cakes and pastries to choose from.
Etiquette
Tea Drinking
If your drink of choice is a cup of tea, the most important rule to remember is to never stir your cup too much, as it’s another sign of bad manners. Stir the teacup with a steady hand, gently moving the teaspoon three or four times clockwise. Don’t forget to pour your milk in first before adding your spoonful of sugar—it ensures that your tea won’t splash out of your cup as you stir.
Napkins
When it comes to napkins, they should be laid on the top edge of your plate. It’s always a good etiquette choice to put your napkin on your lap once tea is served.
Conversation
The conversations that take place at afternoon tea should be polite and courteous. More often than not, conversations don’t tend to delve too far past the weather. Conversations taken to the extreme should be avoided.
Cutlery
When it comes to afternoon tea etiquette, there’s one golden rule to remember—start from the outside and work your way in. A well-mannered person knows that a three-course afternoon tea should be treated as though you’re eating a three‑course meal. How? Utensils used to eat your pastries should be placed on the ‘used’ plate so you don’t mix up your clean and used cutlery.
Making Your Exit
When it comes to bidding your hosts goodbye, try your best not to leave too quickly. In proper etiquette, one should thank their hosts for their hospitality a few times before leaving.
Afternoon tea is one social event that allows you the opportunity to dress up and show off your etiquette skills alongside enjoying delicious treats with family and friends. It’s a timeless tradition that will never go out of style! With these simple etiquette rules in your pocket, you’re sure to impress your hosts and guests alike. So why not go ahead and plan a delightful afternoon tea and show off your etiquette know-how? Bon appétit!
