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Proper Tea Etiquette
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There is a proper way to conduct oneself when entertaining at a tea party. As the tea party stems from the traditional English High Tea there are rules as to how one should behave when dining and serving.

Serving Lemon With Tea

When serving lemon with tea it is proper to use slices and not wedges. It is best to provide a lemon fork for your guests, or alternatively, place a slice of lemon in the tea cup after you have poured the tea. When the tea cup is empty, the server should remove the lemon slice from the cup and pour in fresh tea, then add a fresh slice of lemon. Make sure that you do not ever add milk to a cup of lemon tea. The citric acid in the lemon will make the milk curdle.

Using Tea Trays

Tea was a very expensive commodity in the 18th Century and was only afforded by the upper classes. Ladies introduced the tea tray into their homes, featuring expensive porcelain tea sets that had been imported from China. A properly attired tea tray would be complete with a tea pot, stand, tea cups, saucers, sugar bowl, milk jug and slop basin for the used tea leaves.

Serving Food

A traditional English High Tea or tea party would have a selection of freshly baked scones and / or crumpets served with cream and preserves. There would also be a variety of lightly filled sandwiches to choose from, as well as an assortment of pastries. A traditional English trifle would accompany the tea.

Holding the Tea Cup & Saucer

It is proper to lift the tea cup and saucer together, holding the tea cup in one hand with the saucer in the other. You should hold the cup lightly by the handle, extending your small finger. Hold the saucer in your hand while you sip your tea, this guards against drips and dribbles. It is best to keep your napkin on your lap. If you have used a fork, leave it lying down on your plate with the tines down.

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