General Tea-Drinking Etiquette

  1. Hold the Cup Properly:

    For a cup with a handle: Place your thumb and index finger through the handle and rest your middle finger under it for support. The pinky should naturally curl inwards, not stick out.
    For cups without a handle (like a traditional Asian tea bowl): Hold the cup with both hands for stability.

  2. Sip, Don’t Slurp:

    Take small, quiet sips. Slurping tea is generally frowned upon in Western culture, though it’s acceptable in some Asian traditions where it can signify appreciation for the tea.

  3. Stir Gently:

    If you add sugar or milk, stir your tea quietly in a back-and-forth motion. Avoid clinking the spoon against the cup. Rest your spoon on the saucer after stirring, not in the cup.

  4. Milk First or After?:

    Traditionally, milk was added first to protect fine China. However, today, it's more common to pour milk after tea so you can judge the strength of the brew.

  5. Tea Bags vs. Loose Leaf:

    If using a tea bag, steep it in the cup but don’t squeeze it against the side of the cup when removing it; simply place it on your saucer or a designated plate.

During a Tea Gathering

  1. Start with the Host:

    Wait for the host to pour the tea or indicate that you can begin serving yourself.

  2. Don’t Overfill:

    Fill teacups about two-thirds full to prevent spills and make it easier to handle.

  3. Avoid Dunking:

    Dunking biscuits or cookies into tea is generally seen as informal and not suitable for formal settings.

  4. Tea and Conversations:

    Engage in polite conversation while sipping tea. The tea gathering is about both the beverage and the company.

  5. Napkin Placement:

    Place your napkin on your lap during the tea service. When finished, leave it neatly to the side of your place setting.

Regional Considerations

  • British Afternoon Tea: Focus on light bites like finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and delicate pastries. Eat with your hands where appropriate (like sandwiches) and use utensils for anything messy.
  • Japanese Tea Ceremony: Be mindful of specific cultural practices, like bowing and showing appreciation for the tea host.
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