08/17/2013
Tea parties are one of the oldest form of parties. It has a tradition of hundreds of years and yet the format, and the etiquette for this party hasn't changed much! Though tea party means a social gathering of woman for tea in the afternoons, it does have a formal approach. An etiquette is necessary for any type of party, but the tea party is one such party where people are expected to religiously follow them. Mentioned below, is the etiquette you need to follow, while attending or hosting a tea party.
Proper Tea Party Etiquette
Invitations
Good invitations are the first step towards a successful party. Generally, we consider nicely decorated, theme related and invitations that provide information of the venue and time clearly, as good invitations. However, that is not the only criteria for a good invitation. Apart from the above information, the party invitation should also let the guests know, if there is any special requirement, like that of a specific dress code. Many times, women are confused about what they should wear at tea parties, so instead of telling them what to wear (it's their personal choice), you can tell them what not to wear, like no jeans and T-shirt etc. If you are hosting a tea party in the garden, you need to tell the guests to wear their hats. And if you are hosting a Victorian tea party, you need to let the guests know that they are supposed to bring their own cup along, just as they did in the Victorian times.
Table Settings
You do not need thousands of bucks for arranging a good tea party. The things which are must at a tea party table are; tablecloth, linen napkins, cups and saucers, tea spoons, sugar tongs, sugar bowl, tea strainers and lemon dish. The other items will depend on what you are serving, like if you are serving scones, you will need knives along with small bowls of dips, jams, yogurt and cream. For sandwiches, you will need tongs and jam or butter, depending on the sandwiches. If you are having cakes, add forks to the table. While setting the table, put the napkins either on the tea plate or beside it.
Table Manners
To have a perfect party, it is the responsibility of the invitees too, to follow the tea party etiquette. The first and foremost thing to do is to buy a small gift for the hostess to show courtesy. When you reach the venue, be seated and wait for the guests to arrive. When all the guests are seated, the hostess will also sit and spread the napkin on her lap, the guests are expected to do the same.
Proper Etiquette to Have Tea
Though it might sound weird, there is a proper etiquette to drink tea also. Make the tea in accordance to your choice and then, lift the cup gently from the saucer, if it is a buffet type tea party, lift the cup along with the saucer. Do not extend your little finger out, it is considered rude. The thumb should be on top of the handle. Do not blow the tea if it is hot, place it on the table to cool. Tea has to be sipped, not slurped or shot down. If you need to stir the tea, stir it without letting the spoon touch the sides of the cup. When done, remove the spoon and put it on the saucer and only then take a sip. Do not sip from the spoon ever!
While eating scones or sandwiches, first take the necessary ingredients like yogurt and jam on your plate. Take these ingredients only with the serving spoon.Take all the ingredients at the same time and then keep the serving spoons in the same bowls from where you took them. Use your knife to spread butter jam etc on the bread or scones. Do not use the serving spoon for the task. Take small bites and do not talk with food in your mouth. Swallow the bite and only then sip the tea. Though this etiquette is not much followed now, it is generally expected that the guests do not hog on the food at a tea party. Have one serving and take the second only if the host insists a lot. Of course this depends on how formal your relations are. If you have to get up in between, place your napkin on the chair, not the table. When you are done with the tea, place the cup back and wait. When the party has to be ended, the hostess will fold her napkin in half or quarters and place it on the table, this is the signal of the completion of the party. The guests too have to place their napkins in the same way on the table.
Though you're expected to follow certain etiquette for this party, things change with time undoubtedly. Not everyone will want to abide by all the norms. So, follow what you can, specially while hosting a tea party. Prioritize the comfort of your guests
