How is British afternoon tea usually served?

Traditional afternoon tea consists of a selection of dainty sandwiches (including of course thinly sliced cucumber sandwiches), scones served with clotted cream and preserves. Cakes and pastries are also served. Tea grown in India or Ceylon is poured from silver tea pots into delicate bone china cups.

What is the etiquette for afternoon tea?

21 Afternoon Tea Etiquette Rules

  1. Afternoon Tea Etiquette.
  2. #1: Dress appropriately.
  3. #2: Keep phones off the table.
  4. #3: Put your pinkie finger down.
  5. #4: Hold the teacup by the handle.
  6. #5: Stir up and down, not in circles.
  7. #6: Don’t drink from your teacup with the teaspoon in it.
  8. #7: Don’t put the teaspoon in your mouth.

How do you serve traditional English tea?

Tea should be served with milk, sugar, and lemon on the side. When serving yourself or guests, add the milk after the tea. Be sure that the tea water is piping hot when added to the pot, but not boiling.

What do you wear for afternoon tea UK?

Men don’t need to wear a jacket, tie and shoes – unless of course it is specified – just steer clear of trainers and caps. Most gentlemen instead prefer to wear a collared shirt and smart jeans or trousers. It’s also important to wear clean shoes. Ladies on the other hand may prefer to dress up a little bit.

What are the tea rituals in Britain?

“Afternoon tea” in Great Britain is a real tradition. It is a custom that was established by the seventh Duchess of Bedford in the 19th century. At the time, lunch was taken early and supper very late so the duchess made a habit of taking tea in the afternoon between three and four o’clock together with a light meal.

Is it rude to drink tea with your pinky up?

People often think proper tea drinking means sticking your pinky out. That’s actually rude and connotes elitism. It comes from the fact that cultured people would eat their tea goodies with three fingers and commoners would hold the treats with all five fingers.

How do you pour tea etiquette?

It’s customary for the person doing the hosting to pour the tea out, and for the teapot to be left on the table with the spout facing the person who poured. If sat at a table, the proper manner to drink tea is to raise the tea cup, leaving the saucer on the table, and to place the cup back on the saucer between sips.