Casa Bella Chic: Tea Time Etiquette

Beautiful tea set, gorgeous wonderful smelling flowers and sweet dainty pettie fours. These are some of the elements in making a tea party work.

But whats the proper etiquette?

You need to send a proper invitation! You need to include what to expect., like having your quests bring their favorite tea cup or wear a special hat! Hats are really fun to incorporate in your tea party.
Paper napkins are OK but linen napkins are preferable!
Always blot your lipstick before drinking, no one wants a lipstick imprint on the teacups!
If you are going to get up and leave the table and will return, be sure to place the napkin on the seat of your chair.
When the hostess signals the end of tea time she will place her napkin to the left of her plate.
The "pourer" should fill the cups 3/4 full and then ask if the guest would like some sugar then milk.
If you are having a buffet the guests may get up to serve themselves but only after the tea is poured.
If the guest are going to be served, the refreshments should be in a 3-tiered platter on the table.3-tiered platters, serve as following: Savories on bottom, scones in the middle and sweets on top.
If you don't have a 3-tiered platter serve the refreshments on a silver tray.
If candles are lit during the day, the curtains should be drawn.
Hold your tea cup by its handle and never ring your finger through the handle. You want to "pinch" the handle using your index finger and thumb.
Never leave your spoon in the tea cup and never sip your tea from the spoon.
After you stir, return the spoon to the saucer, placing it behind the cup not in front.
If served hot water and a tea bag, do not dunk your tea bag but let it stand for about 5 minutes in the hot water. Remove it and place it on the tea bag holder.
If you are standing or seated away from the table never lift your tea cup of the saucer when drinking. You need to pick both up and lift the tea cup only when you will take a drink.
If seated at a table its ok to lift only your cup up to drink.
Swallow your food before taking a sip of your tea. Remember, small dainty bites!

Here are some websites that I found useful in making the pefect tea party! Enjoy planning and have fun!