Do Come In For a Cup of Tea

Come along inside... We'll see if tea and buns can make the world a better place.
~The Wind in the Willows

Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company. ~Author Unknown

Whoever decided sipping delicately flavored hot tea from fragile porcelain cups meant you had class? Someone with class, that's who!

Class doesn't necessarily mean money, let's face it- having manners and a touch of grace requires zero dollars! You just have to appreciate the history and the simple elegance of tea time.

I confess it's been ages since I've hosted a tea party. Being that I work full-time both in and out of the house, planning such an afternoon seems like more of a fantasy than a reality, but I can always daydream!

Actually the winter blahs have got me thinking warmly of spring, and I'm contemplating hosting a Mother's Day tea. Doesn't an afternoon sampling assorted herbal teas and munching on petite little sandwiches with good 'ol Mom sound like a grand time?

Hosting a proper tea does require a little background education, not to mention sufficient scrutiny on every detail. Yes, a thrown together party with some scones and a box of Lipton could suffice, but to me hosting a tea party entails using the proper China, the appropriate menu, and a quick study on tea etiquette. Anything worth doing, well, you might as well make the effort to ensure it's done right.

A tea party, done correctly- isn't easy work. Much pre-planning is in order, not to mention being very detailed and even a little schooled on proper tea history, etiquette, place settings. As much as the correct attire and expected behavior of your guests should also be considered. It doesn't have to be a stuffy affair, however the history of hosting a tea is evidence enough that it was always an event laced with eloquence and grace, and I believe it should consistently be conducted in this tradition.

Let's start with the basics. It's important to remember that one "drinks tea", rather than "takes tea". In Victorian times, the mention of "taking tea" was used by the lower class and offensive when said in upper classes. Bless those aristocratic Victorians.

Several options are available when hosting a tea. Luckily, there is at least one style that would specifically suit your occasion and help you to determine how involved of a tea party you wish to host. The time tea is offered, the table on which it is served, and accompanying foods are all things that make up just what style of a tea-affair you will be hosting.

A light tea most likely would be the simplest, less involved of all. Historically this was also referred to as an "Elevenses", as it would be served at eleven o'clock. Simple tea cakes or scones would accompany a pot of hot tea, but that would be it. A light tea would be appropriate for a last minute, impromptu gathering. It's casual, basic, and just fine with only two people. The only silverware required would be spoons for tea, all snacks should be sweet, uncomplicated finger foods.

A low tea was referred to as such simply by the type of table it was served on. During low tea, (often referred to also as a full tea) guests would gather in the parlour or similar room, at a table that sat lower than a dining room table. I haven't been able to find anything specific on the proper time for a low tea, which leads me to guess that any time of the day would suffice, except of course, the late afternoon which is reserved for high tea. A low tea's menu can be as basic or involved as the hostess desires- although the foods served are finger foods, so one shouldn't attend a low tea and expect it to substitute for their dinner! Both sweet and savory foods are acceptable- items such as tea sandwiches, savory scones, tea breads, chocolates and cookies are common.

A true high tea will be a full dinner with several foods offered. Meat dishes, soups, casseroles, and vegetable dishes are all acceptable for any conscientious host. Tea is available throughout the entire meal, with perhaps a different style of tea offered with dessert. A high tea requires the proper dishes, bowls, and silverware, as opposed to a low tea in which just one small plate, or even a pretty napkin would be sufficient. A summer high tea could include iced tea with the meal, then follow with a pot of hot tea with dessert. The original meaning of high tea was that it was the day's final meal enjoyed by the working class primarily, and sometimes the upper class. It was served at the main dining table (the "high" table) after the work in the fields or factory was completed for the day.

Over the years as the distinctions have grayed between the working class and the aristocratic class, so have the distinctions of a Victorian high tea and an afternoon tea.

Now that we've established what the different types of tea parties are, I think it's essential to brush up on proper tea etiquette. I'm going to mention a few of the most important and relevant "rules", if you will, of tea sipping. I came across this wonderful guide at entertainingsuite101.com:

Good Manners When Holding a Teacup During Tea

(not applicable to the Mad Hatter, however!)

Once filled, holding a handled teacup correctly ensures grace while avoiding spilling hot tea. One's fingers are placed to the front and back of the handle with the pinkie finger tilted slightly up for balance. It is rude to loop fingers through the handle or to hold the body of the cup with the palm of the hand.

Tea should always be sipped sweetly with elegance to show good manners.

Practicing at home before attending a public party might be a wise choice when one is unfamiliar with having tea.

Tips for Tea Time Etiquette, Manners and

Making a Good Cup of Tea

It is considered rude to stir one's tea in wide circular motions. Proper etiquette requires the teaspoon to be held at the six o'clock position to begin. Then, any added liquid is folded lightly towards the twelve o'clock position two or three times.

The teaspoon should never be left in the teacup. When not in use, the small teaspoon is placed on the right side of the tea saucer.

When not in use, the teacup is placed back on the saucer, rather then held. The saucer will be on the table, or in one's lap if there is no table.

If having milk in one's tea, pouring either the tea or the milk into the cup first constitutes good manners. As a side note, cream is generally avoided as it can mask the taste of the tea.

Sugar cubes may be added to tea with or without milk.

When having lemon with tea, delicate lemon slices are generally offered. A small fork is usually provided for adding lemon to tea.

Another tip is not to combine lemon with milk in tea, as the lemon juice will cause the milk to curdle.

Tea Party Manners While Eating

When seated at the table, the napkin is put on one's lap. The napkin should never touch the table once one is seated. Even if temporarily leaving the table, the napkin is set on the seat.

If served scones, split the scone in half horizontally with a knife. Butter is spread on part of one of the scone's crumb sides. This is topped with jam, if desired.

When Devonshire cream is served with jam and scones, add a dollop by spoonful, on top of the jam.

Tea sandwiches and treats should be eaten in delicate bites. Remember to smile and chat between bites.

Forks should never be set back down on the table. Instead, they are set on the side of the plate.

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It's evident that I have a certain appreciation for the art of hosting a tea party. Something about the dainty cups and preparing petite little sandwiches makes me yearn for the simpler days of long ago, when daily distractions were limited to chasing little ones around the home, and it was commonplace to get together with the ladies wearing something other than your old jeans.

I'm excited about the idea of hosting my own party soon on Mother's Day... perhaps, like other things have, it can become something traditional. Surely once a year I can set aside the time to break out the vintage China, whip up some tasty little snacks, and relax with a big pot of brew and some very important ladies. Perhaps you'll join me?