It's Teatime, Mind Your Manners
Even though people around the world love their tea, the practice of "teatime" belongs to the people of Britain.
The phrase "tea time" is typically used to refer to a social gathering. As the name suggests, friends will gather at teatime to relax over a steaming cuppa. The people of England are stereotypically viewed as prominent tea drinkers, and many Britons are expert tea growers and blenders.
If you are ever fortunate enough to attend teatime in England, it's important to mind your manners. There is a certain set of rules to be followed, known as teatime etiquette.
Teatime traditions have relaxed over the years, but certain points of etiquette do remain. Teatime in England is certainly not the stodgy ceremony that it once was. In the past, for example, the lady of the house would keep her tea safely locked away, and would bring it out only when her teatime guests came to call. Today, of course, British women keep their teas in canisters. Another old British tradition would require a gentleman to pour his tea into the saucer, and sip it only when it was cool enough to do so. Just imagine the reactions of patrons at a modern teahouse if a man rudely drank his tea in this manner!
Even in our modern society, there is certain etiquette to be followed when a British host or hostess invites you to teatime. For a proper teatime gathering, the hosts will forward written invitations to all of the guests. These invitations are designed to provide all of the detailed information that the guests will need, including what to expect. By sending invitations, the guests can be fully prepared for the gathering and will not feel out of place.
Proper English teatime etiquette requires certain essential items. First and foremost, there must be a teapot. China teapots are chosen for intimate gatherings, while silver teapots are the vessels of choice for more formal affairs. The table will be properly set with cups and saucers, teaspoons and a sugar bowl. Utensils including sugar tongs, tea strainer and a lemon dish and fork are set out. If cake is being served, forks will be provided. Knives are placed on the table for enjoying jam or cream with scones. The proper teatime table will have a separate spoon for each jar of jam and cream. Refreshments are placed on the table where guests are seated, and nowhere else.
No proper British teatime hostess or host spends her or his time fussing in the kitchen. The preparations are made beforehand, allowing the host or hostess to entertain the guests in proper fashion.
You don't have to be English to celebrate teatime. Treat yourself to a pretty teapot, invite some friends over and enjoy each other's company while sipping your favorite blend. Just remember to do as the British do, and mind your manners.
Writer Emanuel Elley contributes to several well-known web magazines, on family video and home activities themes.
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