It's essential to follow proper etiquette when planning tea party menus and then eating those foods. Sometimes, although we are women, this is where we have most of our stumbles. I don't know how many women have asked me how to eat a scone! I'm even more amazed when women tell me they've never tried a scone. If you haven't; get your self out there and try one. You can get them at almost any bakery these days; but even better, make a batch yourself.
When having a tea between 3pm and 5pm keep the foods light. This means finger foods: Petites Fours, strawberries, cookies and dainty finger sandwiches. No fork foods. This is when you serve tea in the living room, or specially called the "Drawing Room". You bring everything out on a tray or tea cart.
Six O'clock teas are considered "High Tea" and that is when you can add the fork. This is when you can serve around the dining room table and have salads and soup, trifles and little rolls.
When eating a scone it is best to just cut the scone with a knife down the middle holding it on its side. Sort of like when splitting an English muffin, you cut it horizontally. Put the whipped cream and jelly on your plate before spreading it on your scone. Then you spread the jelly on and a dollop of whipped cream to top it. I think it is easier to eat with a fork but you are allowed to eat it with your hand like you would a biscuit.
If you are the host of the tea, please, please cut your sandwiches into quarters or into halves cutting it diagonally. Make sure to take off the crust also. Any sandwiches, whether open-faced or not, should be handled with hands. If you are attending a tea, if the sandwich is too big for your mouth, cut it with a knife and eat with a fork.
Make sure you take dainty bites of your food. This is for many reasons. One is so that you don't choke, but also it is so that you are not stuck with a mouth full if someone speaks with you. Do not talk with your mouth full. Also, do not use your tea to wash down food. Tea is to be savored and enjoyed. It is the treat, not the necessity to clean your palate.
I had lightly joked about lifting your pinky finger in the first Tea Etiquette article and I need to reiterate on that. Contrast to popular belief, lifting your pinkie is not part of the etiquette.
I know this seems very overwhelming but if you really think about it, a lot of it is common etiquette. We should already being doing much of it. Just remember that it is about having fun, being ladies and loving and enjoying each other.
 | Revive the lost art of afternoon tea parties through the history of the British practice, delicious recipes and teatime manners. |
 | As we know, the act of having a tea became popular during the Victorian days. Most of us, when thinking of teas, think of all the Victorian printed linens and dainty flowered patterns on the china. The table elaborately set with the delicate doilies and the shiny silver servers. |
 | Children love tea parties! Not only do they get to dress up, they get to play tea party games and pretend they're all grown up. |
Has your daughter been hosting elaborate tea parties with her favorite stuffed animals? You can turn her imaginary parties into reality by planning a tea party for her next birthday. By inviting her friends and asking them to bring their stuffed pals, she will be able to have the real-life tea party she's always dreamed of. |
Try these ideas or use them as inspiration to create tea party favors that are elegant, kid-friendly and affordable. |
