Whether you are in a relationship or happily single, February is a great opportunity to get together with your friends to spread the love. A Galentine’s Tea is the perfect occasion to celebrate the bond you share. The setting helps to foster slowing down and appreciating one another’s company.
What could be more lovely than an array of pastel-colored teacups, fresh flowers and a beautifully arranged tablescape? Complete the setting with vintage Valentine’s Day cards and candies if you have the time (or pick up a vintage-look set of cards).
Here are a few tea etiquette “tidbits” to ensure you host the perfect afternoon tea.
Afternoon Tea: How to Give Your Friends the Royal Treatment (Tea Etiquette Tips)
Don’t Confuse the Terms (aka High Tea Is Not Fancy)
Most people think that high tea is the fanciest of teas, but in reality afternoon tea is the most formal.
A fun fact about afternoon tea according to Historic UK:
“Afternoon tea was introduced in England by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in the year 1840. The Duchess would become hungry around four o’clock in the afternoon. The evening meal in her household was served fashionably late at eight o’clock, thus leaving a long period of time between lunch and dinner.”
High Tea
The MICHELIN Guide provides a helpful background on high tea:
“Traditionally, high tea was a working-class meal served on a ‘high’ table at the end of the workday, shortly after 5 p.m. High tea is a more substantial meal that includes more hearty savoury foods such as meaty pies, fishes such as pickled salmon, baked vegetables and cheesy casseroles.”
The Three Courses of Afternoon Tea:
(Served on a low table as opposed to a high tea served on a dinner table that is “high”)
- Scones (for culinary connoisseurs, Mary Berry’s scones recipe is divine.)
- Sweets (pastry and sweets)
- Tea Sandwiches
Necessities of the Tea Table:
- Teacups
- Napkins
- Small Spoons
- Sugar Bowl and Creamer
- Teapot / Carafe for Water
- Tea Strainer (a neat little item of interest!)
- Tea Caddy
Pinkies Stay Down
Despite what you’ve been told, a lady (or gent) keeps their finger down when they sip their tea!
How to Avoid a Tea Spill
Look down, into the cup when you take a sip.
What Is a “Royal Tea”?
A glass of champagne included in the tea ceremony.
What Item Should Not Be Present at a Tea Party?
Coffee has no place at the tea table.
Scones Must Never Be Cut
To enjoy, break apart with your fingers, one piece at a time. Add cream first, then top with jam.
Milk, Not Cream
When adding cream, you actually use milk so it doesn’t mask the taste of the full-bodied tea.
“BYOT”
Idea: Have each friend bring their favorite tea to share with their friends – it’s a great conversation starter.
Refer to Diane’s Tea Etiquette archives. Read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on Huff Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.
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