Galentine’s Day Tea Party Etiquette

Any opportunity to share fun with friends is a treat, and “Galentine’s Day” is an especially sweet occasion. The holiday wasn’t official until 2010, but women have been coming together to celebrate their friendship long before the cute name made a splash. This year, Galentine’s Day is February 13, but you can celebrate anytime you wish. Even if you have a special love interest, it doesn’t mean you can’t spend quality time with friends and family you hold dear in your heart, letting them know how much they mean to you.

“There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate.” —Linda Grayson

I am over the moon excited this year because I have been invited to my friend, Trudy’s, Valentine’s Day Tea, and she is the ultimate host. I’m sharing a few photos with you to give you some ideas around what you can do at your own Valentine’s Day/Galentine’s Day Tea. I’ve also included a fun little quiz you can give your guests as a conversation starter.

A Galentine’s Day Tea Party Etiquette Quiz

1. What is the official name of the tea plant?

a. Lilium Orania
b. Camellia sinensis

Answer: b
According to Artful Tea, black tea, green tea, white tea, oolong tea, pu-erh tea, and purple tea are all made from the camellia sinensis tea plant.

2. What item should never be invited to the tea table?

a. Beef
b. Coffee

Answer: b

3. What should never be added when adding lemon to the tea?

a. Cream
b. Honey

Answer: a

4. What is the “fanciest” of tea ceremonies?

a. Afternoon Tea or Royal Tea
b. High Tea

Answer: a

5. What is a tea basin?

a. A bowl to dip your fingers.
b. A dish that houses used tea leaves.

Answer: b

6. Tea bags should never be used at a formal tea.

a. True
b. False

Answer: b

7. What item transforms an Afternoon Tea to a Royal Tea?

a. Champagne
b. Tiaras and gloves

Answer: a

8. High Tea is normally served between what hours?

a. 2 – 4 pm
b. 5 – 7 pm

Answer: b

9. How many ounces does a traditional teacup hold?

a. 6 ounces
b. 4 ounces

Answer: a

10. A saucer never leaves the teacup – always hold both in your hand.

a. True
b. False

Answer: b

11. Holding your pinkie in the air when you sip your tea is a sign of good manners.

a. True
b. False

Answer: b

I’d love to see how you celebrate Galentine’s Day—be sure to tag me on social media @dianegottsman or The Protocol School of Texas with photos or videos from the festivities.

For more Galentine’s Day inspiration, you may also like Galentine’s Day Tea Etiquette. Be sure to check out The Protocol School of Texas. Read Diane’s posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.