Afternoon Tea Party
If you are in the mood to share a good cup of tea with a few friends here are some simple steps for conducting a proper “Tea Party”.
1. Set near the hostess on a low table a tray with a teapot, canister of tea, a bowl of sugar granules or cubes, a glass dish of lemon slices, a small pitcher of milk (not cream), tongs, teaspoons, strainer and discard bowl.
2. Small sandwiches, scones, tea cakes and suchlike with butter and jam should be set at hand along with tea plates separated by small napkins.
3. When the company is seated, you may begin serving tea by rinsing the pot with boiling water and pouring it out into the discard bowl, add tea to the pot, pour in the boiling water and brews the tea for approximately 4-5 minutes.
4. The hostess then asks each guest how they would prefer to take their tea, and pours a cup in proper social order, add a bit of hot water for those who prefer weak tea, and any requested flavorings in this order: lemon slice, sugar and milk.
5. The filled cups are passed with a teaspoon on the side of the saucer, and followed by the tea plates and finger foods.
6. Before a second service, empty any tea remaining in the cup into the discard bowl, and then add a bit of the hot water to the pot to dilute the now stronger brew before pouring. |
