🫖As cute as it sounds your PINKIES REMAIN DOWN.
This is not appropriate while you are having afternoon or high tea. It is considered rude and you will come across as elitist in proper tea environments.
🫖Your teacup handle should always sit in the 3 o’clock position on your saucer. DO NOT put your finger through the handle of the teacup. Teacups were never meant to be held in this manner. Place your index and middle fingers on the back side of the handle and put your thumb over the front side. Support your cup with the ring and pinky fingers - KEEP THAT PINKY DOWN
🫖If adding milk, make sure to add it after your tea pour. If you are adding milk it should only be added to black tea
🫖 If adding condiments to your tea you will need to stir it after. Proper spoon placement is key. The spoon should rest on the saucer behind your teacup. Not the side and definitely do not leave it in the cup ( that’s not classy or luxury) Your spoon should not click against the glass or make any noises. Make sure not to put the spoon in your mouth, it is for stirring not tasting.
🫖 There is a right and wrong way to stir your tea Gently take your teaspoon and move from 6 o’clock to 12 o’clock. Do not swirl your tea. You do not want to make noise or clank your teaspoon on your cup and you don’t want to risk scratching the teaware.
🫖The Saucer- If it is afternoon tea your saucer should stay on the table. If you are at a garden tea or standing that is when you can hold your saucer.
🫖Tea should be served by the host, not waitstaff if we will remain proper. Friendship has always been at the heart of afternoon tea, out of respect for your guest, offer to pour their cups from friend to friend. Never fill the cup to the very top.
🫖Slurping your tea is never proper or polite. Eat with your hands. The sandwiches, scones, macaroons, etc are meant to be eaten with your hands
🫖Don’t lick your fingers , use a napkin, make sure to DAB your mouth clean. Never wipe it with your napkin. Your napkin remains on your lap.
🫖PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY. Never put your phone on the tea table. You should be fully present .