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A simple guide to afternoon tea etiquette

No, you are not raising your pinky finger !

· French Etiquette
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While afternoon tea originated in English noble houses around 1840, it is still a very popular social activity in capital cities around the world today.​

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Whether you enjoy afternoon tea in a fancy restaurant or hold a tea party in your living room, make sure to give the best impression and follow our etiquette tips !

The choice of tea

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First of all, chose a tea you like. The traditional british tea is « earl grey », which is black tea flavoured with oil of bergamot. In France, flower tea is more popular.

Serving tea

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When the tea is infused (2-3 minutes for black teas and 3-4 minutes for flower teas), pour it gently into your teacup, holding the top of the teapot with your other hand.

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Do you like milk with your tea ? Then you should always add milk after pouring tea. You may also add sugar or lemon.

Stirring tea

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To stir your tea, use your tea spoon and instead of making a circular movement into your cup, make a vertical movement going back and fourth, without clinking the edges of your cup with your spoon.

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When finished stirring, take out the tea spoon and place it behind your cup in your saucer, parallel to the handle.

Holding the cup

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Make a pinch with your thumb and index finger to hold the cup by its handle and to bring it to your mouth.

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The saucer should be brought together with the cup when you are standing, or if you are sitting a bit away from the table.

Eating snacks

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Traditionally, afternoon tea includes three distinctive courses: finger sandwiches, dry pastries (ie. scones in UK or macarons in France) and other desserts. You should have them in the same order.

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For finger sandwiches and dry pastries, use your fingers to eat them. For cakes, use the side of your dessert fork (never with a knife !) to cut a piece from it. For mousses or creams, use a dessert spoon.

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