A Perfect Cup of Afternoon Tea: Navigating Table Manners with Finesse in Dallas

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! What better way to celebrate Galentine’s Day or an outing with your daughter, grandma, aunt etc than with Afternoon Tea? Of course, the art of an elegant afternoon tea is “steeped” in tradition, so one great way to learn the rules of etiquette for a tea is to hire a Dallas etiquette expert. I offer private and group etiquette training in afternoon tea service, table manners, dining etiquette and more. In today’s blog post, I will share tips for proper afternoon tea etiquette as well as topics I can cover if you request my assistance for a party or customized individual training session.

Afternoon Tea Etiquette Rules

A Perfect Cup of Afternoon Tea: Navigating Table Manners with Finesse in Dallas

  • Dress appropriately for the event.
  • Keep phones off of the table.
  • Put your pinkie finger down when holding the teacup.
  • Hold the teacup by the handle.
  • Stir up and down, not in circles.
  • Remember, do not overload your plate with food…this is teatime, not mealtime.
  • Do not put the teaspoon in your mouth.
  • Bring the teacup to you instead of leaning down to the cup.
  • Do not blow on your food or your tea.
  • The saucer should stay on the table.
  • Respect your clothing and try to not get it dirty (not wiping hands on clothing).
  • Look everyone in the eye!
  • Converse with new friends – ask people their name if you don’t know it and offer your name first. For example, “I’m Margot, what is your name?” Ask someone how his or her day is going.
  • Keep your hands to yourself in public.
  • Clean your hands before teatime.

Looking for an Expert on Protocol and Table Manners for your Tea Party Guests?

I love working with students of all ages and have trained small children as well as adults on Afternoon Tea Etiquette. I have studied the art of afternoon tea at the British School of Excellence in London and have also learned from tea service in prominent locations around the world, including restaurants in Paris, The Ritz in London and The Lowell Hotel in New York City. I was also recently featured in an interview with Hanna Battah and Steve Noviello of Fox 4 News.

In my afternoon tea sessions, I will teach about the history of afternoon tea. We will all enjoy tea together and each student will master the art of preparing a tea tray. An afternoon tea party for children or adults includes each guest receiving a tea tray, Thank You notes and a handkerchief so they can practice the skills they have learned with others.

Topics Covered Include:

  • What is Etiquette?
  • Why is Etiquette Important?
  • Is Etiquette only Relevant for the Upper Classes?
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Why Tea?
  • Where Might I go for Tea?
  • British Afternoon Tea Culture
  • Should Ladies Wear Trousers for Afternoon Tea?
  • Proper Usage for Hats and Gloves
  • The Proper Use of the Napkin
  • History of Afternoon Tea
  • Afternoon Tea vs. High Tea
  • How to Drink Tea and How to Hold a Teacup
  • How to Sit and Stand During Afternoon Tea
  • What to Wear to an Afternoon Tea Event
  • How to Prepare Tea with Lemon and Sugar
  • Milk: Before or After?
  • The Correct Setup for a Tea Tray
    • First Course: Savories and Tea Sandwiches
    • Second Course: Scones with Jam and Cream
    • Third Course: Cakes and Sweet Treats
  • How to Eat Finger Sandwiches at an Afternoon Tea
  • Basic Introductions, Manners and How to Be the Perfect Guest at a Tea Party
  • The Importance of Self-Presentation
  • The Art of Conversation
  • Invitation, Thank You note and Proper Correspondence

Have a Cup of Tea with the Etiquette Expert, Lisa Burdette

Lisa B. Burdette, Dallas Etiquette ExpertLisa Burdette is an expert in social graces, afternoon tea and dining etiquette in Dallas, Texas. Her private and group etiquette classes for adults and children have helped many individuals with polishing their table manners and increasing their self-confidence. In addition, Lisa has experience in business etiquette training and workshops for corporate clients such as the Bank of Texas, TEXO (The Construction Association) and others.

Ready to refine your table manners and dining etiquette with some personalized training? Reach out to Lisa on her Contact page or Book Online and request your etiquette session with Lisa today!

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