The skills necessary for success in social situations are just as relevant in the corporate sector. People who understand the principles of international protocol and corporate etiquette and can manage social settings with composure, confidence, and grace are more likely to succeed in their undertakings in today’s varied and global workplace.
Even if the etiquette for different occasions has a distinct character for its own uses, tea parties are among the most frequented social gatherings. Gaining confidence in any circumstance may be achieved by honing this one mannerism. The customary handshakes and greetings at an afternoon tea serve as a microcosm of the importance of manners in daily life.
Around the world, afternoon tea is a cool alternative to lunch or dinner. “Taking” tea has a timeless charm about it. Afternoon tea evokes sentiments of sophistication and gentility.
Tea is a delicious and extremely pleasant method to develop connection, whether you are meeting with friends, coworkers, or clients. This is especially true on a dismal, cold afternoon.
These following recommendations can help you when “taking tea”:
How to hold a tea cup
When holding a teacup with a handle, place the thumb immediately above it to maintain the grasp, the second finger underneath the hand for extra stability, and the index finger through the handle. The curvature of the other fingers should be followed by the following two fingers.
How to stir a cup of tea
To softly and silently stir a cup of tea, move the teaspoon back and forth in a little arc in the middle of the cup. Keep the teaspoon away from the cup’s rim at all times.
How to pour tea properly
• To keep the tea from spilling, fill the cup about three-quarters of the way.
• Use milk, as cream takes away from the flavour of tea, therefore never use cream.
• If you don’t add the sugar first, the lemon will keep it from dissolving.
• Never mix lemon with milk.
How to drink tea
• When sipping tea, look into it rather than over it.
• Drink your tea quietly; avoid slurping it or blowing on it.
Faux Pas
• Raising the pinkie finger is an emotion, or faux pas.
• When you are standing or have barely 12 inches between you from the table that your cup and saucer are on, it is considered gauche to lift the cup alone and leave the saucer on the table.
• It is improper to put used accessories—such as a cup, saucer, plate, cutlery, or napkin—back on the tea table after they have been used.
• Letting a spoon stay in the cup upright.
• With the spoon oriented in the same direction as the cup handle, place it on the saucer in front of the cup, going behind it.
• Stirring and touching the edges of the cup with the spoon creates superfluous noise.
• Shaking the tea with a clank and letting the spoon fall upon the sauce.
