When serving tea, it's not just about the leaves you are using.
A first impression is said to be the best impression and what better way to show that off with a beautiful tea party. or take a sip yourself especially when you realize that it directly affects the quality of your tea. As a tea lover or a host, you will vouchsafe that it is the quality of the teacup and saucer that you choose affects your overall experience because they create an emotional connection while you sip your tea slowly over your tea-time conversation thus justifying the demand for top-quality teaware.
There are several factors, such as material, shape, size, type of tea, etc. that you need to consider while choosing a tea set. The aroma and flavor of tea are affected to a great extent by the material the cup is made. If the teacup is of porous material such as disposable plastic or coated paper, clay, the aroma and flavor will be absorbed rather than being released. The most preferred material for tea sets is bone china which is smooth and non-porous. Bone china also has low-heat transference that enables you to enjoy your warm cup of tea without burning your fingers when holding the cup. The thickness of the rim in a cup is also another important aspect because a thinner rim allows you to sip your tea more smoothly. Recommended thickness for teacups is less than 1 mm.
The shape and size of teacups used is another factor in tea serving etiquette, though this practice varies according to the culture of the place. Taller and narrower teacups are preferred as they help to preserve the aroma in the tea and also ensure smooth consumption in case you have the habit of slurping your tea to roll the taste on your tongue. However, many people are not fussy about the shape and size of the teacup and would enjoy their tea even in large coffee mugs, but it is recommended that only appropriate cups are used while serving your guests. Teacups originally did not have handles that we see these days but were a later day evolution to protect the delicate hands especially of ladies from burn injuries and also to make it convenient to sip tea while it is hot. Teacups without handles are still popular especially in traditional tea ceremonies and homes of eastern countries.
Tea drinking culture including etiquette has developed over the years and varies from one region to another. From elaborate tea ceremonies with traditional values of oriental countries to sophisticated tea lovers of the west who crave for the best for themselves, the whole end aim is to get emotionally connected while enjoying the cup of tea with friends or on official occasions. Basic knowledge of the common etiquette of tea drinking is always helpful to carry yourself along well in any situation.
Let us introduce a few to you.
Always hold your cup with one or two fingers put through the handle, while providing the required balance with your thumb on the top of the handle and other fingers curled beneath the handle.
While sitting and drinking your tea one should not lift the saucer from the table nor should you use the saucer to cool and drink your tea, a practice no longer considered proper. You can however lift the saucer with the teacup when you happen to sip your tea while walking or standing.
Always sip your tea slowly and never use it to help you swallow the snacks served with tea. You may be tempted to slurp your tea like the tea taster to get the full blast of the brew but never do it in public.
Further, if you want to stir your tea with a teaspoon never do it in a circular motion. Etiquette prescribes that you stir up and down gently sweeping tea from 6 o’clock to 12 o’clock position avoiding clinking the cup. Sometimes you may be faced with a situation where milk is served separately because some prefer tea without milk. In such a situation for the correct measure of milk pour tea first into the cup and then milk.
