Proper Way to Serve Tea

For the British, tea and the art of serving it properly have always been of utmost importance. However, in other countries, tea is often seen as a simple drink made in any old mug using a pre-measured tea bag. It’s especially comforting when you have a cold or the flu, or when you need a warm beverage to alleviate the chill of a cold winter’s night.

Too bad! A good cup of tea is a real treat. In fact, more and more individuals outside of Britain and its colonies are discovering its great taste. Coffee shops, popular in America, are adding a variety of teas to their menus, allowing new tea drinkers to learn the ins and outs of making properly brewed, great-tasting tea. Tea shops are also sprouting up in many countries, offering fine imported teas in many flavors.

If you’re a fan of this fine beverage and would like to serve tea in the proper way, the process is simple once you have all the required pieces in place.

Setting the Stage for a Perfect Tea

The Table
The setting for your English tea can be nearly as important as the tea itself. Set a pretty table that your guests will enjoy. Include china cups and saucers if possible, a dainty linen tablecloth, matching napkins, and perhaps a floral centerpiece. If you’re serving food with your tea, be sure to provide appropriately sized plates. It’s perfectly fine to mix and match if you don’t have enough cups of the same pattern—this can add a whimsical touch.

The Pot
A proper English tea should always come from a pot, brought to the table on a tray with sugar, a sugar holder, a milk pitcher, tongs for sugar cubes, a napkin, a spoon, a saucer, and – of course – a cup. (Some of these items can already be on the table if desired.)

When you begin, the teapot should be warm – never cold or at room temperature. This helps the tea stay hot longer. It’s best to warm the teapot in the oven, on the stove over low heat, or by placing it in a tub of boiling water. Consider investing in a “tea cozy,” which wraps around the pot and helps keep the water hot for a longer period of time.

Preparing the Tea
“Real” British tea is made with loose tea leaves, but if you’re concerned about having leaves in your cup, you can use a filter or diffuser. If you’re using loose leaves, put a teaspoon of tea per cup into your warm teapot. Fill it with freshly boiled water (never boil water twice), stir slightly, and allow it to “steep” for 2 to 5 minutes, depending on how strong you want it. Stir it again before serving. You may wish to add milk and/or sugar before serving (the British way!) or allow your guests to add them as they wish.

If the tea isn’t quite the flavor you were seeking, you can make a few adjustments. For example, try using less tea per cup. Some teas are particularly strong and don’t require as much to make a good cup (or “cuppa,” as the British say). You might also want to experiment with different types of tea. Ask your local tea expert for recommendations, or try some of the most popular British teas, such as Darjeeling, Earl Grey, English Rose, Orange Pekoe, and Imperial Gunpowder. Each one has a distinct flavor, so it might be wise to sample a few before buying.

Pouring the Tea
To avoid spilling, always place one hand on the lid of the teapot to keep it secure. Pour slowly to prevent over-pouring. If you wish (or if your guest prefers), you can use a strainer to catch any tea leaves that may end up in the cup.

Once everyone is seated and served, it’s time to enjoy your tea!

Goodies
A proper tea, especially an afternoon tea, is typically served with small treats like cookies, tiny cakes, scones, or even small sandwiches and other finger foods. The fancier and more elegant, the better!