Drinking tea is not simply a matter of guzzling down a caffeinated beverage – it is a style statement, a declaration of your upbringing and a salute to a venerable drink. Here are some tips, which make it easier for one to walk the minefield of tea drinking etiquette.

• If invited for a tea party, it is customary to dress up – in pastel shades, if you please.
• It is an honour if you are asked to pour. Generally the host does it, but others can also be given this privilege.
• While stirring a cup of tea, make sure that your spoon does not touch the walls of the cup. In other words, no clinking sounds from you please.
• Once you are done stirring, remove the spoon and place it on the saucer, to the right.
• If you have a tea bag, remove it, allow the last drops of tea to fall into the cup and place the used tea bag on the right side of the saucer. Do not squeeze out the tea bag into the cup.
• If you are standing, lift both cup and saucer together. Then hold the saucer in the left and the cup in the right to drink. If seated, lift up only the cup to sip.
• When you sip your tea, do lower your eyes so you can see your cup. You can always look around at the other guests once you have taken a delicate sip.
• Do not, ever, spill tea down the front of your clothing.