You’ve got been consuming afternoon tea all incorrect! Etiquette guru reveals the do’s and don’ts, from the ‘royal’ sandwich form to why the pinkie is NEVER lifted (and the meals that, if lacking, is ‘tantamount to treason’)

The afternoon tea was invented by one in every of Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, Anna Maria Russell, in 1840.

But regardless of almost 200 years of custom, many in Britain nonetheless serve – and eat – afternoon tea all incorrect.

Fortunately, assistance is at hand. UK baker Warburtons has partnered with etiquette skilled John-Paul Stuthridge, who has shared his prime ideas and do’s and don’ts for internet hosting and having fun with a day tea match for royalty (and Bridgerton binge-watching periods).

Warburtons mentioned: ‘The following pointers will allow you to rise to the event and make your occasion actually toast-worthy.’

Learn on for John-Paul’s recommendation, which covers the ‘royal’ form for sandwiches, why teacups ought to by no means be separated from their saucer and why it is crucial that one ought to keep away from elevating one’s pinkie whereas sipping tea.

THE SET-UP

UK baker Warburtons has partnered with etiquette skilled John-Paul Stuthridge (above), who has shared his prime ideas and do’s and don’ts for internet hosting and having fun with a day tea match for royalty (and Bridgerton binge-watching periods)

What parts ought to at all times be a part of a day tea?

John-Paul mentioned: ‘Sandwiches are the muse. A combination of white and brown bread is most popular and the crusts should at all times be reduce off.

‘The sandwiches must be mild and dainty [and they] are eaten with the fingers, by no means cutlery.

‘Conventional fillings encompass smoked salmon, egg mayonnaise, and cucumber.’

What is the right form for sandwiches?

‘At conventional afternoon tea, it’s possible you’ll discover them reduce into “fingers”,’ mentioned John-Paul, ‘however the royal method is definitely to go for a “sq.” reduce.’

Not serving scones, in the meantime, ‘is tantamount to treason’.

John-Paul continued: ‘Whereas the third course in resorts is often a elaborate French-style patisserie, in personal households an even bigger, extra seasonal cake is finest. Assume Victoria sponge in the summertime and a carrot cake or fruity truffles within the winter.’

John-Paul mentioned that not serving scones ‘is tantamount to treason’

Any meals which might be an absolute no-no?

John-Paul mentioned: ‘From the consolation of your private home, it might be incorrect to say that any meals is an absolute no-no, nonetheless, it’s value contemplating what occasion you might be internet hosting – whether or not or not it’s excessive tea or afternoon tea – and permit the menu to replicate that. We do not need visitors not having their expectations met.’

How ought to the tea be laid out? Is there any explicit sample?

John-Paul mentioned: ‘The neatest approach to set the desk – by no means “lay” – at dwelling for tea is with every thing by itself plate.

‘Tiered cake stands are hospitality space-savers and nothing extra.

‘A royal tea at dwelling match for dandies and debutantes requires single plates for every dish, permitting you at hand them round to assist serve one another.

‘Tablecloths needs to be crisp white linen – and drape to only above the bottom, not midway.

‘Place napkins – 12 inches sq. – folded within the centre according to the visitor’s chair.

‘Cake forks, in the meantime, needs to be set on the proper as they’re designed for use together with your proper hand, versus bizarre forks, that are set on the left for use with the left hand.’

DRESS CODE

‘The sandwiches must be mild and dainty [and they] are eaten with the fingers, by no means cutlery,’ John-Paul mentioned

John-Paul mentioned: ‘Tea is a stunning event for the closest and dearest to assemble over a superb noon natter.

‘It ought to really feel grand but cosy and homely. Sensible-casual is the gown code.

‘The best resorts will stipulate ties and prohibit trainers. Each guidelines you’ll be able to forego at dwelling.

‘Popping on one’s favorite shirt or shirt and blazer might be all it takes to inject magnificence into your gathering. Fits? Pointless. Suitors? Completely.’

TEACUP ETIQUETTE

What is the right approach to maintain a teacup?

John-Paul mentioned: ‘The right approach to maintain a teacup is to pinch the deal with with the index finger and thumb urgent the deal with.’

What are the frequent errors?

The etiquette guru declared: ‘It’s crucial, whether or not sipping from a teacup or perhaps a mug, to by no means elevate one’s pinkie. For the sake of sustaining majesty, hold it down.

‘I additionally discover it uncouth to wrap each fingers across the cup.’

Is it alright to ditch the saucer and place the teacup on a floor with out it?

John-Paul will not hear of it.

He mentioned: ‘Not until you need ring marks. On no account ought to a teacup be with no saucer. They’re a pair. Deal with them as such.’

And is it milk in first?

John-Paul mentioned: ‘It’s possible you’ll pour the tea into the cup first, and milk second (the reverse applies solely to the servant’s corridor). And stir backwards and forwards, not spherical and spherical.’

How ought to one embellish a scone – jam or cream first?

John-Paul mentioned: ‘Should you’re neither Cornish [jam first] nor Devonian [cream first], then it does not matter. What does matter is the way you apply them – bear in mind, use ramekins with a communal spoon in every for serving, drop a serving onto your plate (by no means straight onto the scone), and smear one’s portion on with your personal knife as you please.’

What is the distinction between excessive and afternoon tea?

John-Paul defined: ‘Afternoon tea is a lighter affair historically served round 4-5pm with three programs: savoury sandwiches, scones, and patisseries.

‘Excessive tea contains a savoury first course with dishes corresponding to sliced meats, and even lobster and cheese soufflés.

‘The time period “excessive tea” originates from the taller tables it was served on, distinct from the decrease espresso tables related to afternoon tea, moderately than implying a better stage of grandeur.’