The following is an outline of my tea etiquette presentation:
1. Brief history of tea which will include how tea began in China and spread to Europe and America, The Boston Tea Party, Anna Maria Stanhope (The Duchess of Bedford), Queen Victoria’s role in taking tea, and more;
2. Styles of tea service such as High Tea, Afternoon Tea, Low Tea, The Elevenses and more;
3. Discussion as to the “proper tea time”;
4. Demonstrate enjoying an afternoon at a teahouse which would include making an entrance, introducing yourself and others, information on wearing gloves, how to handshake properly, how to take your seat at the table, and knowledge of where to place your purse, briefcase, eyeglasses and eyeglass case;
5. Show the proper way to set a tea table and what to do once seated;
6. Demonstrate napkin usage and placement;
7. Demonstrate the proper way to sip tea, eat scones, savories, and petits fours;
8. Discuss the proper way to leave an event (tea house) early;
9. Discuss the history of tea bowls, teacups, saucers, cup plates, waste bowls, tea caddies, tea caddy spoons and antique tea flatware and other tea accoutrements.