Virtual Afternoon Tea Etiquette Instruction

Behind the Scenes of an Afternoon Tea Virtual Instruction

My goal on Monday was to offer an exceptional experience while giving a tutorial on afternoon tea for our newly trained etiquette expert, Leilani Colvert. A link to her new website is listed below.  

If I were to list out my dream experiences  of “to do’s” in life, afternoon tea will always be on the top.

A successful afternoon tea virtual training requires meticulous planning, and seamless execution behind the scenes to create a memorable experience for participants.

And I enjoyed every second of it.

I started on Sunday evening with the camera set-up.  Next, I pulled out the tea “accoutrements”.

What are Tea Accoutrements?

Tea accoutrements refer to the various items and accessories used in the preparation, serving, and enjoyment of tea. These items enhance the tea-drinking experience and can range from functional tools to decorative pieces. 

Here Are Some Common Tea Accoutrements:

• Teapots: Used for brewing tea, teapots come in various materials such as ceramic, glass, cast iron, and clay. They often have built-in infusers or removable strainers to hold loose tea leaves while steeping.
• Tea Infusers/Strainers: These are used to hold loose tea leaves while steeping in hot water. They come in different shapes and sizes, including ball-shaped infusers, basket infusers, and tea filters.
• Tea Cups/Mugs: Cups or mugs are used for serving brewed tea. They can be made of porcelain, ceramic, glass, or other materials, and may come in various designs and sizes.
• Tea Saucers: Saucers are small plates designed to hold tea cups. They catch any drips or spills and can also be used to hold small snacks or accompaniments.
• Tea Spoons: Used for stirring tea and adding sweeteners or milk, tea spoons are smaller than regular spoons and often have a more delicate design.
• Tea Towels: Used for wiping spills, drying hands, or handling hot teapots or cups, tea towels are typically made of absorbent fabric and may feature decorative designs.
• Tea Caddies: Containers used for storing and organizing tea leaves. They come in various materials such as wood, metal, ceramic, and glass, and may have airtight seals to preserve freshness.
• Tea Trays: Also known as tea boards or tea boats, these trays are used to catch any drips or spills during tea preparation and serving. They come in various sizes and materials, including bamboo, wood, and plastic.
• Tea Scoops: Used for measuring out the right amount of loose tea leaves, tea scoops (also called tea spoons) come in various sizes and materials, often matching the overall tea set.
• Tea Timers: Timers are used to ensure the tea is steeped for the correct amount of time, resulting in optimal flavor. They can be mechanical, digital, or even integrated into other devices like tea infusers.

These are just a few examples of tea accoutrements commonly used in the tea-drinking process.

Depending on cultural traditions and personal preferences, tea enthusiasts may also incorporate other items such as tea trays, tea ceremony utensils, and decorative elements into their tea setups.

During the Tea Instruction, I Taught:

• How to pour tea
• How to hold the tea cup
• Where the spoon is placed
• Different types of tea; green, herbal and black
• How to stir
• Milk in first or last
• Cutting lemons for tea
• How to eat a scone
• How to eat a finger sandwich
• And so much more…..

Related Article: My Interview with Victoria Magazine | Afternoon Tea

When you have a moment, you must check out Leilani’s website, Mannerly Way.

She has gotten a really fast and is starting with a four week program of manners classes in her community.  

Leilani, thank you for joining our manners movement.  We are so  fortunate to have you.