There is tea etiquette, which serves as the rules and practices ensuring a sophisticated and enjoyable tea drinking experience whether at an informal gathering or at a formal tea party. It basically encompasses everything from the way you hold your teacup to what you talk about. Major points of tea etiquette are to always sit upright, keep the handle of the teacup at 3 o'clock, and never slurp your tea. High tea etiquette often has more formalities, such as proper placement of utensils and how to serve food items like scones and sandwiches.

The traditional style of drinking tea with the pinky raised is purely a fable created from outdated customs. First and foremost, translucent handled-less porcelain glasses must be held gently, and perhaps the hand has to be straightened to maintain equilibrium. But in modern tea etiquette, raising the pinky is an overkill and, indeed, impolite. According to proper tea etiquette, the teacup should be held lightly, with the thumb and index finger pinched on the handle and the middle finger supporting the bottom of the cup. Good balance and natural posture in holding the cup and in oneself ensure poise.

Here are three do's and don't's for afternoon tea:

Wear the right outfit: Afternoon tea is semi-formal. Steer clear of super casual pieces like jeans or sneakers, and do smart casual or formal clothes depending on the venue.
Mind your napkin: Follow the napkin etiquette by placing the napkin on your lap as soon as you sit down, and use it to blot your lips, not wipe them.

Eat in the Right Order: Start with savory foods like finger sandwiches, then scones and finish with sweet pastries. Always break your scone in half by hand and spread the clotted cream and jam on each piece individually.

When you are stirring tea, gently move the teaspoon backwards and forwards in order not to clink it against the cup. This also means no noise and smooth mixing. Do not stir in a circle. Stirring in circles is out of place both tea party etiquette and high tea etiquette. Once you have stirred the tea, you should place the teaspoon on the saucer to the right side of your teacup and avoid leaving it in the cup.

Preparation and thoughtful service should be the guiding principles on how to serve tea to visitors. There should be variants in terms of black, green, or herbal teas so that guests may choose those they like best. Serve loose-leaf tea using a teapot and strainer, or teabags with a special tea box. Have milk, sugar, and lemon prepared on the side according to your guests' preferences. On serving, first pour tea into the cup, and then add milk or lemon according to your guest's choice. Always ensure the use of matched and clean cups and saucers. It is recommended to hold these pieces through their handles. Hosting with grace and sticking to these etiquettes ensures that your guests remember their time at any casual soiree or formal high tea.