If you’re looking to enjoy your first afternoon tea experience, you likely have a lot of questions about what is and isn’t appropriate. Between choosing the proper attire, understanding the drinking etiquette, and knowing what to avoid, there’s a lot to consider. To prepare you for this delightful experience, The BonBonerie, a bakery in Cincinnati, OH, shares the do’s and don’ts of afternoon tea etiquette.

Bakery Shares Do’s & Don’ts of an Afternoon Tea Outing

Do:

Dress appropriately.

When venturing out for afternoon tea, you want to make sure that you dress the part. This is not to say that you must wear your Sunday best, as the tradition has become more casual in recent years. However, be sure to avoid sportswear, loungewear, sneakers, or anything that gives off a sloppy appearance. Business casual or formal weekend wear should be sufficient.

Drink and eat delicately.  

High tea is an occasion meant to be savored and enjoyed, not rushed. Do your best to eat and drink delicately, and avoid calling attention to yourself or displaying poor manners. For instance, when stirring your tea, go in a gentle clockwise motion, using caution not to clink your spoon against the glass. If your tea is too hot to drink, simply wait for it to cool, rather than blowing on it. Take small bites and avoid dunking your food in the tea, as this can create a spill and isn’t considered proper form.

Don’t:

Add milk to your tea first.

An often debated topic of tea time, you don’t want to add the milk to your tea first. Instead, gently pour it in after, so that you can appropriately measure how much you actually need. Focus on the color of the tea so that you don’t run the risk of oversaturating it with milk.

Extend your pinky finger.

Despite popular belief, there is absolutely no reason to extend your pinky finger while drinking your tea. In fact, you might run the risk of looking out of place for doing so. Instead, place your fingers gently against the glass, but avoid gripping it too tightly or cradling it with your hands.

If you’re looking to enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea experience, look no further than The BonBonerie. For over 30 years, this bakery has been providing satisfied customers with everything from hearty breakfasts to delectable cupcakes to unique wedding cakes. For questions about their bakery menu or to make a reservation for afternoon tea, give them a call at (513) 321-3399 or visit their website for more information.