The Etiquette of British Tea Time

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Introduction: 

Welcome to my delightful English lesson, where we explore the charming traditions and customs of British Tea Time. In this lesson, we unravel the intricate etiquette of this time-honoured practice, steeped in history and significance. From the proper way to hold your tea cup, to navigating a loaded tea tray, we’ll guide you through the beautiful world of British Tea Time and ensure you’re well-prepared for your next afternoon tea experience. So grab your favourite cuppa and join us as we embark on this enchanting journey together.

Now discuss the new vocabulary:

Grammar Question: 1

1. Choose the correct verb tense: The guests (arrive/arrived/arrives) at the British afternoon tea party at exactly 4 pm yesterday.

Section One:  Invitation and RSVP expectations

An essential element of any traditional British afternoon tea is the invitation process and managing RSVPs from your esteemed guests. In this section, we will guide you through the delicate art of crafting and sending those elegant invitations and managing responses with grace. 

1. Crafting the Invitations:

A well-designed invitation sets the tone for your afternoon tea event. Choose a design that reflects the classic charm associated with British afternoon tea, such as floral patterns, elegant fonts, or vintage teapot images.

Now discuss the new vocabulary:

Grammar Question: 2

2. Identify the prepositional phrase in this sentence: The three-tiered cake stand was placed proudly in the center of the table.

Section Two:

British afternoon tea, an age-old tradition started in the early 19th century by the Duchess of Bedford, is an event imbued with elegance and sophistication. To truly immerse oneself in this delightful ritual, paying attention to proper attire is essential. Here, we explore suitable dress codes for various types of tea parties and events so that you can enjoy your cuppa in style. 

1. Traditional Afternoon Tea: In the most classic setting, attendees should don semi-formal or smart casual attire. For women, this might include a knee-length dress, blouse and skirt, or smart trousers paired with a chic blouse. Add tasteful accessories such as pearl earrings or a simple necklace. Men should opt for a collared shirt, slacks or chinos, along with dress shoes or loafers.

 

Grammar Question: 3

3. Fill in the blank with the appropriate modal verb: You really   _____  (should/can/might) try the scones with clotted cream and jam.

Video Section; Watch the video and answer the five questions below about the correct etiquette for a British tea party.

Questions:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. What kind of sandwiches are served with afternoon tea at the Savoy?
            2. What are scones served with?
            3. What does the first course consist of?
            4. How many types of black tea are on offer and which is the favourite?
            5. What is the correct way to “stir” tea?
            6. When stirring your tea why is it important not to hit the sides of the cup with the spoon?
            7. Calculate the cost per person for afternoon tea at the Savoy hotel in London in Brazilian Reals.

Now discuss the new vocabulary:

Grammar Section: 4

4. Correct any error/s in the punctuation or capitalization of this sentence: Alice invited molly brian and Lucas to her tea party; however, only Molly and Brian attended.

Section Three:  Handle tea ware gracefully (pouring, holding cups)

1. Pouring Tea: Pouring tea is often considered the host’s responsibility. However, if you find yourself with this duty, always pour the tea into the teacup first before adding milk or sugar. Remember to lift the teapot just high enough for the spout to clear the cup’s rim while maintaining control. Pour gently so that the hot liquid doesn’t splash or spill. 

2. Teapot Lid Handling: While pouring, grip the teapot handle securely with one hand, while using your thumb to hold down the lid with a gentle but firm touch. This will ensure that the lid doesn’t slip off during pouring.

3. Holding a Teacup: A quintessential aspect of attending a British tea party is knowing how to hold your teacup with grace and poise. Use your thumb and index finger to grip the handle of the cup while balancing it on your middle finger. Keep your little finger tucked under your hand; despite popular belief, sticking it out is considered rude by some.

Now discuss the new vocabulary:

Grammar Question: 5

5. Choose the correct indefinite pronoun: During afternoon tea,    _____    (each/any/some) guest must serve themselves a cup of tea.

Section Four: Teaspoon usage and stirring etiquette and Conclusion

1). Attending a traditional British tea party is an elegant and delightful experience, filled with scrumptious treats, soothing tea, and charming conversations. To ensure that you enjoy the party while adhering to the proper etiquette, it is crucial to learn about teaspoon usage and stirring traditions.

2). Firstly, your teaspoon should always be placed on the right side of your saucer. Before using it to stir your tea, allow your teabag or tea leaves to steep for the desired time. Once the infusion is complete, use your teaspoon to remove the teabag or leaves, allowing them to drain by pressing them gently against the side of your teacup. 

3). When it comes to stirring etiquette, be mindful of how you handle your teaspoon. Gently stir your tea by moving the spoon in small motions back and forth without touching the edges of the teacup. Ensure that you avoid making any noise by not hitting the sides or the bottom of your cup. This will prevent clinking sounds that may disrupt the serene atmosphere of the tea party.

4). After stirring to incorporate sugar or milk into your tea, place your teaspoon back on the saucer, ensuring it’s at a proper angle, with its handle aligned with your teacup’s handle. If you need to stir once more during tea time, follow similar gracious movement avoiding splashes and noises.

5). By adhering to these essential rules of teaspoon usage and stirring etiquette at a British tea party, you will surely impress your fellow guests while enjoying a delightful afternoon filled with soothing sips and engaging company; after all, a true connoisseur knows that impeccable manners are half the charm of any elegant affair!

Now discuss the new vocabulary:

Grammar Question: 6

6. Identify and correct the incorrect subject-verb agreement in this sentence: Biscuits, sandwiches, and cakes is essential for an afternoon tea party.

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Grammar Questions & Answers:

QUESTIONS:

1. Choose the correct verb tense: The guests (arrive/arrived/arrives) at the British afternoon tea party at exactly 4 pm yesterday.
2. Identify the prepositional phrase in this sentence: The three-tiered cake stand was placed proudly in the center of the table.
3. Fill in the blank with the appropriate modal verb: You really _____ (should/can/might) try the scones with clotted cream and jam.
4. Correct any error/s in the punctuation or capitalization of this sentence: Alice invited molly brian and Lucas to her tea party; however, only Molly and Brian attended
5. Choose the correct indefinite pronoun: During afternoon tea, _____ (each/any/some) guest must serve themselves a cup of tea.
6. Identify and correct the incorrect subject-verb agreement in this sentence: Biscuits, sandwiches, and cakes is essential for an afternoon tea party.
7. Reorder these words to form a grammatically correct question: drink to guests which your do of prefer cup tea?
8. Identify the correct comparative adjective form in this sentence: The raspberry tart is _____ (sweeter/more sweet/most sweet) than the lemon one.
9. Combine these sentences using a suitable conjunction: The teapot was empty. We had to brew another pot.
10. Rewrite this passive voice sentence into the active voice: The jam was spread on scones by Emily.

ANSWERS:

1. The guests arrived at the British afternoon tea party at exactly 4 pm yesterday.
2. The prepositional phrase in this sentence is “in the center of the table.”
3. You really should try the scones with clotted cream and jam.
4. Alice invited Molly, Brian, and Lucas to her tea party; however, only Molly and Brian attended.
5. During afternoon tea, each guest must serve themselves a cup of tea.
6. Biscuits, sandwiches, and cakes are essential for an afternoon tea party.
7. Which cup of tea do your guests prefer to drink?
8. The raspberry tart is sweeter than the lemon one.
9. The teapot was empty, so we had to brew another pot.
10. Emily spread the jam on scones.