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Tea is the beverage of choice for people around the world.  Tea Time, however, belongs to the British.

The phrase "tea time" is typically used to refer to a social gathering.  As the name suggests, friends will gather at teatime to relax over a steaming cuppa.  The people of England are stereotypically viewed as prominent tea drinkers, and many Britons are expert tea growers and blenders. 

If you are ever fortunate enough to attend teatime in England, it's important to mind your manners.  There is a certain set of rules to be followed, known as teatime etiquette. 

As with every culture, the social rules and traditions have become lax over the years.  English teatime etiquette is certainly not the staid ceremony that it used to be.  In the early days, gentlemen were expected to pour their hot tea into the saucer, allowing it to become cool enough to drink.  This tradition has long since disappeared, and anyone drinking tea in this manner would certainly raise some eyebrows in today's tearooms.  Those following modern teatime etiquette would surely view this as rude and boorish behavior.  Another archaic tradition saw the lady of the house keeping her tea under lock and key, and bringing it out only at teatime.  This act is of course long past, and modern British hostesses keep their teas in a countertop canister.

Even in our modern society, there is certain etiquette to be followed when a British host or hostess invites you to teatime.   For a proper teatime gathering, the hosts will forward written invitations to all of the guests.  These invitations are designed to provide all of the detailed information that the guests will need, including what to expect.  By sending invitations, the guests can be fully prepared for the gathering and will not feel out of place.

Proper English teatime etiquette requires certain essential items.  First and foremost, there must be a teapot.  China teapots are chosen for intimate gatherings, while silver teapots are the vessels of choice for more formal affairs.  The table will be properly set with cups and saucers, teaspoons and a sugar bowl.  Utensils including sugar tongs, tea strainer and a lemon dish and fork are set out.  If cake is being served, forks will be provided.  Knives are placed on the table for enjoying jam or cream with scones.  The proper teatime table will have a separate spoon for each jar of jam and cream.  Refreshments are placed on the table where guests are seated, and nowhere else. .

When serving tea, it's important that the hostess spend teatime with her guests, rather than fussing in the kitchen.  Teatime etiquette requires the host or hostess to entertain and visit with the guests. 

You don't have to be English to celebrate teatime.  Treat yourself to a pretty teapot, invite some friends over and enjoy each other's company while sipping your favorite blend.  Just remember to do as the British do, and mind your manners.