By Hollie Harris
Cancer Council Queensland has teamed up with one of the State’s top experts in tea etiquette, Jo Hayes, to help Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea participants host an event in style.
Ms Hayes, founder of Etiquette Expertrom has shared her top tips to help Queenslanders fine-tune their tea etiquette skills.
1. When planning out what tea and food to serve at your event, remember that just like wines complement particular foods, so too does tea. With so many tea flavours available today, there is a tea to suit every cuisine. For a traditional afternoon tea, pair a bold black tea, like English Breakfast or Earl Grey, with scones, jam and cream. If you prefer fruity tea, preferably a black tea flavoured with natural essence of fruit, pair this with sweet desserts like cheesecake. Alternatively, green tea is the perfect accompaniment for Asian or spicy foods.
2. To add a touch of elegance to your Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, use fine bone china teacups. If you don’t have any, borrow some off a friend or a relative – or drop by your local op shop to pick up a pre-loved set. Add to your collection each year so that you’re never in short supply.
3. After you’ve served your tea, it’s important to drink it correctly. Raising your little finger while drinking tea is a very common myth – but it’s actually considered rude and should be avoided. For a fun challenge, share etiquette tips like this and challenge your friends and family attending your Biggest Morning Tea to polish up on tea etiquette together.
4. If milk is desired – there’s a right way to do it. Once the tea has been poured, pour in the milk gently and noiselessly, moving the teaspoon in a small arch back and forth in the centre of the cup to blend it in. Avoid clinking the sides of the teacup. Your teaspoon should then be placed back on the saucer before you start drinking.
5. The tradition of an afternoon or morning tea goes much deeper than simply drinking tea – it promotes civility, relationships, slowing down and taking time out to relax, and enjoying the simple things in life.
The official day to host is Thursday, May 24, however anyone can host an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea anytime throughout April, May or June.
To host an event, or donate, visit biggestmorningtea.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85. All hosts will receive a free host kit.