Tea Sets & Tradition

Second to China, the United Kingdom is the second largest consumer of tea in the world. And while both countries take their tea drinking very seriously, there are drastic differences between Chinese tea culture, and that of the United Kingdom.

As a rule, the British drink black tea, and they almost never drink it unsweetened.  Actually, it is customary to add milk to the tea, never cream, and often people will add white sugar to sweeten.

All that is needed to prepare tea in the United Kingdom is a tea kettle and a cup or mug, though for the more formal occasions, a cup and saucer is employed. The British seem to prefer white, bone china tea sets, and variations thereof, as opposed to the Yixing clay tea sets used in the Far East.

In such formal occasions when one drinks with a tea cup and saucer, it is important to follow some general rules.  One must never hold the teacup in the air between sips, simply take a sip, then place the teacup back upon the saucer when not in use. Also, if you happen to be standing up with your teacup and saucer, remember to keep the saucer in your left hand and pick the tea cup up with your right.  When in between sips, keep your saucer at about waist level. Also, it is considered very rude to drink tea from your saucer.

It is common to partake of some scones and jam while drinking tea in the United Kingdom. It is a very social custom, and should you ever be offered some proper tea, you should accept their offer gracefully, as it is a gesture of kindness and warmth.

It is the British who are known for Bone China, the most expensive and sophisticated of tea sets. This particular type of china originated in England, when craftsman used actual ash from cattle bones to create this special kind of china. Also, it is common to see many bone china tea sets painted with a special enamel, often in various floral designs.