After I wrote this article, I realized that I'm probably not the person to talk about "proper" tea time etiquette. I'm not sure I'm proper about anything! Oh well. I'll try to the best of my being, but you probably should get a book on tea etiquette if you feel particular about it.

And I have to tell you, a former Titus 2 tea friend says you must have petit fours, shortbread and crustless watercress sandwiches at a formal tea. Whew! Got that out of the way! (I'm not sure I remember why she said that, but I remember her being adamant about it.)

I guess the best way is to just list some tea party "shoulds."

• Always use your best china & linens. (Ivory liquid dish soap and lemon juice help take out grease stains on cloth napkins and table clothes, as well as help whiten the whites.)
• Silver serving pieces are a plus - trays, creamers, sugar bowls and even stacking plate racks. Raid your local thrift store to find silver pieces at good prices.
• Freeze editable flowers or lemon or orange rinds into ice cubes for your iced teas.
• Present the food at different levels. Place books or wood blocks under the tablecloth(es) covering the food table(s) to put the serving trays at different heights to give the eye variety. Use various height pedestal bowls and plates.
• Hats and white gloves always looks nice, as do lacy white dresses. Creamy-white, gauze-like cotton, short sleeve and sleeveless were preferred in the Victorian era. (But remember to dress as to how your conscience/conviction leads, just don't forget the pearls!) The lovely, elegant, creamy-white angelic look is best.
• Have something planned in advance for your guests to do, whether it be a shower and gift opening, reading inspirational passages of Scripture (pre-written on cards given to various guests beforehand) or parlor games like Old Maid.
• Classical music softly in the background adds a nice touch.
• If your blessed to have a green gardening thumb, hold the tea outside in the garden if weather permits. Don't forget to tell the ladies to bring their parasols!
• Check out what foods are best under Menus. And what size the servings should be.
• The time I find best to have tea parties is about 2:00pm to 4:00pm or 1:30pm to 3:30pm. It doesn't interfere with lunch and you can still be home in time to cook dinner for the rest of the family. OR about 10:00am or 10:30am so you can just skip lunch.
• The hostess should do 90% of the preparation the day before so she can relax and enjoy her party! An unhappy hostess breeds unhappy guests.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help. Most ladies I know that are invited to a "special" party such as tea, are very willing to bake a small batch of something. (And in a room full of women, there are always at least 6 that want to help wash dishes.)