Preference should be given to brewed loose leaf tea, and offering several varieties to guests is a true art. But what to do if such an opportunity is not available? How to correctly remove a tea bag from a cup? These questions are answered by Nadezhda Kolomatskaya, an etiquette expert.
If it is not possible to offer guests a variety of loose leaf teas, then packaged tea should be used. In this case, it is important to follow several rules.
Be sure to provide a separate dish for the used tea bag and its packaging. This can be a small personal saucer or a shared dish if the event is in a buffet format.
On the tea pair (cup with saucer), place a spoon with which it is convenient to remove the bag from the cup.
What Not to Do When Removing a Tea Bag
It is not recommended to pull the bag by the tag and "rinse" it in boiling water to improve brewing. Allow the tea to steep to your desired strength without unnecessary manipulations.
Avoid wrapping the tea bag around the spoon to squeeze out all the "juices." This looks extremely unesthetic and can lead to splashes on you, the table, and neighbors.
How to Properly Remove a Tea Bag
Follow the rules of table etiquette and adhere to the following algorithm for removing the bag from the cup.
With your left hand, lift the tea bag by the tag.
With your right hand, take the teaspoon.
With the convex side of the spoon, gently press on the bag, resting against the edge of the cup.
Place the bag on the spoon.
Move it to the prepared saucer.
If you prefer sweet tea, after removing the bag, add sugar using a clean serving spoon or tongs. Similarly, add lemon if necessary. Sugar should be stirred as quietly as possible, avoiding contact with the spoon against the walls and bottom of the cup.
Before enjoying the drink, remove the lemon from the tea with your teaspoon. Place the spoon on the personal saucer. Blowing on a hot drink is considered impolite. Wait until it cools to a comfortable temperature.
