I met my friend Lisa Richey about a year ago and I couldn’t be more grateful to have her in my life! We have so much in common and have spent many afternoons together over long lunches talking about absolutely everything! Lisa is the owner of Manners To Go which is a curriculum for those wishing to teach manners to children and also The American Academy of Etiquette which teaches business etiquette. She is one on-the-ball lady and has inspired me in so many ways! I will admit that I’m more aware of my manners when she’s around!
In August of this year, Lisa and I traveled to Birmingham, Alabama together to do a photo shoot for Victoria Magazine (pinch me!)! I can’t divulge exactly what we did but the magazine will be out in January and we couldn’t be more excited! After coming home from Birmingham, we decided it would be fun to do an afternoon tea video. I for one, wanted to know more about tea etiquette and also, it was a good excuse to eat delicious scones and tea sandwiches and drink tea! I also got to pull out my china tea cups and silver to decorate the table which was so much fun!
One thing I learned, however, is that china tea cups and silver are beautiful to use, but not completely necessary! The point of tea in this day and age is to add grace to your life, by stopping, sitting down with friends or family members, having a cup of tea and making a human connection. All you need is a pot of tea and a cookie (store bought or homemade)! Tea is a beautiful tradition that can bring us together!
I hope you enjoy the video and learn a thing or two about the etiquette of afternoon tea…I know I certainly learned a lot!
I hope you enjoy this video and are inspired to serve afternoon tea in whatever way fits your lifestyle! Be sure to follow me on YouTube as I’ll be doing more videos soon!
Don’t forget to check out my Crazy Blonde Holiday Shop for the best ideas for gift giving! Thank you so much for reading today!
Hi Suzanne,
Lovely! Everything looks beautiful and delicious.
I enjoy my tea every morning (I just finished a cup) and afternoon (with a cookie!). A full tea service is something my daughters and I really have fun doing together, it’s a treat and a nice way to relax and spend time enjoying each other’s company.
Xo Heidi
Hi Heidi
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! I’m am just now really discovering tea and it is such a nice ritual. I love that it doesn’t have to be so formal and the idea that what is most important is the time spent with those we love!
Is etiquette taught or instilled,
Hi Jack
That is an interesting question…I think probably both. We mirror what we see as we grow up, so those who have manners and display proper etiquette are teaching through example.
Either way, etiquette (manners) are important because they basically show respect for ourselves as well as those around us.
Thank you so much for reading and for this thought provoking question!