Serving tea to guests is an art that involves both tradition and consideration. Here’s a simple guide to help you serve tea with elegance and grace.

Tea Etiquette

1. Brewing and Serving Tea
   • Traditionally, tea is brewed in a separate room and brought to the guests on a tray. However, brewing tea in the same room while conversing is also acceptable, especially in modern homes. This allows you to serve the tea hot and tailor it to your guest’s preferences.
2. Choosing the Right Tea Saucer
   • The tea saucer should complement the teacup. Use heavier tin saucers for light gyokuro teacups, lacquered saucers for thin porcelain cups, and wooden saucers for pottery cups. If the saucer has a wood grain pattern, ensure the grain runs horizontally.
3. Serving the Tea
   • When the teacup has a design, position the design to face the guest.
   • If serving both tea and sweets, place the tea on the guest’s right-hand side and the sweets on the left. Avoid placing new items over previously served ones to prevent “passing over.”
   • Use the same type of teacup for both yourself and your guests to maintain a sense of uniformity and respect.
4. Drinking the Tea
   • Hold the teacup with both hands: one hand under the cup and the other lightly on the side. This provides a visually pleasing and respectful posture.
   • As a guest, it is courteous to drink the tea while it is still warm, showing appreciation for the host’s efforts.

By following these basic steps, you can ensure a delightful and respectful tea-serving experience for your guests.