Afternoon Tea Etiquette

by Whittard of Chelsea

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Published . Reviewed

Do's and Don'ts of Afternoon Tea

Creating the Perfect Balance

Nothing's more embarrassing than a faux pas over scones and sandwiches - so we asked our Product Specialist a few pressing questions on the dos and don'ts of afternoon tea.

How Should One Stir One's Tea?

Strictly it shouldn't be 'stirred' in a circular motion: instead move the spoon from 6 o'clock to 12 o'clock, as though you're folding the tea over. (This officially makes the British seem as stiff as a board). Do this 2-3 times, then place the teaspoon on the right-hand side of your cup, on the saucer.

Let's Start With The Big One

Which Goes On The Scone First: Jam or Cream?

In Devon they put cream first; in Cornwall they put jam first. There's lots of inter-county rivalry over this. Personally I like my scones Devon style, because I believe a scone is merely a vessel for clotted cream and we should pile as much on as possible.


On a Related Note, Milk First or Second?

Originally, milk was always put in first. Bone china was expensive and often had flaws in the glaze: you wouldn’t want to crack your precious cup with hot tea, so you put milk in first to protect it. Wealthy tea-drinkers had high-quality of china, of course, so they could put the milk in afterwards (or not at all). So in time this all became a mark of social status.

Frankly, I think it’s completely up to you. It also depends on how you brew it: brewing tea directly in the mug requires that you put the milk in afterwards, though if you brew it in a pot it can then be poured over the milk.


How Should the Tea Stand Be Ordered?

Top Tier - Scones (when cake stands were invented in the 1700s, a warming dome could only be rested on the top tier).
Middle Tier - Sandwiches
Bottom Tier - Sweets and pastries


And What Order Should They Be Eaten In?

Sandwiches first. Scones second. Sweet treats last.


Time for Tea?

Afternoon tea traditionally takes place between 4-6pm (although not technically 'correct', we think it's quite the substantial lunch alternative).

Afternoon Tea Delights and Tea Equipment

A top-down view of an open, rectangular metal container filled with Chelsea Breakfast Loose Leaf Tea, set against a white background.
Chelsea Breakfast Loose Leaf Tea
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Chelsea Breakfast Loose Leaf Tea

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A rectangular box of English Breakfast Loose Leaf Tea, partially opened to reveal the tea leaves inside, pictured from above on a white background.
English Breakfast Loose Leaf Tea
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Smooth, malty & light

English Breakfast Loose Leaf Tea

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A floral-patterned teacup and saucer sit on a light box labeled Tea Discoveries Teacup & Saucer English Breakfast by Whittard, with a yellow border featuring birds and leaves.
A delicate white teacup with a matching saucer, both decorated with green leaves and small black birds, accented by gold trim, set against a plain white background.

English Breakfast Tea Cup and Saucer

£18.00
An English Rose Tea Cup and Saucer, crafted from fine bone china, rests atop a striped box. Both the cup and the packaging feature delicate rose motifs embellished with elegant gold trim—ideal for enjoying your favorite tea in style.
The English Rose Tea Cup and Saucer, crafted from fine bone china and adorned with a gold rim along with a pattern of red roses and green leaves, embodies the classic charm of an English tea setting. Set against a plain white background, this teacup’s timeless beauty is beautifully showcased.

English Rose Tea Cup and Saucer

4.6
£18.00
A stack of seven round, golden Tea Discoveries Classic All Butter Shortbread Biscuit Tin cookies on a plain white background.
A yellow tin featuring bird and leaf illustrations, labeled Tea Discoveries Classic All Butter Shortbread Biscuit Tin by Whittard, sits against a plain white background—an inviting treat for any teatime biscuit lover in search of traditional British shortbread.
New In

Tea Discoveries Classic All Butter Shortbread Biscuit Tin

£10.95
A rectangular white box of Earl Grey Loose Leaf Tea, featuring loose black tea leaves with visible blue and yellow flower petals and notes of bergamot, viewed from above against a white background.
Earl Grey Loose Leaf Tea
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Citrus, floral & aromatic

Earl Grey Loose Leaf Tea

4.8
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A blue and white patterned teacup and saucer sit atop a matching box labeled Tea Discoveries Teacup & Saucer Earl Grey by Whittard of Chelsea, on a plain white background.
A porcelain teacup and saucer with a blue floral and scroll pattern on a white background, positioned on a plain white surface.

Earl Grey Tea Cup and Saucer

4.5
£18.00
A stack of six Salted Caramel Biscuits is arranged neatly on a plain white background.
A cylindrical tin of Salted Caramel Biscuits, featuring a striking blue and gold art deco pattern and a gold label describing these delicious sea salt biscuits.

Salted Caramel Biscuits

4.5
£7.95
Experience an enchanting Tea-for-One with the Alice in Wonderland Tea-for-One set—a white bone china teapot and teacup duo adorned with whimsical illustrations, presented in a matching box featuring a blue Mad Hatter’s Tea Party design.
Presenting the Alice in Wonderland Tea-for-One: a white bone china teapot and teacup set, adorned with whimsical blue rabbit illustrations. The teacup rests on a matching saucer and features delicate text along the rim, capturing the enchanting spirit of an Alice in Wonderland tea party. Displayed against a plain white background.
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Alice in Wonderland Tea-for-One

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£39.00
A Chelsea Glass Teapot with Infuser, featuring a clear borosilicate glass body and a metal infuser and lid, is displayed on a white box labeled "The Chelsea Teapot" from Whittard against a plain white background.
The Chelsea Glass Teapot with Infuser showcases a transparent borosilicate glass design, enhanced by a metal lid and an elegantly curved spout. Displayed on a plain white background, this teapot is completed with a round handle for comfortable pouring.
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A clear glass infuser mug with a metal strainer and a light green lid, placed on top of a white Whittard Pao packaging box.
A clear glass mug with a handle, containing a metal tea infuser and topped with a light green lid, set against a plain white background.

Pistachio Glass Pao Infuser Mug

£24.95
The Alice in Wonderland Tea Party Teapot, crafted from white bone china and adorned with classic, sketch-style black Tenniel illustrations of beloved characters, is presented on a coordinating box featuring the Mad Hatter and March Hare.
The Alice in Wonderland Tea Party Teapot is a white ceramic teapot featuring delightful blue Tenniel illustrations and comes complete with a matching white tea infuser and drip tray, showcased on a plain white background.
Bestseller

Alice in Wonderland Tea Party Teapot

4.8
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A metal tea infuser ball attached to a chain with a small decorative ceramic teapot charm at the end, set against a white background.
A metal tea infuser ball is attached to a small ceramic teapot charm with blue designs, all set against a plain white background.
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Teatime Infuser

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A clear glass teapot with a metal infuser and lid sits on a white Whittard box labeled The Pimlico Teapot. The box features the Whittard logo and brief product details.
Clear glass teapot with a round body, metal infuser, and metal lid with a round handle, shown on a white background.
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Pimlico Glass Teapot with Infuser

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