Boesch also scalds the inside of her teapots with boiling water to warm them before placing the tea inside. No dunk zone — unless your tea party is very informal, dunking treats in your tea will garner a scowl.

Mary Boesch, owner of Cambridge Tea House in Marble Cliff and herself a "Downton" fan, said customers enjoy experiencing tea in a more formal setting, similar to how they see it depicted on the series. Scones — the most practical approach, according to Debrett’s, is to split the scone horizontally before adding your favourite spreads.McGrady described three types of English teas, with afternoon tea being the most popular — and the one typically depicted on "Downton." Since ancient Rome, a cultured person ate with three fingers, a commoner with five. Thus, the birth of the raised pinkie was a perceived sign of elitism. However, The pinky “up” rule is a misinterpretation of the three fingers vs five fingers dining etiquette. You will never see the ladies at Downton Abbey raise a pinky. Build a Tea Service on a Budget A mish-mash of teacups Presenting anything rectangular (a shape reminiscent of a coffin) to the queen, he said, is considered a terrible faux pas —akin to wishing death to the monarch. Proper holding of cup — use both hands to lift both cup and saucer to drink from, and please no pinkies*. I dare you to catch anyone on Downton

Note: Extra-fine sugar is often labeled superfine sugar. If you can't find it, substitute regular granulated white sugar.

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The guided tourlast approximately1 hour, followed by the opportunity to explore the Egyptian Exhibition. You will then be invited to the Christmas Marquee for Afternoon Tea lasting 45 minutes. Following this, you may enjoy the Gift Shop and Gardens at your leisure. We kindly ask Group C to explore the Gardens and Gift Shop earlier before your tour and tea as the sun sets early in the day. Completing the tea service are small sandwiches, always with the crusts trimmed from the bread, he said. Cream Tea — A simple tea service consisting of scones, clotted cream, marmalade or lemon curd and tea.