Warm greetings, Lykkers! Engaging in the tradition of tea drinking is not merely about the beverage itself, but also the grace and poise with which it is enjoyed.

Whether you're attending an afternoon tea at a luxury venue or partaking in a cultural ceremony, knowing how to properly hold and handle a teacup reflects sophistication and respect for etiquette.

Though it may appear simple, holding a teacup involves subtle yet important rules that add charm to the entire experience!

Holding the Teacup the Proper Way

1. Position Your Thumb and Forefinger with Intention

Begin by placing your thumb and forefinger gently at the top of the teacup's handle, creating a poised grip. Avoid sliding your index finger through the loop, which may seem instinctive but is considered improper in formal tea etiquette. A light, intentional hold gives off a more refined appearance and prevents the handle from looking strained.

2. Support the Teacup with Your Middle Finger

Balance is key. The middle finger should rest underneath the handle to provide subtle support and help distribute the cup's weight evenly. This positioning helps you lift the cup steadily, especially when it is filled. The base of the cup should still rest on the saucer while adjusting your grip, ensuring stability before lifting it for a sip.

3. Avoid the Pinky-Out Myth

While often depicted in popular culture, extending the pinky finger while sipping tea is a misconception and does not reflect proper etiquette. Instead, the ring and pinky fingers should remain softly curled inward toward the palm, maintaining a composed and understated posture.

4. Lift the Saucer When Standing

If the occasion calls for standing, such as during a social reception, be sure to hold the saucer in your non-dominant hand. Raise the teacup with care using your dominant hand, bringing it up to your lips without leaning your torso downward. When seated, leave the saucer resting on the table and lift only the cup to drink, returning it gently to its base after each sip.

Practicing Graceful Tea Etiquette

1. Customize Your Tea with Subtlety

Once the tea is served, you may enhance the flavor by adding milk, sugar, or lemon. Begin with sugar, followed by milk if desired. If choosing lemon, always add it after sugar and never in combination with milk, as the citrus acidity can cause curdling. Enhancing tea is a personal preference, but doing so with a light hand keeps the experience elegant.

2. Stir with Quiet Precision

When mixing your additions, gently move the teaspoon in a soft back-and-forth motion rather than a circular swirl. Stirring too vigorously may cause the tea to spill or clink against the cup, which detracts from the refined nature of the setting. Let the sound of the room—not the spoon—set the tone.

3. Place the Teaspoon Thoughtfully

After stirring, lift the teaspoon carefully and allow any liquid to fall back into the cup. Then place the spoon quietly behind the teacup on the saucer, positioning it horizontally. It is important not to lick the spoon or let it linger in the cup—both actions are viewed as improper in refined tea settings.

4. Sip Slowly and Elegantly

Lift the cup slowly to your mouth and take a small, measured sip. The tea should be warm but not scalding. Avoid blowing on it to cool it down, which is frowned upon in formal contexts. If the tea is too hot, allow it to cool naturally by resting it briefly on the saucer before sipping again.

5. Maintain Eye Contact with the Cup, Not the Room

While sipping, your gaze should be softly focused into the cup. Avoid glancing around or over the rim, as this may come across as inattentive. Once you have taken a sip, lower the cup gently back onto the saucer, maintaining quiet and control throughout the motion.

Whether enjoying high tea in a historic setting or partaking in a modern tea lounge, mastering the proper way to hold and sip from a teacup brings an extra layer of charm to the moment. These small yet meaningful gestures show awareness, elegance, and respect for tradition. So next time the tea is served, embrace the ritual with grace and confidence—because good manners never go out of style!

How to hold a teacup and stir properly

Video by William Hanson