We learn and practice the following:
- How to take care of fragile things by setting the table for tea with flowers and a lace table cloth, porcelain teapots, cake plates, and cups and saucers. We begin by putting the finishing touches to a cookie, cutting fruit and arranging it decoratively on a serving plate, and at the end by clearing away after ourselves, leaving the place better than when we first started.
- How to take care of ourselves, in our attitude towards ourselves (and others) and what we're proud of, we practice good posture i.e. the way we walk and dress (by dressing for the occasion…..in this case donning hats or bow ties and sitting up straight around a tea table).
- How to care for others at the table by practicing social and table etiquette skills (like greetings with a firm handshake and good eye contact) talking without food in our mouths, saying please and thank you, passing food, not stretching or putting our elbows on the table, chewing properly and using our napkins correctly.
During the tea everyone enjoys hearing a little history of tea and the different types of teas there are, and how to use a cake fork.