Surviving Ladies' Tea

From the book, "Afternoon Tea at Pittock Mansion" Quote by Haddyr Leigh:


"If your tongue trips over 'oolong' and there's no place for your spoon,

If you end up with your cookie on your knee

If dainty conversation leaves you speechless far too soon,

You need some help surviving Ladies' Tea."


The Tea Lady thinks this little rhyme is just precious and very appropriate for an etiquette and tea blog. Even though the speaker refers to "Ladies' Tea" it should be noted that men take tea as well. In many cultures, business is conducted over tea and in some places, such as Uzbekistan, only men partake in a tea ritual.


So how does one, male or female survive Ladies' Tea? The Tea Lady likes to remember a quote by American humorist, Will Rogers, who said, "Don't take yourself too seriously.....just live your life so you wouldn't be ashamed to sell your family parrot to the town gossip."