Cup and Saucer Etiquette...Doing it "Proper"

From the left: George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, and John Lennon are all holding their cups correctly. However, Paul McCartney gets the prize for having the whole package since he is holding his saucer and his tea cup. This position is correct because he is sitting away from the table. When taking tea in this fashion, the saucer is always taken up with the cup.

Ringo Starr's fingers are the easiest to see the proper way to hold a tea cup. The index finger goes through the handle of the cup, the thumb rests on the top of the handle, and the third finger goes on the base of the handle. The remaining fingers curl under the the third finger to help steady the cup. Notice none of the Fab Four has a pinkie in the air. This is a leftover affectation from the Middle Ages when the upper class ate with 3 fingers and commoners ate with five. Tea etiquette does not dictate that the pinkie be raised.

If one was lucky enough to see the Beatles live or for those of us who have to rely on film clips, it is obvious that Paul McCartney is left handed. However, when setting a proper table for tea every cup and saucer is placed on the right. Whenever possible, liquids are poured from the right side of the guest. If the cup and saucer has been moved to the left, the pourer must awkwardly reach across the guest to pour. Another bit of cup and saucer etiquette that is frequently overlooked is the guest or the pourer picking the cup and saucer to pour. Cups and saucers remain on the table when being filled.

Even though 3 of the Lads from Liverpool are not quite doing it proper the table is still set with fresh flowers and an elegant tea pot. Quite a refreshing change from the "tall, venti, grande" paper cup world we inhabit today.