Manners ( 礼貌 ) at an English Tea Party For the host ( 主人 ): Most importantly, the tea should be served in a friendly way, and the action of serving tea has to be well-mannered. Prepare some milk and hot water so that the guests can have their tea the way they like. Prepare more tea and cake than guests will need, so they'll feel comfortable and eat as much as they want. If possible, prepare the food by yourself. For the guess ( 客人 ): If you're invited to a tea party and would like to bring something to the party, food that you've made or flowers will be most welcome. It may be a good idea to discuss it with the people that have been to such a party many times. At the party, you may drink as much as you want. However, you need to finish the cup of tea before passing it to the host for more. If the tea is too strong or bitter ( 苦的 ), you can use hot water to make it weaker. If some sandwiches or cookies are served, take only one at a time, and then pass them to the next person. Don't break a cookie into small pieces.