Don't Forget Your Napkin
Each place setting should have a napkin. Sometimes it is placed on the tea plate and other times beside the plate. There are several layouts for the napkin. Buffet style teas often have the napkins stacked beside the silverware. Pick up the napkin unfold it and place it on your lap. If you must leave the table for any reason, simply lay the napkin in your chair and not on the table.
Never blot or wipe your lipstick with a linen or cloth napkin. Lipstick stains rarely come out in the wash.
Never, ever use your napkin as a handkerchief. Please excuse yourself from the table and go to the ladies room.
The hostess will signal the end of the tea by picking up her napkin.
Everyone else will then pick up their napkin by the center and loosely lay to the left of their plate.
These are the basic rules and are not all that hard to remember and follow. If you want to practice your manners before hosting or attending a tea, simply have a cup of tea and a sandwich with a close friend. If you have children once in a while have a manners lunch in which everyone practices being proper. This can be a learning experience and lots of fun at the same time. Most important is to just be as polite and considerate as possible.