How do the people in Great Britain serve tea?
When British people first started drinking tea, they did not use teapots. Instead, they put tea leaves and hot water into a small bowl with a cover.
They prepare tea in a brass or silver tea pot to which sugar and mint are added. Then tea is served in small glasses with mint leaves. If guests accept an offer of tea, they are expected to drink at least three glasses.
They would bring the bowl to their lips and lift the cover very slightly with their forefingers, just enough to drink the liquid but not the leaves.
The British also like to be formal and dignified when they serve tea. They favor the black teas of India and Ceylon served in China cups with handles and matching saucers.