Etiquette for Farewells at Tea

Most commonly, afternoon teas begin any time from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm, however any time between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm is appropriate. Proper etiquette dictates one remove  gloves before eating or drinking anything, and when one is finished, prior to leaving, the gloves should be put back on.

Etiquette Outlined for Guests Departing a Tea

• Most commonly, afternoon teas begin any time from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm, however any time between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm is appropriate. 
• If you are having a particularly enjoyable time, watch your hostess and the other guests for cues as to when you should plan to depart. 
• Guests at such functions may feel free to leave after having had tea, that is, after about a half an hour. 
• Proper etiquette dictates one remove gloves before eating or drinking anything, and when one is finished, prior to leaving, the gloves should be put back on. 
• If the hostess for a formal tea is pouring, she need not rise when guests come by the table to bid her farewell. She merely bows, and perhaps, offers her hand. 
• If the hostess is not tied to the tea table with duties, but has friends pouring for her, then she should be sought out by departing guests, who thank her for her hospitality.

—The New York Times, 1964

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia