Get the whole family involved in a Chinese tea ceremony. In Chinese and Japanese cultures, the tea ceremony is a way to focus mental energies, relax and enjoy an ancient tradition.

Conducting a tea ceremony is not difficult, however in order to assure the best tasting tea, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Curing the Teapot.

Curing the teapot and cups is the first step, and a very important one. To cure your teapot and cups, you first place loose tea in your teapot and fill it with boiling water. Then, let it sit for three hours or even up to a day. This seals the inside of the teapot, filling all of the tiny pores of the clay teapot with oils from the tea leaves. Conduct this step on your cups and washing bowls as well. Once you are finished, you will be ready to prepare for the ceremony. (You can skip this step if you are not using a clay teapot or teacups.)

Step 2: Feng Shui.

Your first step in preparing the tea ceremony is deciding on how to arrange the room and setting. Creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for you and your family to enjoy is very important. Consider using relaxing music and pillows on the floor for everyone to sit on.

Step 3: Brew.

Prepare the boiling water and pour the tea into the teapot until it is about a third full. Pour the hot water into the teapot until it is overflowing and then place the lid on and continue to pour the hot water over the teapot. This allows the entire teapot to be hot.

Step 4: Pour.

Pour the twice-brewed tea into the teacups and pouring pitcher, allowing the flavor of the tea to penetrate the teacups and pouring pitcher. The third time, pour the boiling water into the teapot and cover.

Step 5: Pour Again!

Place the tea strainer over the pouring pitcher. Wait three minutes for the tea to brew. Pour hot water into the pouring pitcher to assure it’s hot and pour that into the teacups.

Step 6: Almost Done!

When the tea is ready, empty the teacups and pouring pitcher of the hot water and then pour the tea into the pouring pitcher through the tea strainer. Then pour the tea into the cups, making sure to never fill a cup at a time, but by passing the tea over each cup so they fill equally.

Step 7: Smell ... Sip ...

Begin the ceremony by pouring the tea into a small sniffing cup. This is done in order to smell the aroma of the tea, like with a fine wine. When using the small tea cups never drink or gulp the tea, instead, sip the tea through the lips and teeth making a hissing sound.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Drinking and sniffing the tea in this manner can take over an hour, so enjoy some good conversation, a relaxing environment and time spent with the whole family.