Style File: Tea Parties

WSVN -- Don't let the English have all the fun. Raise your pinky finger for high tea in Miami.

Allaine Stricklen: "You're supposed to do something like this with your little finger up or third finger up and very gracefully bring it up to your lips."

For all you prim and proper sippers, the Regent Bal Harbour is throwing a monthly tea party at their oceanside restaurant 1 Bleu.

Maria Malkun: "My favorite part is having fun, talking to my friend and really enjoying the view."

On the third Thursday of every month, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., you can dine on trays of tea sandwiches, pick from a table full of pastries and of course sample and sip different types of tea.

Ximena Hernandez: "I love the tea. I had the lychee tea. It was the first time I tried it."

Allaine Stricklen: "I've really enjoyed the tea and the way it was poured."

Each monthly party has a different theme, like September's which was fashionable French tea. The hotel is also partnering up with the Bal Harbour Shops, so you can experience some of the luxurious items its stores have to offer.

Oscar Morales: "Today, for instance, we are partnering up with Cristofle, which is the silver house. Next month, we are partnering with Harry Winston."

If you're really serious about taking tea, escape to Theine, a tea cottage tucked away on a side street in Coral Gables.

Ana Corrales: "I can spend all day here and relax. It's very quiet and you can disconnect."

You can order tea all day here and meals and desserts are made to be paired with certain tea.

Eleanor Hoh: "If you're going to have tea, you've gotta have something sweet with it. My favorite is the berry tart."

The owner, Kyra, carries hundreds of teas and will let you sample and buy what you want.

Kyra White: "I sell by the ounce. I weigh it, so you're not forced into coming back home with a 10 ounce package of tea that maybe you wouldn't like."

And for those who want to know more about tea, Kyra also offers tea-cupping classes.

Kyra White: "Tea cupping is similar to wine tasting. You're going to learn about the different types of teas, the different grades, how to prepare them, how to steep them."

So whether you want to learn or just sip in peace, Theine has your cup of tea.

Ana Corrales: "When you're drinking tea, you enjoy your day more."

Kyra's tea cupping classes cost $25 and are by reservation only. The tea parties at the Regent Bal Harbour are $55 a person.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

1 Bleu at the Regent Bal Harbour
10295 Collins Ave.
Bal Harbour, FL
(305) 455-5400.

Theine
119 Madeira Ave.
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 774-0228