There's no secrets to making good tea, but there are some proven steps to follow:

4 heaping teaspoons loose tea
4 cups water

Note: adjust this recipe appopriately for the size of teapot you are using. It is generally a one t one ratio.

First warm the teapot. You can do this by pouring in a quarter of a cup of water and microwaving it for one minute. If you're not sure if the teapot should be microwaved (it's an antique, etc), pour hot water into the teapot and let sit briefly.

Boil fresh water for the tea. When the water is boiling, pour out the heating water and put the loose tea leaves into a warmed tea kettle. Pour the heated water over the loose tea leaves and stir. Let the tea steep for 3 minutes. Black tea can steep a little bit longer, however leaving the tea leaves in for longer than the recommended times will make it bitter. Strain the tea and serve.

Have milk, honey and sugar available for your guests to personalize their tea with. Chilled milk should be placed into the teacup first, then the hot tea poured over it. Sugar can be added to taste. Consider having several kinds of sugar available for a decorative touch - white sugar, sugar cubes, sugar straws and sugar crystals!