Here is the classic way to do it:

Use a proper brown china teapot and leaf tea, not tea bags. Warm the pot before use, by pouring in a little hot water,swirling it around and then pouring away the odern method is to put it in a microwave). Then put in the tea - one spoonful per person, plus one 'for the pot'. The water must be really boiling when you pour it on the leaves.

Let the tea stand and 'brew' for a few minutes - I was always told to leave it for 4-5 minutes, but if you don't like it too strong you can leave it less. Then pour into cups using a strainer to catch any stray leaves (unless you want to tell fortunes with the tea leaves, of course!) Milk, if used, must be added after the tea, never before. Add sugar at the same time, if liked.