The お稽古, especially during seminars, also has its rules akin to the 点前 and the seven exercise. These are almost harder still, because they can differ from teacher to teacher.

   * Generally, you want to make the teacher wait as little as possible.
       * So when you are ready to greet the teacher and announce your 点前, even if the guests are not, it's best to do it.
       * By the same logic, I slide it with 2 slides (but I'm also big), as not to make the teacher wait longer.
   * With the sweets, there are two ways:
         * One models the 茶事: You bring in the sweets, then you set up for 濃茶 as the guests are eating them. This is the way many students of MN do it.
         * The other one invents a new mode: You set up the 点前, then you bring in the sweets. After the 総礼 with the 蓋置, the guests eat the sweets.
   * If you need to excuse yourself during a 点前 to prepare, take your fan, and announce 「ご準備をさせていただきます」