afternoon tea

Take time to relax with something beautifully simple and simply beautiful, a cup of tea.

A Little History About Afternoon Tea

It was customary for the upper class in England to have their evening meal rather late, around 8 or 9 p.m. History tells us around 1840 Anna the 7th Duchess of Bedford became peckish in the early afternoon. She began requesting a light meal of bread and a pot of tea to ward off her afternoon hunger. This ritual soon became routine and the Duchess began inviting her friends for afternoon tea. A new social event was born!

Overtime, afternoon tea evolved to include crustless finger sandwiches, scones and sweets. The trend has remained popular and is still a fashionable pastime.

What is Tea?

All tea, regardless of the variety is derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. The differences lie in the processing of the leaves. History records that for almost 5,000 years, tea has been consumed as a health tonic. After water, tea is the most consumed beverage in the world.

Tips For Hosting or Attending an Afternoon Tea Party

  • Dress appropriately, casual elegant
  • Set a pretty table. Use colorful dishes. Mix and match tea cups, saucers and patterns.
  • Afternoon tea is served traditionally between 3 and 5 p.m.
  • Offer a variety of tea flavors
  • First course Savories (Tea Sandwiches)
  • Second course Scones
  • Third course Sweets ( Petite Fours)
  • Hold a tea cup by pinching your index and thumb between the loop of the handle
  • Pinkies stay down
  • Look into the middle of the cup. Looking over the cup will likely cause a spill
  • Use a napkin properly by gently blotting your lips.
  • Sip from the same spot to avoid lipstick stains all around the rim
  • The saucer stays on the table. Hold your saucer and tea cup together if you are standing
  • Do not cut scones with a knife. Instead break the scone by hand.
  • First tea, then milk
  • Stir tea delicately. Stir tea up and down (12 o’clock to 6 o’clock)
  • After stirring your tea, place your teaspoon behind the cup, at an angle, on the saucer.

Enjoy afternoon tea with friends or even indulge alone. It’s a luxurious way to unwind.