Afternoon tea, known as “low tea,” is what most people think of when they hear “high tea”. It involves manners, lace, and dainty food. Served in the mid-afternoon, traditionally it was served on a low table. It was considered to be a ladies’ social occasion.
High tea was a working class tradition that was served on a high table at the end of the workday, shortly after a heavy dinner meal, around 5 P.M.
Legend is that afternoon tea started in the mid-1800’s by the Duchess of Bedford. Oil and gas lights were available in wealthier homes by then, and eating dinner at a later hour became fashionable. The Duchess, who found the length of time between breakfast and dinner a long wait so she invited friends for snacks and tea, which was a fashionable drink at that time. The idea spread across high society and became a ritual for ladies of leisure. As it became a more popular pastime, it spread beyond the wealthy and become accessible for everyone.
North Americans are now learning about the amazing benefits of tea and its peace and relaxation at the tea table. There is a swing back to the more refined and genteel break in the afternoon for tea.
It is a tradition, a ritual and a quiet and elegant affair that celebrates the joys of companionship, beauty and delicious dainty foods. Afternoon tea is a “calm” in a day of busyness, a space where one can “get off the clock”, with steaming cups of tea, that cheer the soul.
Afternoon tea is a genteel affair that brings back memories of a more serene and gracious time. The traditional time for tea was four or five o’clock, but today most tea rooms serve tea from three to five o’clock. The menu consists of tiny sandwiches or appetizers, scones served with jam and Devonshire or clotted cream and pastries of cakes, cookies, shortbreads and sweets.
The proper tea etiquette, in order not to spill the hot liquid onto oneself, is to hold the tea cup handle by placing one’s fingers to the front and back of the handle, with one’s pinkie held in a slightly tilted way for balance. Never leave your teaspoon in your cup; when not in use, place the tea cup back in the saucer.
Tea can be served in an elegant parlour or in small cozy rooms that are usually named for places in England. In warm weather, afternoon tea can be taken in a gazebo or similar outdoor structure, still maintaining the elegance and tradition of the affair.
Soon, children’s tea parties were modeled after their mother’s enjoyment of this splendid affair. They are also lavish and are sure to be a hit with the young ones. The only change is that there is a slight variation of food served that is better suited to younger palates, such as finger sandwiches, mini muffins, gingerbread cookies- all, very elaborate, and designed to make children feel very special. Gauge your food service on the age of the children and make it a very special occasion for them!
High Tea is a perfect pleasure for Mother and Daughter Teas, Bridal Shower and Bridal Teas. It is an escape from the “urgent” while taking time for the truly important things in life: dear friends and family. Celebrate life with afternoon tea and get off the merry-go-round of your daily activities.
