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Afternoon Tea History • Afternoon Tea is a unique way to entertain. Unlike breakfast or lunch, it’s civilized and breaks up the day in the nicest way. Afternoon Tea vs. High Tea • High Tea is often confused with Afternoon Tea. High Tea is NOT finger sandwiches, scones and sweets but the main meal of the day. This term originated during the Industrial Revolution for workers who returned home after a long, hard day at work awaiting a hot, hearty meal! • Try and avoid using this term or you will find yourself in the Tea Drinkers’ “Hall of Shame! Tea Time • The traditional time for Afternoon Tea is four o’clock but anytime between two and five o’clock is appropriate whether it be tea at a hotel or in your own dining room. Invitations • Invitations may be extended and accepted by telephone, in person or by mail at least a week in advance, or longer, depending on geographic location. • I have hosted teas both formal and informally. That is to say I called up friends and invited them over, but I have also sent out formal invites, handwritten in calligraphy. There are some terrific calligraphy computer programs that it’s almost hard to tell the difference! • Invitations, no matter the theme, must always ask the following questions for clarity: Who, what, where, when and why? Setting the Table • Setting the table may be second nature to our English friends, but here in America where we often rely on tea bags, it may seem a bit more complicated. In reality, it’s simple and fun! • Learning about the tea ceremony can be fun for you and your child. Start with having your child pick out their favorite tea cups. I have a collection that I put out when my niece Maggie comes to visit. For her, it’s always about color! • Choose a fresh table cloth and fine linen napkins coupled with flowers, much like you would your own dinner table. • The goal is to make the table festive and presentable for the feast you’re about to receive. • I find it helpful to create a checklist broken down in three sections: 1. In the Kitchen: Teakettle; fresh water and loose tea. 2. On the Tea Tray: Teapot, sugar bowl with sugar cubes and sugar tongs; cream pitcher; tea strainer; waste bowl; small dish for the lemon wedges and lemon fork. 3. On the Tea Table: Teacups and saucers; forks and spoons; small plates; linen napkins and several food items such as tea sandwiches, sweets , scones with cream and jam. For a small group, setting individual plates is nice, but if the group’s large, then buffet style makes for a nice presentation. The tea tray and china set would be placed at one end of the table. One the right set out the correct number of teacups, saucers and teaspoons. On the left you would place the stacked plates; flatware and napkins. The platters of refreshments would go in the middle and could include tea sandwiches; sweets; scones, cream and jam. Preparing the Tea • Your child will need help with preparing the tea as it will be hot hot hot! But think how fun it will be to work together in the kitchen and learn this part of the tradition. To begin: • Select a loose tea such as English Breakfast or Earl Grey • Boil cold, fresh water in the kettle • Pour a spot of the hot water into your tea pot and whirl it around to warm it up, then pour it out. • Add one teaspoon of tea leaves for every cup of water. This is the general rule of thumb. • As soon as the water boils, pour it over the leaves in the pot. Leaving water to boil too long causes it to loose its oxygen and therefore its freshness. • Allow tea to steep for three to six minutes. I like my tea strong but many prefer weak tea. It’s easy to dilute with hot water from the kettle. Just make sure to have a pitcher of hot water on the table. • Give it a good stir before pouring. For children, tea should be weaker and served warm vs. hot. Also, there is a nice selection of decaf tea leaves on the market if you wish to have them avoid caffeine. My niece prefers the decaf fruity tasting teas.
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Lisa M. Grotts |
