Afternoon and High Tea

Tea and Tea Etiquette

Only two meals were served per day during the nineteenth century, breakfast in the morning and dinner at 8 pm. The duchess of Bedford was the first to take afternoon tea around 4 p.m. to stave off hunger pangs.

During these first "teas," a small amount of food was served. The menu grew as tea became more popular. Although not as popular as it once was, tea is again growing in popularity as people rediscover its recouperative properties.

Afternoon Tea Service

Tea is usually served from a table to make service easier. If a single table is too small, more than one table may be used: one for tea equipment, one for coffee, and yet another for pasteries and sandwiches.

formal tea

Formal teas are elegant and require significant preparation.

Guests serve themselves from an array of pasteries, mints, finger sandwiches, assorted nuts, pasteries and chocolates.

The best silver and porcelain are used.

Formal teas are normally held at 4:00 pm.

Curtains may be drawn and candles lit.

The hostess pours tea for her guests.

Tea plates are generally not provided if a small amount of finger food is provided which can be placed on a tea saucer. Plates may be used, however, if a more extensive menu is served.

At a formal tea, the table hold two silver services at opposite sides of the table. One for tea, and one for coffee. The following items are usually found at the table: