Afternoon tea invites us to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. I love catching up with friends in a tea room and have hosted tea parties at home. Sharing tea time with children is absolutely fine. Teach them the art of conversation over a good cup of tea, while nibbling on delicious snacks. I still have memories of my first tea party that my mother did for me when I was a preschooler. It was very simple with packaged cookies, and it’s a great memory I still have of my mother. Once I discovered afternoon tea as an adult, there was no going back. I am on a journey to convert my friends, and along the way, discover lovely tea places near and far.
Here’s something I learned recently. High tea is NOT afternoon tea. For years, I have used the term interchangeably, as did many others. I would say, “I’m going to go for high tea this weekend”. Shockingly, it’s incorrect. High tea is not what we think it is.
In the U.K. where afternoon tea started, it is not referred to as high tea. It is known as low tea because the upper class used to have their servants serve tea and snacks in a formal sitting room at the low table (similar to a coffee table) around 3 – 5 pm. High tea is what the working class call their supper or dinner. It was served after a long day of work around 5 – 7 pm at the high table or dining table and it was a substantial meal of meats, fish and potatoes. Now that I know the difference, I am trying to break the habit of saying high tea, but low tea just doesn’t sound like it’s elevated or fancy, so I will refer to it as afternoon tea from now on.
Afternoon tea is said to have originated in 19th-century England by Anna, Duchess of Bedford. At that time, it was normal to eat a big breakfast, a light lunch, and then wait for hours for dinner. Anna always felt so hungry in the afternoon that she asked her servants for a pot of tea and some bread. She suggested that they bring along some sweet treats too. As she sipped her tea and nibbled on the snacks each day, she decided to invite her friends to join her. Her friends began to gather around for tea, sandwiches, and cakes while enjoying each other’s company. What started as a daily snack for the Duchess became a fashionable social event among the upper classes in England.
As afternoon tea grew in popularity, it also became more elaborate. People would dress up in their best clothes, and the table would be beautifully set with their best tableware. The menu expanded to include a variety of finger sandwiches, sweet pastries, and scones with jam and clotted cream.
The popularity of afternoon tea has been on the rise for many years now. With all the British shows streaming online, such as The Crown, Bridgerton, and Downton Abbey, more people are now taking part in the trend, either at home or at tea rooms. Where we used to see Mother’s Day tea events, nowadays, you can find afternoon tea themed bridal showers, birthday parties, and even women’s business networking groups.
Tea rooms are popping up in touristy smalltown cafes and bakeries at a more affordable price than in the big fancy hotels. It’s not as elaborate or decorative as the hotels, but some can be quite charming. As for my bucket list, I’ve only been to afternoon tea in four famed hotels (Ritz Carlton HK, King Edward Hotel, Toronto, The Four Seasons, Toronto, and the Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria) and they are amazing! Do not discount them because they are pricey. You are going there for the beautiful ambiance, and it’s well worth it
The food has become somewhat of a tasting menu, blending both high and low tea elements together. It’s no longer stuffy and geared towards your grandmother’s friends. The creative venue and visual delights make it all instagram-worthy for the younger generation. Today, Afternoon Tea is enjoyed by people all over the world. While this tradition may have started in England, it has evolved with its own cultural trends which makes it more exciting to experience.
*** I will be posting some easy recipes so that you can host your own tea party at home with your children and/or your friends. Stay tuned.
