A British idea of organizing an afternoon tea: What you need to know
Victorian décor, high profile Brit women, elegantly woven sheets on the table, and finest cutlery, are all part of the afternoon tea organized by Britishers. The history of drinking afternoon tea dates back to 1660, when King Charles II and his wife Catherine de Braganza popularized this custom. After this, Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, introduced this idea to her friends in 1840 when she would call her friends to join her for afternoon tea. It was served with bread and butter and cake. Silver teapots and bone China cups were majorly used.
British afternoon tea
Afternoon tea: A fashionable event
The modern-day concept of organizing tea parties has changed. From high-profile people to the working class, everyone now has their version of having an afternoon tea. Nowadays, most people organize afternoon tea during the baby shower, Mother’s day, official events, or weddings.
It has become a fashion now in Britain to discuss every important event over tea or gather guests to give them a warm welcome.
tea in London
How to host the best tea party?
Afternoon tea is also known as the low tea, enjoyed at a low table, often known as the tea table. It includes high profile seating setup that is not casual but on the elegant side. The British afternoon tea party consists of the following while hosting:
-
The use of cream will make the tea look elegant. If you are hosting it for the first time, make sure the caterers spread the scones to make the afternoon tea look good.
-
It is necessary to steep the tea for a proper length of time. Don’t make the tea steep to the extent where it becomes bitter. The ideal time should be somewhere between 5 to 6 minutes.
-
A good tablecloth must make for the afternoon tea table that can be in floral or patterned prints. Edible name place biscuits for the guests, cake, cookies, muffins, etc., will do with an ideal afternoon tea. Sandwiches can also be a part of your afternoon tea party.
-
Nowadays, a variety of teas make to the table. You can choose peppermint tea, herbal tea, Earl Grey tea, chamomile tea, etc. Normally brewed tea with sugar and milk placed separately on the table also works great.
-
When organizing a tea party, ensure that the caterers are open to customized options, whether you need gourmet food along with your tea or the different types of milk options like almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. Always place a clean teapot, and never let it go empty. Get the servers placed in more than one teapot.
-
You can even get crafty with your tea parties. Make it lively by decorating your room with a proper theme. Your afternoon tea must feel welcoming to the guests with favorite tracks playing in the background.
Pearl Lemon Cafe
Organize your afternoon tea in an English Style!
Modernity has crept into today’s tea parties. It is more on the fashionable side than the Victorian style. Hence, Pearl Lemon Café in the UK offers various teas, from Boba/Milk tea to Iced Teas, along with side munchies. Book them for your next tea party!
Do you like tea? Have you ever experienced a proper British afternoon tea? Share with us in the comments below.
