Tea party, high tea, afternoon tea, whatever you call it, the idea of sharing tea and refreshments with a group of friends has a reputation. If you enjoy visiting with other ladies and sipping brewed tea as you munch on tea cakes, pretty cookies and finger sandwiches—well, tea is something you delight in. If, however, your loyalty lies with coffee and a donut, you probably wouldn’t look forward to an Afternoon Tea. And if you are a man (other than those raised with the tradition of taking tea as a repast) you would rather be tortured than have Tea.
Americans seem to have fallen in love with Tea as an event—especially women. Posh hotels and upscale restaurants offer elaborate “High Tea” at often unwarranted prices.
By the way, I have it on good authority that High Tea is a misnomer—it should be called Afternoon Tea. Somehow, though “High Tea” has a cachet that makes it sound even better than it tastes. In reality , though, High Tea is a working family’s late afternoon meal which would include substantial food—much like the American dinner time.
Afternoon Tea came into vogue as the British upper class moved their dinner time back to the evening hours. After all, people needed some sustenance between dinner and a late ( sometimes 6 or 9 p.m.) dinner.
I think part of the appeal of Afternoon Tea is because it brings us back to a more elegant time, eschewing the paper cup mentality that fast food has imprinted upon our society.
Recently, I hosted an Afternoon Tea. It is part of a program our Red Hat group has called Traveling Tea Pot. It was so much fun! I invited three other ladies ( one ultimately was unable to make it). I really enjoyed planning the menu which consisted of pinwheel sandwiches and miniature stuffed tomatoes with croissants and jam ( savory) and fresh strawberries and tea cookies ( sweet). Tea was brewed in a tea pot, although one of my guests preferred coffee.
Conversation flowed like honey into a cup of tea. All three of us felt like we got to know one another better than before (one of the aims of this program).But more than that, it was a lovely way to spend an afternoon, enjoying simple refreshment and conversation. I loved being able to use the “good “ china and the pretty plates.
And at the end of the day, we were all happy that we had this opportunity to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasure of a cup of tea.
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Oh how I love tea! In England everyone drinks tea all day long – there are cafe’s and tea shops everywhere. Here I only have two cups a day, one first thing in the morning and the second, you guessed it, in the afternoon! Not only is drinking tea a wonderful a social event, the health benefits of tea are high. Tea contains anti-oxidents, is good for bones, bolsters your immune system, speeds up your metabolism and may help with heart disease.
Tea is elixir for the soul, mind and body. My Mom loved tea and we had British friends who taught us how to make a proper pot of tea. I had a high school friend whose Mom was from Ireland–I loved our teas!
I love tea – And Teas. Afternoon tea just seems so “civilized”!
A perfect word–it does seem civilized!
I’m so glad you got the Traveling Tea Pot going again!! I went to one last year at Becky’s home. I did get to know her and the other girls better.
It was a nice change from the group activities. It was a time to stop the wheel from spinning, and relax and chat. This is something we all could benefit from!
And since I don’t drink tea frequently, it is a special pleasure. I can just about taste it reading your blog.
Thanks–it was a lovely day–nothing like Tea ! We’ll do one soon.
Hi Kathy,
Tea Time is one of my favorite past times. My Mother started my lovely china teacup collection from a once a month plan. Our daughter Anne Marie, gave me exotic teapots and unique cups. Nan Johnston and several friends added to my collection of now over twenty-four cups.
In our last residence we had an eat-in-kitchen and turned the Great Room into a music room and a den. “Who needs a dining room, we thought?” A priority for this home became a dining room.
And now I have all kinds of unusual tea parties. I have the “Take Down Tea” when friends help me take down my hand made family photo ornaments from the Christmas Tree. I have cheer up teas and meet the neighbors teas. Recently I hosted an “Un-Birthday” Tea Party. It was such a fun time of fellowship. Each gal sat down in front of her chosen cup. We shared plate luck, including scones, clotted creme apple pie and Tibetan-Raspberry Tea. Another time I will tell you why we had an “Un-Birthday Party.
Bobbi
I was lucky enough to be a guest at one of your Tea parties–it was elegant and fun. It certainly is a lovely way to entertain.