July 2023: Making the perfect afternoon tea
It’s Afternoon Tea Week from 7th to 13th August so we thought we would talk about this timeless tradition and how you can easily create the perfect afternoon tea experience in your own home.
Steeped in history and elegance, this quintessentially British custom has become a favourite pastime for people of all ages. For some, an afternoon tea can be more than just a meal; it's an experience that sparks conversation and evokes memories.
The history of afternoon tea can be traced back to the 19th century and is closely associated with Anna, the Duchess of Bedford. During the early 1800s, it was customary for people in England to eat two main meals each day: breakfast and dinner, which was served late in the evening. The gap between these meals was quite long, so the Duchess began requesting a pot of tea and light refreshments, such as sandwiches and cakes, to be brought to her private quarters during the mid-afternoon. This practice soon became a regular habit, and she started inviting friends to join her. The concept quickly caught on, and afternoon tea gatherings became a fashionable social event among the upper classes.
It wasn't long before other social hostesses and establishments began to adopt the idea of afternoon tea, and by the 1840s, it had become a popular tradition across England. During the Victorian era, afternoon tea evolved into a more elaborate affair, especially among the wealthier classes. Tea rooms and hotels began offering elaborate afternoon tea services to attract clientele, and the tradition continued to spread across the country.
While afternoon tea originated with the upper classes, it eventually became more accessible to the general public. The introduction of tea shops and the rise of tea consumption made afternoon tea a cherished custom for people of various social backgrounds.
The first ingredient to create the perfect afternoon tea is the setting. You want to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your friends and family, with comfortable seating and relaxing music.
Next up, it’s the tea. Aside from the delicious food, tea is, of course, the heart and soul of any afternoon tea! From loose-leaf to oolong, fruity flavour to the classic English Breakfast, the list is endless. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the vast selectin that’s on offer, so just stick to flavours you know you and your guests will enjoy.
Now it’s time to add the treats on to the iconic three-tiered stand. On the bottom tier, keep it classic with an array of scones served with clotted cream and jams. The middle tier is where you’ll put sandwiches, classic fillings include cucumber with cream cheese, smoked salmon, cheese and chutney, ham and mustard and egg mayonnaise with cress, all cut up into finger-like rectangles for the perfect bite. And last but by no means least, fill your top tier with an assortment of delectable pastries, cakes, and petits fours that tantalize the taste buds.
And there you have it, everything you need to create your perfect afternoon tea. Whether you're a seasoned tea connoisseur or new to this charming ritual, the perfect afternoon tea is a delightful experience that transcends generations.