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Time For Tea

TIME FOR TEA THE HISTORY AND CUSTOMS OF HIGH TEA English high tea was considered the pinnacle of elegant and aristocratic dining but has now made a popular comeback into everyday modern life. We examine the origins of high tea and how you can avoid making a fool of yourself at tea time. AFTERNOON TEA Afternoon tea, which is also known as Low Tea, is a formal tea setting with pastries and scones. It is served at a low table and is generally considered to be a ladies' social occasion. SERVED BETWEEN: 2 PM & 5 PM -SCONES EGG & CRESS SMOKED SALMON- -FINGER SANDWICHES (CUCUMBER, SALMON, FISH PASTE) LEMON SLICES CREAM/MILK- TEA CUP TEAPOT SUGAR CUBES MARMALADE JAM- CLOTTED CREAM- HIGH TEA High tea, which is now generally referred to as "tea", was traditionally a working class meal served on a high table. It's also known as meat tea. SERVED BETWEEN: 5 PM & 7 PM SPONGE CAKES TARTS-- BELGIAN CHOCOLATES FRENCH FANCIES SHEPHERD'S PIE- (OR STEAK & KIDNEY PIE) FINGER SANDWICHES SUGAR (CUCUMBER, HAM & MUSTARD) COLD MEATS- TEAPOT- CREAM/MILK - BREAD AND BUTTER TEA CUP JAM - HIGH TABLE HISTORY OF TEA TIME While tea has a history that spans millennia, the drink as we know it has only been around in England since the 1600's. JOs 1657 TEA GARDEN MEDICINAL TEA During the 18th century, tea gardens became popular among the upper 1657, tea was introduced to the class. TEA IN ENGLAND English public in coffee houses as a medicinal drink. 1710 1 FIRST TEA PARTIES The first tea samples reached England between 1652 and 1654. In 1662, Queen Catherine of Braganza married Charles II. The Portuguese Catherine grew up drinking tea and brought her favourite drink with her to England. For ladies, tea was generally QUEEN ANNE consumed within a bedchamber or during a female gathering. The earliest tea service dates from the 1700s when Queen I 1880s 180s Anne first used a large silver teapot. HOTEL TEA 1800s I DUCHESS OF BEDFORD The tradition of tea time was brought to luxury hotels as a form of entertainment and socialisation around 4 p.m. Anna, Duchess of Bedford, adopted the European HIGH TEA tea service format and would invite her friends over for a small afternoon meal. The menu centred The tradition of high tea did not develop among the upper class. It was originally a middle and lower-class tradition to substitute for dinner. The around small cakes and sandwiches. This idea was copied by many other hostesses during this era and tea time was born. name "high tea" came from the high tables the tea was served on. HOW TO AVOID GETTING THROWN OUT OF HIGH TEA Like any formal event, there is proper etiquette to adhere to. Here are the do's and dont's for proper teatime behavior. NAPKIN CONTROL YOUR FINGERS Keep your napkin folded diagonally in a triangle shape across your lap. Your napkin should never touch the table While your aristocratic fingers may feel the need to extend your little finger, resist the urge and keep your little finger down. Use your thumb, index finger, and middle finger to grip the cup's handle. once you are seated. Always leave the napkin on your lap or on the chair if you must leave the table. STIR AND SWIRL DESIGNATED POURER It is considered rude to swirl one's tea in wide circular motions. You must Unless assisted by maids or servers, there should be designated "pourers" on duty to dispense tea. No one should position the teaspoon at six o'clock to begin. Any added liquid should be lightly folded towards twelve o'clock, two or three times. Do not let your pour for more than 15 to 20 minutes. Do not pour your own tea. teaspoon touch the edge of your cup. YOUR TEASPOON CUP RUNNETH OVER When you have finished your delicate swirling, don't leave your teaspoon standing upright in your teacup. Take the small spoon and place it on the right side of the tea saucer. Never pour your tea to the brim. Pour the brewed tea to fill the cup only half way. You can then add milk, sugar, or lemon to your taste. Never add lemon and milk together in the same cup; the milk will curdle. SCONE TO FORK OR NOT TO FORK Never dig into your scone-no matter how hungry you may be. Take your knife and split your scone in half. Butter is placed on one part of the Most of the foods served at afternoon tea will be finger foods. At tea, there will be more savoury items. Never use your fingers to eat these; now is the time to pick up your fork. scone, jam on the other. If you desire Devonshire cream, place a dollop on top of the jam. SANDWICH DOGGIE BAG Sandwiches should be eaten in small The scone and sandwiches were delicious and filling, but you were not bites. Use the utensils to place them on your plate, and break off one bite-size piece at a time. Never take able to finish your last cucumber and cress sandwich. Whatever food you don't finish, leave at the table. There are no doggie bags at afternoon or high tea. large bites, and never speak with your mouth full. SOURCES: WHATSCOOINGAMERICA COM I TEALADEN.COM I THETEAHOUSETIMES.COM I ETIQUETTESCHOLAR.COM I GASTAONOMMY.COM 1 BECOMINGALADY.COM LEQODTIMELINE.ORG Confused.com

Time For Tea

shared by ColumnFive on Sep 27
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English tea was considered the pinnacle of elegant and aristocratic dining but has now made a popular comeback into everyday modern life. We examine the origins of high tea and how you can avoid makin...

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