Anna, 7th Duchess of Bedford, is reputed to have originated the idea of afternoon tea in the early 1800s. She conceived the idea of having tea around four or five in the afternoon to ward off the hunger pangs between lunch and dinner. Some time earlier, the Earl of Sandwich had the idea of putting a filling between two slices of bread. These habits soon became a good reason for social gatherings, and started a trend that is still very much a part of British life. Tea Gardens, and Tea DancesAs the popularity of tea spread, it also became an essential part of people's entertainment outside the home. By 1732 an evening spent dancing or watching fireworks in Vauxhall or Ranelagh Gardens would be rounded off by serving tea. Tea gardens then opened all over the country on Saturdays and Sundays, with tea being served as the high point of the afternoon. Dancing was included as part of the day's festivities, so from the tea gardens came the idea of the tea dance, which remained fashionable in Britain until World War II when they lost popularity. Tea dances are still held in Britain today.Click here to go our selection of quality teas
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The Custom of Afternoon TeaEntertaining at tea-time is a delightful habit that gives a feeling of leisure in a life of rushing about. Tea should not be a heavy meal, but you have to provide variety, so make sure that everything comes, or can be divided into, small portions. Cut tiny sandwiches, with thinly sliced bread, ringing the changes between white and whole meal breads. If you are serving a large cake, it may be either a creamy gateau or a plainer cake. Tiny cakes or pastries and sweets will add a touch of luxury.
In the winter time, a hot fireside tea is always welcome. For this, toasted sandwiches or toasted muffins and crumpets, with butter and home-made jam, are ideal. As well as the conventional tea with milk, be prepared to offer tea with lemon for those who prefer it, and in the summer consider iced tea as refreshing afternoon drink. Check out our Afternoon Tea Recipes |
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