Do you know these rules of afternoon tea?

Afternoon tea is a custom, with its own rules and traditions. This does not mean that you have to follow them every time, but for the most authentic experience, it helps to be aware of their existence.

What is afternoon tea?

Anna Maria Russell, Duchess of Bedford, was a lady-in-waiting to Queen Victoria, and she developed the idea of afternoon tea in the 1840s. As urbanisation changed the daily schedule, dinner was pushed later, after the gas lamps were lit. The duchess decided some tea and sandwiches were needed to fill the lengthening gap between meals. Over time, strict rules evolved around afternoon tea:

Use your grandest room

Whether you are out to tea in a high class establishment, or ordering afternoon tea boxes, such as those available from www.afternoonteabox.com/, to partake at home, tea should not be served in a cosy, little room. It should be somewhere large and well-lit, with space for two tables: one where guests sit and one where the tea, sandwiches and cakes are displayed.

The tea

High quality tea should be served, in loose leaf rather than teabag form. Teacups should not be cheap or plain. Use your china to reflect the importance and high class nature of the event.

The food

Food at afternoon tea should include both savouries, such as sandwiches, and sweets, such as cakes or fruit scones. In both cases, it should be small enough to pick up with your hands and eat in one or two bites, avoiding the need for cutlery.

Dress up

This is an occasion, and that means you should be wearing your finest clothing. Standards may have changed since the Duchess’ day, but you can still wear your best suit or dress, with accessories such as gloves and hats. Your manners and decorum should also reflect this, such as listening to your host or guests, and not speaking with your mouth full.

The history and culture of afternoon tea are more complex than you might imagine, and better understanding its rules may broaden your appreciation of the custom.