Anybody for a spot of Afternoon Tea?

Traditionally, afternoon tea was an event reserved for the wealthier classes, in a time when there were only two main meals in a day, breakfast and dinner. Back in the 1800’s, plagued by mid-afternoon hunger pangs, whilst waiting patiently for a 7pm dinner, not having eaten since her early morning breakfast, Anna the 7th Duchess of Bedford used to take tea and a snack in a clandestine ceremony in her bedroom. Over time, her high class acquaintances joined her in her furtive afternoon snacking, and the ritual was perpetuated. Little did Anna know she had just invented an English tradition that would continue for centuries.

Today, afternoon tea is still going very, very strong. Restaurants, hotels and of course, tea rooms are serving afternoon tea far and wide and they are no longer ear marked for the richer classes, but available to us all. As well as the traditional sandwiches, cakes and scones, many establishments are branching out and doing themed afternoon teas such as a playful Mad Hatters Tea Party, or a “Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea”, serving up such delicacies as miniature hamburgers, pasties and BLT sandwiches. And it doesn’t even just stop at tea these days. Most hotels put on a champagne afternoon tea as well as the standard, offering the chance to indulge in a glass of bubbly with your scones! Perfect for a mid-afternoon celebration, or indeed just a mid-afternoon!

And this delightful, delicious tradition doesn’t stop there. Many people like to avoid the crowds and serve up their afternoon tea from the comfort of their own home. Not only a great way to keep costs down, but also an opportunity to create your own delectable treats and show them off to your friends. In this era of home baking and the domestic goddess, the afternoon tea ritual has indeed grown legs.

The market for afternoon tea products and accessories is huge nowadays and we have no intention of declaring we are even off the starting block. But we are pleased to announce that we are embracing this lovely English tradition and have dedicated a whole section to some beautiful pieces of servingware that are sure to put the finishing touches on any tea party. As well as our extensive range of teapots from Price and Kensington, we now also offer cake stands, cupcake trees, china mugs, tea for one sets and our personal favourite, the individual mug and muffin stand set. Not only do these charming accessories add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your own personal afternoon tea, they also make adorable gifts.

So whether yours is themed or traditional, Moet or Earl Grey, let’s all raise our teacups in a toast to one of England’s most satisfying traditions. Scone, anyone?

Shop our beautiful range of afternoon tea accessories here.