Ever have that sinking feeling around 2 p.m., where you feel like a nap but have to get things done, so you drag yourself around until suppertime? In the 1870s, a habit begun by the Duchess of Bedford became a new tradition called Afternoon Tea. It started as a way to combat that “sinking feeling” between lunch and supper, which the upper class often served late in the evening.
Afternoon Tea was distinctly different from High Tea, which was what the working class served after work and was a decidedly heavier meal. Afternoon Tea was made up of small sandwiches, pastries, scones, and tea with cream. As the tradition took hold, it became a true social event where gowns and gloves were worn.
According to Mathis House, there is a proper etiquette when attending Afternoon Tea:
- After sitting down, put your belongings on your lap or behind you against the chair back.
- Unfold napkin and make sure to place it on your lap. If you must leave the table temporarily, place the napkin on your chair.
- Never, ever use your napkin as a handkerchief. The host will signal the end of the tea by picking up their napkin. Everyone else will then pick up their napkin by the center and loosely lay to the left of their plate.
- Sugar is placed in your teacup first, then thinly sliced lemon. If you like to have milk in your tea, add it after the tea is poured. At one time it was traditional to pour the milk into the cup before the tea. This was done to prevent the glaze on delicate teacups from cracking.
- Hold the handle of the teacup using your thumb and your first one or two fingers. There is no need to stick out your pinky; this is an exaggeration of how people sometimes tilt their pinky upwards to balance the cup. Do not loop your fingers through the teacup handle or cradle the side or bottom of the cup with your hands. A guest should look into the teacup when drinking, never over it.
- When stirring your tea, be careful not to clink your spoon against the cup. Gently swish the spoon back and forth without touching the sides of the cup. When through stirring, remove the spoon and place it on the saucer behind the teacup and to the right of the handle. Of course, never take a drink of your tea without removing the spoon first, and please never, ever sip from the spoon.
- Take small, quiet sips of your tea. Do not blow on the tea if it is too hot.
- When you are not drinking tea, place the cup on the saucer.
- It is fine to eat most of the foods with your fingers, taking small bites; however, use a fork when trying to eat messy foods. Scones are a traditional part of proper tea. Split the scone with a knife. Since the knife is now used, either place it on your knife rest or lay it gently on the side of your plate. Jam or curds are usually placed on the scone and then top off with a dollop of clotted cream. Simply spoon a small amount of jam or curds onto your plate, as well as some of the clotted cream. Spread the jam, curds, and clotted cream onto your scone. Never use the serving spoon for this task.
- Be sure to take small bites, since attending a tea is a social occasion, and you will want to participate in the conversation without always having a full mouth. Chew and swallow completely before taking a drink of tea, since it is hot and is not meant to wash the food down.
Afternoon Tea is a delightful experience, and now that you have been schooled in its etiquette, why not try it for yourself? Rosefinch Mercantile in Port Medway serves Afternoon Tea on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. They have a large selection of loose-leaf teas, and the tower of treats is to die for! You can request both regular sandwiches and/or vegetarian. The Bluenose Lodge in Lunenburg also serves a traditional Afternoon Tea the third weekend of each month. They list their specialty teas online, and with an extra charge, there are alcoholic enhancements. Both venues require a reservation, which can be completed online.
Afternoon Tea can be a great way to have a mini-staycation, visiting the shops in town and taking a leisurely break in the afternoon. Both Port Medway and Lunenburg offer unique experiences within an easy drive.
