123 Tea Party! The History of Afternoon Tea

Tea is typically served in the afternoon (tea parties are often known as afternoon tea) and comprises of hot tea served from a teapot into teacups, and a selection of small sandwiches and sweet cakes. Although tea itself was popularised in England by King Charles II in the 1600’s, the tea party is a fairly modern custom, and can be traced back to British high society of the 1840’s.

Anna Maria Russell, the Duchess of Bedford and a close friend of Queen Victoria’s, spoke of a ‘sinkful feeling’ between the two main meals of the day (lunch was very light in those days). She began having a pot of tea and snack at about 4pm each day. Eventually she began inviting friends over for the occasion, and slowly the tea party was born. The ritual caught on, and before long it spread to the middle classes, becoming popular as a way of hosting a low-cost social gathering. 

The form of afternoon tea that Anna Maria Russell introduced is still alive and well, kept popular by the grand British hotels that serve it. Afternoon tea of this kind is now seen as a treat, and a way of marking a special occasion. Socialising over tea at home has evolved significantly though, and there are no strict rules to follow. Afternoon tea can be as casual as a mug of tea and a biscuit. However, if you fancy throwing a more traditional tea party you might consider including the following things: