Afternoon Tea Week: Etiquette tips you need to know
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Afternoon Tea Week is here, and what better excuse to indulge in delicate finger sandwiches, scones and fancy cakes?
Afternoon Tea Week celebrates the great British tradition of “afternoon tea” and is the perfect excuse to catch up with loved ones over a cup of tea and some delicacies.
This year’s Afternoon Tea Week, celebrated from August 12 until August 18, will be held at venues across the country running selection of exclusive discounts and exciting events to pay tribute to one of their favourite pastimes.
But before you celebrate, you first must know these essential dining etiquette, especially if it will be your first time attending the celebration.
Here are our top tips when attending afternoon tea.
Dress appropriately
Afternoon tea is a formal occasion and unless stated otherwise the standard dress code for afternoon tea is “semi-formal” or “smart casual”. This means instead of sportswear and trainers opt for trousers or smart jeans or a dress.
Don’t call it high tea
High tea may sound like a more formal name for afternoon tea, but they are two entirely separate experiences. The phrase “high tea” does not refer to high society, but rather to the high tables upon which it was served in the early 1800s.
During this era, high tea was the name for a hearty meal of tea, meats, cheeses, and bread enjoyed by the working class. By comparison, afternoon tea was served at low tables and considered to be a social affair for the upper class.
High tea is served later in the day than afternoon tea, usually after 5pm.
Do hold the top of the teapot to pour
The lid of a traditional china teapot is not particularly secure and could slide off when pouring. Using the opposite hand to the one holding the teapot handle, place your index and middle finger on the very top of the lid to hold it on.
Be careful if it is a metal teapot, they hold their heat and can be very hot to the touch.
Know what to eat first
Afternoon tea is usually served on a three-tiered cake stand, providing sandwiches, scones, and a selection of cakes with tea. The question remains - what do I eat first? A good rule of thumb is top to bottom.
The top tier of sandwiches should be approached first followed by the scones below and then lastly, the selection of cakes or pastries.
Now, do you eat everything with a knife and fork at afternoon tea? Regardless of the order in which you eat things, you will have to navigate whether to eat them with a knife and fork.
Sometimes the answer is obvious, while others it can be a bit confusing. Afternoon tea etiquette dictates that people eat the sandwiches with their fingers. Scones are a different story.
You gently break the scones in half with your hands before spreading jam and cream on them with a knife. You don’t sandwich the scones back together afterwards. You eat each half on its own with your fingers.
Pastries are a bit more complicated, as some are small enough to eat with your hands, and others require the use of a fork. You can use your judgement on this one.