What is the best time to book afternoon tea?
The perfect time to book your afternoon tea experience is usually to cater for a light meal between lunch and dinner. Typically, anytime between 12 – 5 pm is the ideal time to book afternoon tea however, this depends entirely on your preference. While many people may believe afternoon tea and high tea are similar, they’re two very different traditions. In a nutshell, afternoon tea is an elegant affair with tea, scones, sandwiches and cakes. Alternatively, high tea is a heartier meal featuring tea, bread, vegetables, cheese and occasionally meat.Afternoon Tea vs. High Tea – What Are The Main Differences? While both afternoon tea and high tea are served in the afternoon, one key difference between them is the time of day. Afternoon tea is typically served around 4 pm, while high tea tends to be served later in the afternoon (around 5- 7 pm).A traditional high tea menu typically includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, a variety of scrumptious cakes and petit fours, quiches and mini pies. And of course it wouldn’t be a high tea without a gorgeous selection of teas to choose from!Usually consisting of a selection of teas, freshly prepared finger sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries with all the trimmings, a light Afternoon Tea should allow for 4 sandwiches, 2 scones and 2 cakes (of different varieties) per person.
Can you wear black to afternoon tea?
A completely black look, perhaps with some metallic accents, is always a sophisticated choice for an elegant tea. A black dress with a midi cut, paired with an elegant jacket or blazer, can be the perfect option. A tea-length gown is a dress that falls below the knees and above the ankle. Its length reaches just below mid-calf to showcase just enough leg for a modest look. This dress typically has a fitted bodice and cinches at the waist to accentuate curves.The tea dress is a hybrid of a robe and a ball gown. It has a loose straight or semi-fitted cut, usually with a train, long sleeves, and a high collar. Sometimes it could have a small cutout, slightly opening the neck. A tea dress was put on without the maids’ help.You can try a fitted pencil skirt, a flowing maxi skirt or a skirt with a flared hem. Tailored trousers can also work exceedingly well for a tea party, but pay close attention to fabric and fit.Look 3: Refined and bold in black A completely black look, perhaps with some metallic accents, is always a sophisticated choice for an elegant tea. A black dress with a midi cut, paired with an elegant jacket or blazer, can be the perfect option.So, what’s the dress code? High tea attire is semi-formal and stylish, leaning into ladylike silhouettes, soft fabrics, and delicate prints. Think midi-length dresses, tea-length skirts, wrap styles, and elegant blouses. It’s not the place for jeans, gym wear, or overly casual pieces.
What do ladies wear for afternoon tea?
Suggested dress for women Though some women will opt for a fancy dresses or long skirts, dress pants are fine if they’re well-tailored. For garden party teas, a floral print dress and wide brimmed hat would be a stylish option. There is no specific color rule for tea party dresses, but some popular colors are pastels (such as light pink, lavender, or yellow), light and bright shades (such as white, blue, or green), or neutral colors (such as beige, black, or navy).Tea length dresses are dresses that fall between the knee and ankle, typically hitting mid-calf. They are a popular choice for many occasions, including weddings.Wearing a dress to afternoon tea isn’t essential, but as it tends to be used to celebrate a special occasion, many people take the opportunity to dress up and wear something smarter than usual.So, what’s the dress code? High tea attire is semi-formal and stylish, leaning into ladylike silhouettes, soft fabrics, and delicate prints. Think midi-length dresses, tea-length skirts, wrap styles, and elegant blouses. It’s not the place for jeans, gym wear, or overly casual pieces.You can try a fitted pencil skirt, a flowing maxi skirt or a skirt with a flared hem. Tailored trousers can also work exceedingly well for a tea party, but pay close attention to fabric and fit.
What is the best time for afternoon tea?
Afternoon tea is typically served between 3 PM and 5 PM, with 4 PM being the most popular time to enjoy a meal of tea and sweet treats. Rather than replacing a meal, the ritual of afternoon tea was originally intended to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner at a time when dinner was served as late as 8 PM. English afternoon tea (or simply afternoon tea) is a British tradition that involves enjoying a light meal of tea, sandwiches, scones, and cakes in the mid-afternoon, typically between 3:30 and 5 pm. It originated in the 1840s as a way for the upper class to bridge the gap between lunch and a late dinner.The Classic Choice: Afternoon Delight (3pm-5pm) It’s the perfect time to unwind after a busy day and indulge in a lighter spread of finger sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, and of course, a delightful selection of teas.One of the biggest secrets around afternoon tea in London is that they usually come with seconds! You can ask for more scones, sandwiches, cakes and tea—not that you’ll need it. Afternoon tea is usually quite filling, which brings us to our next point… Do treat afternoon tea as a meal.While many people may believe afternoon tea and high tea are similar, they’re two very different traditions. In a nutshell, afternoon tea is an elegant affair with tea, scones, sandwiches and cakes. Alternatively, high tea is a heartier meal featuring tea, bread, vegetables, cheese and occasionally meat.The 3 main foods served at Afternoon Tea are finger sandwiches (no crusts and with fillings such as smoked salmon, cucumber and egg mayonnaise), cake slices or small cakes (such as Victoria sponge) and scones.
Can I wear jeans to afternoon tea?
Most venues have a relaxed ‘smart casual’ dress code these days, so there is no need for men to wear a jacket and tie (unless otherwise specified) – trousers or smart jeans, collared shirt and clean/un-scuffed shoes are acceptable. Smart casual includes items like blazers, sports jackets, dresses, sweaters, trousers, khakis, skirts, blouses, button-down shirts, polos, dress shoes, boots, heels, flats, scarves and jewelry.Most venues have a relaxed ‘smart casual’ dress code these days, so there is no need for men to wear a jacket and tie (unless otherwise specified) – trousers or smart jeans, collared shirt and clean/un-scuffed shoes are acceptable. No sportswear or trainers (sneakers).Men should try to aim for a “smart casual” look, pants or nice denim jeans can be worn with a collared or button down shirt, and a smart shoe such as a loafer can be a good choice. For women, this is a fun opportunity to get all dolled up!Jeans can definitely feature in any smart casual look, but you need to choose the cut and colour carefully. If you want to wear jeans in a smart casual setting, opt for a straighter, slimmer fit rather than anything too relaxed or baggy. Darker washes usually fit better in a more formal setting, too.Men should try to aim for a “smart casual” look, pants or nice denim jeans can be worn with a collared or button down shirt, and a smart shoe such as a loafer can be a good choice. For women, this is a fun opportunity to get all dolled up!
Can you ask for more food at afternoon tea?
You can ask for more scones, sandwiches, cakes and tea—not that you’ll need it. Afternoon tea is usually quite filling, which brings us to our next point… There are three courses to a proper afternoon tea. Firstly, you should eat the sandwiches, then the scones, and finally, the cakes.Afternoon tea specialises in small finger foods, items that are easy to pick up and take small bites, slowly grazing through your selection. High tea involves a much larger and more substantial meal to feed hungry workers.Afternoon tea’ refers to a quintessentially British tradition established by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford in the 19th century. When first introduced, the practice of sitting down for afternoon tea wasn’t seen as a treat. In fact, it had a very practical purpose – to fill the gap between lunch and dinner.In fact, it had a very practical purpose – to fill the gap between lunch and dinner. In other words, afternoon tea was born as a snack!