What is the difference between high tea vs afternoon tea?
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 is a tea-related ritual, introduced in Britain in the early 1840s. It evolved as a mini meal to stem the hunger and anticipation of an evening meal at 8pm. Afternoon Tea is a meal composed of sandwiches (usually cut delicately into ‘fingers’), scones with clotted cream and jam, sweet pastries and cakes.traditional afternoon tea desserts include lightly sweetened cakes, like victoria sponge and battenberg cake, buttery shortbread cookies and tender scones, perfect for holding clotted cream and jam. These sweets are known for their delicate textures and elegant presentation.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.The correct order to eat the traditional Afternoon Tea is to eat the sandwiches and savouries first, then move onto the scones, ending on the sweets. There are many traditions and superstitions about the way you should eat your scones.
What do ladies wear for afternoon tea?
Afternoon tea dress code is all about sophistication. That’s why an elegant maxi skirt is one of our most go-to staples. We love a pleated number for this kind of occasion, like this chocolate brown pleated maxi. Style with a simple fluffy cardigan, cute brogues or ballet slippers, and a matching bag. Afternoon Tea Dress Code for Women Many women choose to wear a floral or brightly coloured floaty dress or maxi dress to a tea party teamed with a matching bag and shoes. This is perfectly fine but spend a little time thinking about your footwear.The correct English term for the “high tea” often requested by Americans is actually “afternoon tea”, which is a formal experience that includes lighter, more delicate fare.The general rule is to make sure that your skirt sits at the knee or below the knee for it to be tea-party appropriate. 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.Lots of afternoon tea eateries are more casual than ever before! Wearing a pair of deck shoes or even canvas trainers are now acceptable attire. However, make sure they’re clean and tidy as you don’t want to look like a mess.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 to eat first in afternoon tea?
The correct order to eat the traditional Afternoon Tea is to eat the sandwiches and savouries first, then move onto the scones, ending on the sweets. There are many traditions and superstitions about the way you should eat your scones. 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.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.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.Don’t worry about using your fingers to eat; it’s all part of the afternoon tea experience. For the scone, first, break it in half by hand or enjoy small bite-sized chunks by breaking them off – no need to cut the scone with a knife.The correct order to eat the traditional Afternoon Tea is to eat the sandwiches and savouries first, then move onto the scones, ending on the sweets. There are many traditions and superstitions about the way you should eat your scones.
What not to wear to afternoon tea?
You can dress comfortably and look put-together at the same time. Avoid wearing poor fitting jeans, anything that looks scruffy or too casual such as sportswear. Trousers are best for men, consider a linen trouser in summer or a tailored pair of shorts if shorts aren’t prohibited. 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.Wear whatever you would wear if going for lunch in a smart restaurant. That might be a dress and ankle boots, or trousers and a shirt/knit. No denim/no trainers is about the only rule. No need for wedding type clothing – a normal day dress is good.While there are no ties required, you might want to opt for a crisp, white collared shirt which is seen as a safe bet when it comes to afternoon tea. The look is very much a staple of the unwritten dress code for these events. Men can also wear jeans or smart trousers and keep their footwear to a good standard.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).
Is there a dress code for afternoon tea?
Afternoon tea is not without its customs and formalities. While it’s no longer an experience reserved for the upper classes, most establishments insist on a smart-casual dress code to continue the aesthetics of the glamorous 1800s tea parties. In the US South Dinner is the noon meal and the evening meal is supper. Afternoon tea | 3:00 to 4:00ish pm light snack at a low/normal table (for upper class, dainty fussy little morsels). This is what many Americans call High Tea and hold the pinky finger up to signify fanciness.Here’s where you’ll find those crustless finger sandwiches and an array of dainty scones, cakes, macaroons and other tempting nibbles. Afternoon tea is generally served around 3 or 4 p. Richardson says it’s a time to mind your manners. Place your napkin on your lap and stir gently.Some people in Britain and Australasia refer to their main evening meal as tea rather than dinner or supper, the use of tea differs based on social class, tea can refer to a light meal or a snack.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.Though many American teahouses use “afternoon tea” and “high tea” interchangeably, a high tea is eaten with a fork, knife and spoon, while afternoon tea is the fancy meal of petite finger foods.