Afternoon tea was invented by one of Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, Anna Maria Russell, in 1840.
However, despite almost 200 years of tradition, many in Britain still serve (and eat) afternoon tea completely incorrectly.
Luckily, help is available. uk baker Warburtons has teamed up with an etiquette expert Juan Pablo Stuthridgewho has shared her top tips and dos and don’ts for hosting and enjoying an afternoon tea fit for royalty (and Bridgerton binge-watching sessions).
Warburtons said: “These tips will help you rise to the occasion and make your event truly toast-worthy.”
Read on for John-Paul’s tips, covering the “real” shape of sandwiches, why teacups should never be separated from their saucers, and why it’s imperative to avoid lifting your pinky while drinking tea.
STARTUP
British baker Warburtons has teamed up with etiquette expert John-Paul Stuthridge (above), who has shared his top tips and dos and don’ts for hosting and enjoying an afternoon tea fit for royalty (and Bridgerton binge-watching sessions).
What elements should always be part of a mid-afternoon tea?
Juan Pablo He said: ‘Sandwiches are the base. A mix of white bread and whole wheat bread is preferred and the crust should always be cut off.
‘Sandwiches should be light and delicate (and) eaten with fingers, never with cutlery.
“Traditional fillings consist of smoked salmon, egg mayonnaise and cucumber.”
What is the correct shape of sandwiches?
“At traditional afternoon tea, you may find them cut into ‘fingers,'” said John-Paul, “but the real way is to opt for a ‘square’ cut.
Meanwhile, not serving buns “is tantamount to treason.”
John-Paul continued: ‘While in hotels the third course is usually an elegant French-style pastry, in private homes a larger, seasonal cake is best. Think Victoria sponge cake in summer and carrot cake or fruit pies in winter.’
John-Paul said not serving buns ‘amounts to betrayal’
Any food that is absolutely prohibited?
John-Paul said: “From the comfort of your home, it would be wrong to say that any food is absolutely off-limits, however it is worth considering what event you are hosting – whether it is a high tea or high tea – and allow the menu reflect that. We don’t want guests to not meet their expectations.’
How should the tea be arranged? Is there any particular pattern?
John-Paul said: ‘The smartest way to set the table at home – never “set it” – for tea is with everything on its own plate.
‘Tiered cake stands save space in the hospitality sector and nothing more.
‘A royal tea at home, worthy of dandies and debutantes, requires individual plates for each course, allowing them to be spread out to help serve each other.
‘Tablecloths should be crisp white linen and cover just above the floor, not halfway.
‘Place the napkins (12 inches square) folded in the center in line with the guest’s chair.
“Cake forks, meanwhile, should be placed on the right, as they are designed to be used with the right hand, unlike regular forks, which are placed on the left to be used with the left hand.”
DRESS CODE
“Sandwiches should be light and delicate (and) eaten with fingers, never with cutlery,” John-Paul said.
John-Paul said: ‘Tea is a lovely occasion for those nearest and dearest to come together and enjoy a good midday chat.
‘It should be grand but cozy and homely. The dress code is smart-casual.
‘The best hotels will stipulate bondage and ban trainers. You can waive both rules at home.
‘Wearing your favorite blouse or shirt and blazer may be all you need to inject elegance into your gathering. Suits? Unnecessary. Suitors? Absolutely.’
TEA CUP LABEL
What is the correct way to hold a cup of tea?
John-Paul said: “The correct way to hold a cup of tea is to pinch the handle with your index finger and thumb pressing on the handle.”
What are the common mistakes?
The etiquette guru stated: “It is imperative, whether you drink from a teacup or even a mug, to never lift your little finger.” To maintain majesty, keep it low.
“I also find it rude to put both hands around the cup.”
Is it okay to get rid of the saucer and place the teacup on a surface without it?
John-Paul doesn’t want to hear about it.
It is imperative, whether you drink from a teacup or even a mug, to never lift your pinky.
He said, ‘No, unless you want ring marks. Under no circumstances should a teacup be without a saucer. They are a couple. Treat them as such.’
And it’s milk first?
John-Paul said: ‘You can pour the tea into the cup first and the milk afterwards (the reverse applies only to the serving room). And stir from one side to the other, not round and round.
How should you decorate a bun: first with jam or cream?
John-Paul said: ‘If you’re neither Cornish (jam first) nor Devonian (cream first) then it doesn’t matter. What matters is how you apply them: remember, use ramekins with a regular spoon in each to serve, drop a portion onto your plate (never directly on the bun) and spread the portion with your own knife as you like.’
What is the difference between high tea and afternoon tea?
John-Paul explained: ‘Afternoon tea is a lighter affair traditionally served between 4 and 5pm with three courses: savory sandwiches, scones and pastries.
‘The afternoon snack includes a tasty first course with dishes such as sliced meats and even lobster and cheese soufflés.
“The term ‘high tea’ originates from the higher tables on which it was served, as opposed to the lower coffee tables associated with afternoon tea, rather than implying a higher level of grandeur.”
To learn the basic ingredients needed for a high tea experience, visit: www.warburtons.co.uk.
