Afternoon Tea is many things. It is a lavish affair in a fancy hotel. A chic bridal shower alternative. A photo opportunity for your socials. But at its heart, Afternoon Tea is really just a way to slow down and experience something joyful.
Keep reading to learn a little bit of the history of Afternoon Tea and why hosting an Afternoon Tea event with Pétale is unique.
In the beginning, there was no tea in England. It was not until 1662, when Catherine of Braganza married King Charles II of England, that tea first took root in English culture. When Catherine traveled from Portugal to England, she brought tea. The rest is history. Over time, tea became highly valued, readily available, and incredibly popular in England. But what about Afternoon Tea? Today, it is commonly believed that Anna María Russell Duchess of Bedford single-handedly “created” the practice of enjoying tea and cake in the late afternoon before dinner. This romantic belief is hotly debated by experts. By the time the Duchess was enjoying afternoon tea in her own home, so were other members of the aristocracy. Tea rooms were gaining popularity in the public sphere as well.
In the 1990s our modern day perception of Afternoon Tea fully came into being with three tiered trays of scones, sandwiches, and pastries. And it stuck. When most people think of Afternoon Tea today, they think of luxurious hotel lobbies, white gloved servers, and towering trays of sweet and savory delicacies.
So, what is Afternoon Tea? And how is Pétale's Afternoon Tea service different?
Afternoon Tea is an umbrella term for a variety of tea services that take place during the day.
In England, “Cream Tea” is a popular tradition that includes only scones, clotted cream, jam, and tea. At a high-end hotel, a Full Afternoon Tea means a three tiered tray with tea sandwiches, scones, and pastries served between two and four o’clock. In a friend’s home it can be as simple as a cup of tea and a slice of cake after lunch.
At its core, Afternoon Tea is a reason to slow down, take refreshment, and enjoy the company of others. And here, I must quote the revered Jane Malyon and her book Scone or Scone The Essential Guide to British Afternoon Tea. In her introduction she says Afternoon Tea “... is the most underused tool for creating harmony, cohesion, and happiness.”
I absolutely agree.
Here are three ways Pétale’s Afternoon Tea service is uniquely designed to facilitate harmony, cohesion, and happiness in your home.
1 - Tea on your schedule
Your Afternoon Tea event is held whenever it is convenient for you and your guests, not when we can “squeeze” you in for a sitting. Because Pétale events take place in your home, your schedule is the only one you need to work around. Whether you have an eleven o’clock book club or a retirement party at three-thirty, Pétale works with you to plan a harmonious event.
2- Classically inspired seasonal fare
Inspired by French tea traditions, we select tea blends that are perfect for sweeter fare. We pair our seasonal selection of premium whole leaf teas with fresh locally made cakes, scones, shortbread, bars and slices. Our menu changes every few months and reflects the bounty and aromas of the season. Because of this, each tea event is a little bit different. And there is always something new to try. Make sure you use the form below to join our newsletter The Whole Leaf for early access to our tea menu.
3 - True elegance, simplified
When you host an event with Pétale, we work with you to ensure our china and floral choices honor your home and the spirit of your tea event. Our tablescapes are built around vintage English bone china services that are storied and unique. We source high quality linen, china, and silver that is truly elegant without trendy frills and unnecessary frippery. You and your guests make the table shine. Everything else is just a well-placed and purposefully chosen accessory.
In short, Afternoon Tea is the perfect reason to create a beautiful, joyful, and harmonious experience for you and your guests no matter what time of day.
Curious about hosting your own event? See the “Contact us” page to get in touch and start planning your bespoke tea event today.
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