How to Set up an English Style Tea Service

Teatime has been synonymous with England and English customs for hundreds of years. The idea of afternoon tea was one invented by the aristocracy centuries ago when they needed a "pick me up" in the middle of the day to continue on with the arduous task of ruling and entertaining. The "pick me up" has since become a formal ritual that is taken very seriously by many. It can be quite fun to participate in and put together.

Instructions

1. Know the difference between High Tea and Afternoon Tea. Contrary to how they sound, High Tea is much less formal than Afternoon Tea. High Tea is seen almost as a fourth meal, taken after the work day is through, a couple of hours before supper. This consists usually of tea and some sandwiches, and is not a ritual of formality or pomp. Afternoon Tea is the light snack accompanied by pots of fresh brewed tea that happens earlier in the afternoon and is more about the feel and the elegance than High Tea. High Tea is thought of as more working class, whereas Afternoon Tea is thought of as something a bit more refined and higher class.

2. Construct a platter of edible goodies. The traditional English tea presentation of edibles is done on a tiered tray. The tiers are usually three high, and come in courses. The first course is usually finger sandwiches. These can be as simple as buttered white bread with cucumber, or as elaborate as thin sliced lamb with chutney on tiny pieces of soda bread. The second course is usually breads. Scones are the popular bread for most English Afternoon Tea parties. The scones can be plain, or flavored. The flavors range from the very sweet to the savory. The final course is usually the dessert course. This will consist of delicate pastries like eclairs, small thumbprint cookies and shortbreads.

3. Prepare your condiments. Half of the Afternoon Tea experience is the proper use of condiments, both for the tea itself and for the scones and other foods. If you are throwing the Afternoon Tea yourself, be sure to have plenty of milk, cream, lemon and sugar lumps available for the tea. When the tea is presented, it is proper tea service to put the milk and sugar in the cup before adding the tea. Lemon is not as widely used in England as it is in America, but you are welcome to add it if you like. If you are providing condiments for the scones, be sure to provide a dish of clotted Devonshire cream alongside any preserves you serve. This is a delicious, sweet dairy product made from cooked cream that is traditionally spread on sweet or plain scones, along with preserves.

4. Show off your best stuff. When throwing a proper Afternoon Tea, use this opportunity to use some of the nice china and matching tea cups and pots that rarely see the light of day. This is expressly what they are made for and it is appropriate to show them off in this way. Give your guests a number or teas to choose from (always use loose leaf) and bring them to the table in their own, individual teapots. Never bring the teakettle to the Afternoon Tea table. Pour the boiling water into the pots in the kitchen or adjoining room. Afternoon Tea is all about relaxation and a beautiful presentation leads to a relaxed and satisfied guest.