Indulge yourself in the luxury of true English tea
Afternoon Tea is one of the most interesting traditions, which fully reflects the solemnity and splendour of the English tea culture. Exquisite porcelain sets, spectacular snacks on elegant multi-tiered trays, casual conversations in a pleasant company and, of course, a wide selection of teas.
Etiquette does not impose a single tea flavour, hence 2-4 types of tea are served. Brewing teapots are used for pot bags and leaf tea. They are served on the table alongside a separate kettle filled with hot water so that guests could dilute the tea to get the desired strength.
Snacks are placed on a traditional three-tiered tray. Its lower shelf holds sandwiches, the middle one – skones (traditional British buns made of dough without yeast), and the top one – cookies and pastry.
A plain coloured tablecloth is selected for the table, and adorned by a vase of fresh flowers. When setting the table, it is customary to use tableware in a single style, usually from one set. Each person must have everything necessary for tea drinking – a cloth napkin, a tea pair (cup and saucer) and a spoon, as well as a dessert plate and dessert utensils – a knife and fork.
If tea is served at a high table, a saucer with a cup of tea is placed on the table, if low – the china is held at the chest level. It is considered bad manners to insert a finger into the eye of the cup or lift the pinkie into the air.
Stir the tea with slow movements, trying not to clink your spoon against the cup and gently shake the drops off it into the cup in a few brief movements. Tea is consumed quietly, in small sips.
