Offer a variety of teas, such as Earl Grey, chai, peppermint, camomile, fruit, herbal and, of course, English breakfast. Iced tea makes for a more refreshing tipple in warmer weather, and adding a touch of Pimm's will really break the ice.
“You start off typically either with a glass of champagne, sparkling rosé, or to make it a little more fun, we have tea cocktails, which is a trendy thing,” she said. (Check out a recipe for a white strawberry martini, made with white strawberry tea and vodka, below.)
A tea party is almost always a daytime event. Traditionally, tea time occurs in the late afternoon—between 3:00 and 5:00 pm. If you're planning more of a luncheon-type party, consider starting a bit earlier, between noon and 2:00 pm.
'Royal Afternoon Tea' is when a glass of champagne is added to the meal known as afternoon tea. When a glass of prosecco, cava or sparkling wine is added then it is known as 'Sparkling Afternoon Tea. '
If you want to get together with friends for a touch of luxury in the afternoon, a full English style afternoon tea is hard to beat. There are plenty of great afternoon tea ideas to make the occasion even more special…. And a glass or two of wine simply adds to the occasion.
Afternoon Tea, a British food tradition, is typically a three-course event – a sandwich course, scones course, and patisserie course – and can be quite an elaborate affair whether prepared by a hostess at home or enjoyed at a chic hotel or tea salon.
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.
When setting your tables for a tea party, keep it simple! Teapots, teacups and salad plates are the essentials for your guests. Then add personal touches such as 3-tier porcelain cake stand, vintage napkin and a dessert bowl filled with chocolates and colorful macarons to set the mood.
Honeybush or Rooibos Herbal Teas pair well with Zinfandel and Merlot wines. If you like bold, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot , like Château La Rose D'Esteuil, Haut-Médoc, try serving them with rich Yunnan, Pu'erh or Rooibos Teas.
High tea was also called "meat tea," because meat was usually served. One may offer "high tea" in the form of a buffet supper, and alcohol may also be served.
Whether it's Champagne, Prosecco, or a sparkling wine made from Liguria's Lumassina or Etna's Nerello Mascalese. They are lively, fresh & invigorating, my friends and I jokingly call it 'coffee' it just has an ability to pick you up and make you happy.
Royal Tea. This regal meal offers a choice of tea and a four-course menu of finger sandwiches, scones, sweets, cake, and a glass of champagne or sherry. The addition of a glass of champagne or sherry gives this tea the distinction of being called “royal tea”.
While both afternoon tea and high tea are served in the afternoon, one key difference between them is the time of day. Afternoon tea is typically served around 4 pm, while high tea tends to be served later in the afternoon (around 5- 7 pm).
Full English Afternoon Tea with a glass of English Sparkling Wine including a range of sandwiches, cakes, homemade New Forest scones and speciality teas and coffees.
People usually have afternoon tea between 3 and 5pm, and 4pm is often cited as the best time for afternoon tea. Many hotels and restaurants offer it from noon until early evening, though, so you don't have to stick to the rules if you want to have it earlier or later.
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.
For a light afternoon tea, I typically allow: roughly four little sandwiches per person (2 or 3 kinds); 1 average or 2 small scones: always one with cream and jams/honey; sometimes also one savoury variation. 1 or 2 pieces of cake/pastry (if 2, one rich, one simple)