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inky-duchess · 7 months

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Etiquette of the Edwardian Era and La Belle Époque: Tea

This is a new set of posts focusing on the period of time stretching from the late 19th century to the early 20th Century right up to the start of WWI. I'll be going through different aspects of life. This series can be linked to my Great House series as well as my Season post and Debutant post.

Today will be focusing on the rules of tea with this time period.

Tea was a staple in society, not only as a comforting beverage but as a social gathering beset by strict rules. Etiquette at tea is not only important for guests but is a sign of respect to one's host.

High Tea vs Afternoon Tea

You're reading both terms and you're thinking high tea is the formal version and afternoon is informal. In fact, no. It is the opposite. High tea was actually served far later, about 6pm/7pm and focused on more savoury, substantial dishes. High tea was more of a lower class tradition, designed to fill the stomachs of hungry workers. The word "high" is derived from the tall tables used. Afternoon tea is served at 4pm, designed to fill the gap between lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served at low tables with all the guests seated and involve a lighter meal, more nibbles than anything.

Hosting and Attending Tea

Tea is an event that happens every day, it's not an excuse for a snack, it's a ritual. One can have tea served in one's own home or at the home of a friend. One must be invited to tea, one can't just show up and expect to get fed. Tea was typically served in libraries or drawing rooms and done times outside in the gardens if weather permits. One had to dress for tea usually in comfortable but appropriate clothing. Men would wear suits, women would wear tea gowns or a simple gown - keeping their hats upon their head, if they are visiting. Tea was not poured by the footman but by the host or if it is a large party, by one assigned guest. The hostess or designated tea pourer would serve themselves last.

The Tea Set

Tea sets are highly coveted and much remarked upon at tea. One would usually inherit a service (that's what the collection was called) or be gifted it at one's wedding. Services would all match and most households had different kinds, the best usually reserved for important guests.

Teapot: the tea pot held the hot water and tea leaves was was usually made of china and decorated.

Cups: the cups were generally low, shallow.

Saucer: a small plate for the cup to rest on

Tea cannister: where dried tea leaves would rest until needed.

Sugar bowl: was a small container made of china with a cover to protect the sugar from moisture.

Milk jug: a container for the milk

Slop basin: was a porcelain dish used for disposing tea leaves left behind with the dregs of tea.

Tea spoon: small spoon used to stir tea

Side Plate: small serving plate used for food.

As you might have noticed, other than a tea spoon, cutlery is not listed. There would be a spoon for jam and a knife for a scone, most food was designed to be eaten with one's hands.

There is also one instrument not listed here and it's the most recognisable thing at afternoon tea.

The Tiered Tray

The tiered tray is a set of trays stacked upon one another holding on each one, a different course. Sandwiches and savouries were served on the bottom (Favourites include smoked salmon, cucumber, cress, egg salad sandwiches), scones on the second and sweeter delights served on the top (sponge cake, macaroons, pastries etc). One would begin ay the bottom and work one's way upward.

Making the Perfect Cup of Tea in the Edwardian Era/Belle Epoque/Gilded Age

Disclaimers: Let's make one thing clear. Tea is not prepared one way for all. Tea is culturally important across the world and every culture has their own rules about how tea is consumed and served. There's no one right way.

I will be discussing the English way of brewing tea in this post.

As mentioned before, tea is held in a cannister before use. Tea leaves were added to the hot water and lightly stirred.

Controversially for most people, milk was commonly added first.

One would then set a strainer in one's cup, tilting the pot. The strainer will catch the leaves and leave your cup almost tea-pulp free.

With the tea added, one could add in sugar. The trick is not to make a show about it or be too loud. One simply should gently turn your spoon from the 6 o'clock position to the 12 o'clock position. Also, the spoon rests on the saucer when not in use and doesn't stay in your cup.

When drinking your tea, put your pinky down. That's an American myth. Simply lift your cup to you, lifting the cup to your mouth by the handle. Saucers are not lifted unless your cup is far away. Don't slurp it, there's plenty more where that came from.

Etiquette at Tea

Afternoon tea is for light conversation, do avoid heavy topics.

Listen attentively when being spoken to.

Don't talk with your mouth full or stuff your mouth. Typically everything should be polished off with 2-3 bites.

Gloves should be removed at tea because one is eating with their fingers.

If one is leaving the table to go to the bathroom or a breath of air, simply turn to your neighbours and excuse yourself. No explanation needed.

Napkins should be removed from the table and set across one's lap when one is sitting down. When finished with tea, set it beside your plate before you rise.

Also you daub, not smear.

Don't cut your scone but break it.

Don't lick your fingers.

Don't bang the spoon on the side of the cup.

Also there's no dunking biscuits into your tea. It's just not done at afternoon tea.

Never thank the staff for fetching anything - or at very least, don't be overhead doing so.

Always say your goodbyes to the hostess and compliment the tea, even if you had a rubbish time.

Also most importantly, never criticise somebody else's manners. That's the height of rudeness.

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saydesole · 1 month

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Bridgerton Tea Party theme 🫖💐

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msterpicasso · 8 months

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@ShannonJessie

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andallshallbewell · 4 months

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#London #high tea #delicious #food

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melaninadorned · 1 year

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High Tea Vibes | Melanin Adorned

#melanin poppin #black women #black tumblr #black girl moodboard #black girls #melanin #black women femininity #black women luxury #high tea #rich girl #rich auntie

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vegan-nom-noms · 4 months

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Strawberry Grapefruit Soda Recipe

#high tea #drinks #orchidsandsweettea #strawberry #sweet #strawberries #grapefruit #soda #soft drink #foodporn #food porn #foodphotography #food photography #orange

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corvidsofthedeep · 9 months

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No Context Crow #92: A Cup Full of Crow

If this image is yours and you would like it credited or removed, let me know!

#crows #corvids #corvidae #birds #animals #tea #high tea #tea time #not a lot of tags for this one #this one's silly #daily crows #No Context Crow No. 92

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caileycake · 6 months

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tea time 🧁🤍🍰🎀🧸

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oldfarmhouse · 22 days

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https://www.pinterest.com.

#tea time #high tea #still life

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ziseviolet · 1 year

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Hiii, what hanfu is suitable for high-tea event? The theme was black, white and gold. What words i need to type in taobao. please help me☹️

Hi, thanks for the question, and sorry for taking ages to reply!

There’s no concept of a “high-tea event” in Chinese culture, but from looking at photos of such events, I think a two-piece hanfu outfit with a flouncy skirt would be most suitable. Ming-style hanfu probably work best here. You can search on Taobao using the keywords 汉服/hanfu combined with the theme colors: 黑/hei (black), 白/bai (white), 金/jin (gold).

Here are a few hanfu from Taobao that I think would suit the event in question:

1. These two Ming-style outfits comprised of high-collar puff-sleeve shan & modified mamianqun, from 拟梦/Ni Meng:

2. More examples of the classy Ming-style high-collar shan & mamianqun combo, from 承前国风/Chengqian Guofeng:

3. Generally speaking, mamianqun are great for gold (and silver) details. You can’t go wrong by pairing a top with a gold-embellished mamianqun, like this one from 若兰兮/Ruo Lan Xi:

4. For a non-Ming style, there’s this elegant Song-style outfit with black & white floral motifs from 织造司/Zhi Zao Si. You can pair it with gold accessories (hairpin, brooch, earrings, etc.):

5. For a more “hybrid” look, this super cute Ming-style hanyuansu outfit from 瞳莞/Tong Guan has elements of ruffles, lace, and ribbons. Again, you can accessorize with gold:

If anyone has more recs, please feel free to share!

Hope this helps! ^^

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fernsandtales · 6 months

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Felt treats 🍰🧁🌸 This sweet collection is for a custom order - for a high tea party hosted by two cheeky foxes 🦊

There is a bit going on - some crochet, some needle felting, some just good old thread and needle sewing. Wasn't thrilled with the result initially, but looking back, they seem yummy enough.

🌼 Daisy crochet tutorial here I just made the flowers with a 1 mm hook to make them teeny-tiny.

#felt #felt food #felt art #ferntales #cottagecore #grandma vibes #grandmacore #goblincore #cottage aesthetic #etsy #diy #australia #high tea #tea party

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the-posh-life · 1 year

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