Latest Obsession? Afternoon Tea!

I’m constantly discovering new things that bring me joy, and one of my latest obsessions is Afternoon Tea. I love the ceremony of it, the mix of sweet and savory treats, and, of course, the delicious tea!

The Origin of Afternoon Tea

While tea has been consumed for hundreds of years in both China and England, afternoon tea became popular in the 19th century. Anna, the Seventh Duchess of Bedford, often felt hungry between lunch and dinner. At that time, dinner was served much later in the evening. To satisfy her hunger, the Duchess requested a variety of tea, along with bread, butter, and cakes, to be brought to her around 4 PM.

Over time, she began inviting friends to join her. This concept of a midday tea break grew in popularity. By 1880, afternoon tea had become a fashionable event for upper-class ladies. They dressed in their finest and enjoyed tea served between 4 and 5 PM, typically in the family or drawing room. Traditional afternoon tea includes loose leaf tea, delicate finger sandwiches, pastries, scones, clotted cream, and jam.

Understanding High Tea vs. Afternoon Tea

High tea and afternoon tea are often confused, but they have distinct origins and traditions. Afternoon tea began as an upper-class social gathering. In contrast, high tea originated as a working-class tradition. High tea includes a heartier meal alongside the ever-present tea.

Another key difference is the timing. Afternoon tea is usually served around 4–5 PM and consists of light snacks. High tea, on the other hand, is typically served between 6–7 PM. Why the name “high tea”? It comes from the height of the table. Afternoon tea was served on low tables in the parlor, while high tea was served on high dining tables.

My Personal Journey with Afternoon Tea

The concept of afternoon tea was not part of my childhood in Honduras. However, I have grown to love its mix of tradition and conviviality. Recently, I've been on a mission to find the best afternoon tea in Charlottesville. Unsurprisingly, there aren’t many places in Central Virginia that offer this delightful experience.

I wanted the whole fancy atmosphere I've seen in movies, inspired by some of my favorite Instagram accounts. I envisioned wearing my poofiest dress and gathering with friends for a delightful meal of finger sandwiches and sweet treats.

Well, you know what they say: if you want something done well, you have to do it yourself! Luckily, my business is focused on everything food-related. With my birthday approaching, I declared to anyone who would listen, “I will have… a grown-up tea party!”

Planning the Perfect Tea Party

The great thing about living in this area is the ability to thrift good-quality items. I set out with a list of everything I hoped to find at our local thrift shops: saucers, teacups, teapots, plates, and even champagne glasses for mimosas!

Over the next few weeks, I scored matching sets of cups and plates, cute and funky teapots, and decor items to bring the whole tea party together. I had my graphic designer create adorable invitations and arranged beautiful flower bouquets.

I even whipped up dainty sandwiches–cucumber, dill and cream cheese, curried chicken salad, egg salad, honey-roasted turkey, and English cheddar–each with the crusts removed and cut into various shapes. For sweets, we enjoyed miniature scones, lavender-scented cookies, brownie bites, and fairy-dusted cupcakes.

To complement everything, I bought a variety of teas and an electric kettle for quick heating. We used three-tiered stands and votives with fresh flowers to create a springtime vibe. With greenery lining the walls, a lovely balloon arch, and a “Let’s Partea” banner hung up, everything looked spectacular.

A Magical Day

My guests arrived in their Bridgerton best, and I greeted each one with dainty flowered headbands so we could live out our fairy goddess dreams. While the tea eventually turned into mimosas (thankful for those thrifted champagne flutes!), I had the most magical day ever.

The vibe was so ethereal and springtime, just as I had envisioned. My friends and I dressed up, felt gorgeous, and caught up over delicious food and drinks. It was a gathering filled with joy, laughter, and beautiful moments.

If you’re looking to host your own picture-perfect tea party, let C-ville Bites help bring your vision to life! Whether it’s an elegant afternoon tea or a boozy private brunch, I can help you create the ultimate gathering. You’ll enjoy delicious treats, gorgeous setups, and, of course, the perfect tea (or cocktails). Let’s make your tea party dreams come true!