Formal afternoon tea dos and don’ts
Afternoon tea is a staple British tradition that has been around since the 1840s when it was served as a mini meal to ward off hunger until a later evening meal.
Afternoon tea was traditionally a formal occasion with good etiquette expected. The custom evolved into a sophisticated social gathering, with tea parties providing the upper classes with a means of socialising and networking. If you would like to follow the formal tradition, these are the dos and don’ts:
Tips
- Ensure you dress appropriately. Afternoon tea is considered a formal occasion, with smart or smart-casual dress appropriate.
- Eat from the top tier down to the bottom. This is a simple and straightforward rule to follow when deciding what to eat first.
- Ensure you have discussed how the bill will be split beforehand. The simplest method is splitting the cost equally between those who attend.
- Don’t return a knife to the centre after using it. Once cutlery has been used, it should remain on your plate.
- Don’t be tempted to dunk biscuits. Whilst this may be fine at home, it could be construed as poor manners in a formal setting.
- Don’t use a mobile phone or other devices whilst enjoying afternoon tea. Guests should be free from distractions, with all devices put away until the end.
Afternoon tea at home
Of course, if tradition and etiquette aren’t your cup of tea, you have the luxury of enjoying a rule-free afternoon tea experience in the comfort of your own home, perhaps with the convenience of an afternoon tea box delivery service.
Afternoon tea boxes from specialists such as https://www.afternoonteabox.com can be delivered directly to any address nationwide. They make for a great gift for a special someone or as a treat for yourself.
From enjoying the sweet treats first to eating it whilst cosy and wearing your pyjamas, your afternoon tea means your rules. Feel free to dunk your biscuits or lick your spoon. You can even add non-traditional elements to make your experience even more celebratory.