The Different Types of Tea Parties

Dearest friends and fae,

Earlier last week we polled our Instagram followers to find out what blog post content they would most like to see - and there was an overwhelming response for tea party etiquette. So we shall deliver!

Before we begin with this new series of etiquette posts we thought that we would first start with some important definitions. It was brought to our attention that many people seem to be unaware of what exactly makes afternoon tea well... afternoon tea, and that many people are not aware that there are indeed other types of tea parties besides this one. We simply cannot allow for our friends and fae to be kept in the dark about such matters.

If you are well versed in the various types of teas and tea parties - merveilleux, as our dear Cendrillon/Cinderella might say. This post will serve to bring the rest of our readers up to your level; however, it is our sincerest hope that you stay tuned for the rest of this series, as we believe you will even find some tea party ideas. We expect that you will learn much [and be able to tell the difference between afternoon tea vs. high tea], and we cannot wait to share all of our knowledge on this subject!

 {credit: @voguemagazine on Instagram}

Afternoon tea:

This is by far the most common tea party and one that I’m sure most of us are familiar with. Beginning in 1840 the Duchess of Bedford found that she would become quite hungry in between meals and would ask her servants to bring light fare to her bedchambers. They brought her tea, bread and butter, and cake. This soon became trendy amongst the noble ladies, and hence the afternoon tea party (also known as English afternoon tea) was born.

If you wish to create the best afternoon tea at home, you should know that it consists of tea, a selection of finger sandwiches and hors d’oeuvres, followed by scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of petite desserts. What Fairy Tale Teas' tea would be on your afternoon tea menu?

 

{credit @becknyc on Instagram}

 High Tea:

This kind of tea we like to think of as a “workers tea” so to speak, but it has also been referred to as “meat tea”  or “great tea”. "High tea parties" were popularized in the late 1800s when after a long day of toiling in mines, working in  factories, and learning at school families would come together to enjoy it. A high tea menu then consisted of a hearty dinner of meat, bread, and vegetables.

This type of tea is still incredibly common, as it is simply tea served with dinner.

 

 High tea vs. Low tea

 While high tea is tea served with a meal (typically dinner), low tea is defined as tea served with a snack in between meals.

 

{credit @fairytaleteas on Instagram}

Cream tea:

Let us start by telling you what 'cream tea' is not - it is not another phrase for a tea latte, tea with frothed or steamed milk, or tea with any form of dairy added into it for that matter.

What is cream tea?

Cream tea (or English cream tea) is simply tea and scones, with clotted cream and jam - nothing else, accept for butter upon occasion. However, as with the other tea menus, the scone, tea, and jam pairing possibilities are endless! In fact our dear Snow White left us with a recipe, when our Fairest of Them All tea was last in our shoppe!

 {credit via preppykitchen.com}

Royal Tea:

 This term typically refers to afternoon tea that is served with champagne. However, a royal tea menu might be expanded to include other wine (like rose), sparkling wine, and champagne cocktails.

 

 {credit @khloekardashian on Instagram}

Children's tea:

This is a slightly more scaled down version of afternoon tea, hence why it s also known as 'childrens afternoon tea'. Soon after afternoon tea caught on, it was important for upper class individuals to have their children trained to know how to behave in such a setting. They would have nannies and governesses sit out a simple tea party spread to mimic afternoon tea.

This tea service usually consists of a choice of tea or juice, peanut butter & jelly and ham & cheese finger sandwiches, and desserts like cupcakes, cookies, etc. - more kid friendly tea recipes. 

We have heard that Fairy Tale Teas is amongst the best tea for kids, and think of how adorable a shimmering fairytale inspired tea would look served in a childrens porcelain tea set.

 

So, tell us dear friends and fae, did you learn something new? Is there any information that you feel was left out? Let us know in the comments!