National Afternoon Tea Month

National Afternoon Tea Month began in the United Kingdom. The tradition of drinking tea and having a pastry or a light sandwich began in 1840 when Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford got hungry in the afternoon. She needed something to eat before her eight o’ clock dinner and that is how the afternoon tea was introduced. The afternoon tea consisted of scones, pastries, and finger sandwiches without the crusts. Yet, it is important to keep this tradition these days for socializing with your friends and with your family.

The Tea Tea and Company founded National Afternoon Tea Month. Every April, you can have afternoon tea with your family, friends, or acquaintances. The focal point is the tea, and it can be served a few hours before dinner. Keep the finger sandwiches simple by using cream cheese, vegetables, or other ingredients. Use toothpicks to hold the sandwiches in place and serve them on small plates.

Have a variety of teas and tea pots filled with hot water. Place honey, lemon slices, orange slices, cinnamon, milk, and sugar on the dining table ready before your guests serve the hot tea. You can serve your afternoon tea at home with a few guests to enjoy their company and to enjoy the hot tea. Play classical music or soft instrumental music while you and your guests are having hot tea and finger sandwiches. Use cloth napkins and napkin rings to make the occasion extra special when you have your hot tea party.

Another way to celebrate afternoon tea month is by ordering hot tea in a restaurant and ordering sandwiches for you and your guests. Request for your sandwiches to be crustless. Relax by drinking chamomile tea, mint tea, orange tea, green tea, or black tea with your crustless sandwiches. Have conversation starters to start a conversation with your guests. Eat slowly and drink slowly while you listen to your guest speak.

You can also enjoy your afternoon tea by yourself with a finger sandwich, scone, or other pastry with your hot tea. Write in your journal, read a book, or take your time to enjoy your hot tea. Read and learn about the etiquette of drinking and serving hot tea. Use the hash tag National Afternoon Tea Month in social media to bring awareness of this significant tradition. Here are resources about afternoon tea and making your afternoon tea party. 

10 Tea Party Ideas Fit for a Queen-Taste of Home:

10 Tea Party Ideas Fit for a Queen | Taste of Home

Tea Tea and Company: 

Tea Tea and Company

What Do You Talk About at a Tea Party:

What do you talk about at a tea party? (foodly.tn)

34 Finger Sandwiches-Recipes You'll Love to Make and Eat:

34 Finger Sandwiches Recipes You'll Love To Make & Eat (thecreativeshour.com)

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