The tradition of afternoon tea originated in England in the19th century and is said to have been created by the Duchess of Bedford in 1840. This good friend of Queen Victoria often feels hungry between lunch and dinner, and asks the servant to prepare refreshments and take them to the boudoir to enjoy. Later, this habit was also preserved by the duchess and brought back to London, thus forming afternoon tea.
Characteristics of afternoon tea in Britain:
It is said that authentic English afternoon tea has three characteristics: the environment is elegant and comfortable, such as the living room or garden at home, and the host will use the best room at home to entertain guests. When the guests sit around the big round table, the host will order the maid to hold a treasure chest containing tea and open it in front of everyone to show that tea is precious.
Prepare rich hot and cold snacks (the hostess should prepare them herself) and high-grade tea sets-fine porcelain cups and saucers or silver tea sets, teapots, filters, tea trays, teaspoons, tea knives, three-tier snack racks, biscuit holders, sugar cans, milk cups, fruit bowls and lemon cutters, all of which are crystal clear. In Britain, where sunshine is insufficient, silver tea sets often reveal people's desire for sunshine. Of course, it is best to have melodious and relaxed classical music to accompany the refreshments, and the host and guests should dress appropriately.
Victorian women must wear lace skirts, gird their waists, drink tea, taste snacks, talk in a low voice and behave gracefully when going to afternoon tea parties.
Men should wear elegant and fashionable clothes and behave politely. Afternoon tea is an informal social occasion after dinner and party. As for ordinary family members, they also spend afternoon tea visiting relatives and friends, often in the best living room at home. The hostess of Xiaojiabiyu makes tea attentively and bakes snacks with absolutely affordable materials for guests to enjoy.