It is believed that tea was invented by a Chinese emperor in 2737 BC, when leaves accidently blew into his pot of boiling hot water. It took many centuries to make its way to the rest of the world.
Europe finally received `Tea’ in the 1600’s as Asian trade routes started. At first only the extremely wealthy could afford the precious leaves. Tea was kept in looked boxes made expressively for that purpose.
The afternoon Tea party was a feature of the great houses in the Victorian and Edwardian ages in the United Kingdom and the wealthier houses in the ‘Gilded Age’ in the United States, as well as in the continental Europe (France, Germany and above all in the Russian Empire).
Afternoon tea was created by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in the year 1840 as a way to quell the inevitable hunger pangs between lunch and dinner. This ritual became so popular among affluent classes that it became one of the mainstays of the British way of life.
Tea was initially served between three and four o’clock. It was normally taken in the gardens, dining room, or parlour. The household’s finest china, Sterling silver and linens were utilised in carrying out this ritual. The menu normally included tea, sandwiches, cakes, scones, cookies and assorted pastries.
Trays of different items such as a TEAPOT, a SUGAR BOWL and a CREAM JUG were placed all over the sitting room where tea was served. This allowed the guests to mingle throughout the early evening. The Victorians called this tête-à-tête.
Servants stayed outside the room until needed (as shown in many English Period dramas on the television). They were never to enter the room unless rung for, to bring in fresh hot water and dishes or to remove used dishes. The custom of banning servants from the drawing room during tea allowed the hostess to encourage free conversation amongst her guests.
As the tea tradition expanded from the Victorian elite to the working class, the High Tea developed. High Tea was a combination of afternoon tea and evening supper.