When it comes to tea many people confuse High tea and Low tea (also known as Afternoon tea). High Tea actually refers to a meal of the working class served at the end of the work day. Low Tea was referred to a a ladies' social in the afternoon, of a dainty meal ~ to get them through to dinner time.
At the end of the workday, generally served around 6 p.m. or a bit later; consisting of heavy foods such as meat and fish dishes; potatoes and other vegetables; other heavy dishes such as casseroles or baked beans and some baked goods, such as crumpets. The meal of course was serve on a high table ~ think dining room table like seating.
Low Tea or what we have embraced today as Afternoon Tea, generally served around 3 p.m. to bridge the gap between mid-morning meal, much like our breakfast and the increasing late dinner time of 8 p.m. or later, among wealthy households. This mid day meal consisted of, finger -sized sandwiches, followed by scones with butter, jam and or cream, then an assortment of cakes, strawberries and wonderful quantities of tea.
Have you had a "Traditional" High Tea? I have not, but I will say I am do love my Afternoon Tea!!!
Don't forget to stop by and visit these fabulous hostesses, this week;
Tea Time Tuesday ~ with Sandi
Tea Party Tuesday ~ with Trish
Tablescape Thursday with Susan Betweeb Naps on the Porch
At the end of the workday, generally served around 6 p.m. or a bit later; consisting of heavy foods such as meat and fish dishes; potatoes and other vegetables; other heavy dishes such as casseroles or baked beans and some baked goods, such as crumpets. The meal of course was serve on a high table ~ think dining room table like seating.
Low Tea or what we have embraced today as Afternoon Tea, generally served around 3 p.m. to bridge the gap between mid-morning meal, much like our breakfast and the increasing late dinner time of 8 p.m. or later, among wealthy households. This mid day meal consisted of, finger -sized sandwiches, followed by scones with butter, jam and or cream, then an assortment of cakes, strawberries and wonderful quantities of tea.
When you think afternoon tea, think of our sweetheart queen, Marie Antoinette
and the lavish teas she hosted!
However, it is Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford whom (according to legend) we need to be thankful to. Traditionally dinner was not served until 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. in the evening, and in summer it was served even much later. To help her with the "sinking feeling" she experienced between the morning and evening meals, she ordered a small meal of bread, butter and other niceties, such as cake, tarts and biscuits to be brought secretly to her bedroom.
Have you had a "Traditional" High Tea? I have not, but I will say I am do love my Afternoon Tea!!!
Are you a High Tea or Low/ Afternoon Tea fan?
Don't forget to stop by and visit these fabulous hostesses, this week;
Tea Time Tuesday ~ with Sandi
Tea Party Tuesday ~ with Trish
Tablescape Thursday with Susan Betweeb Naps on the Porch
