Breakfast Tea

Traditional "teatime" for Breakfast Tea is anytime prior to lunch. The institution of tea for breakfast was probably influenced by Queen Anne (1665 - 1714).

Suggested Teas:
Strong blends of tea from India; English Breakfast tea, Irish Breakfast tea or Ceylon Breakfast tea. These teas have a little extra caffeine for that early morning "pick-me-up".

Suggested Tea Accompaniments:
Cheese & chive bread with butter or apple biscuit round or waffles.

Note: See the Recipes section for the recipes to the "Suggested Tea Accompaniments"

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Brunch Tea

Brunch Tea seems to be an American tradition and is typically held anytime between 11:00 AM and 1:00PM. Brunch Teas are served as a light lunch.

Suggested Teas:
English Breakfast

Suggested Tea Accompaniments:
Finger sandwiches (i.e., cucumber & dill, avocado & bacon), tuna toasties, cherry nut bread, scones, devonshire cream and preserves.

Note: See the Recipes section for the recipes to the "Suggested Tea Accompaniments"

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Afternoon Tea / Low Tea

Traditional "teatime" for Afternoon Tea / Low Tea is 4:00 PM, however, any time between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM is appropriate. Afternoon Tea is always an elegant snack rather than a meal.

Afternoon Tea / Low Tea is said to have begun with Duchess Anna of Bedford, one of Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting, around 1840. She would feel faint in the afternoons, which was probably due to hypoglycemia, so she started sipping tea to get through to the late 7:00 PM English dinner. Along with her afternoon tea she started to serve snacks to her aristocratic friends. Later, Queen Victoria (1891 - 1901) further popularized "teatime" by sitting down to tea every afternoon.

Suggested Teas:
Ceylon tea, Earl Grey, Darjeeling, Tea with a Twist, Chinese Gunpowder or Dragonwell.

Suggested Tea Accompaniments:
Finger sandwiches (i.e., deviled ham toasts, tomato & watercress with chive butter), Irish soda bread & butter, citrus pound cake and raspberry custard tarts.

Note: See the Recipes section for the recipes to the "Suggested Tea Accompaniments"

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High Tea

Traditional "teatime" for High Tea is 6:00 PM. High Tea was created by the poor working class of England, because they could only afford one solid meal a day. The one meal of day was usually lunch and more often than not workers got home in the evening tired and hungry. High Tea was a pot of tea in the evening to tide one over until the next day's meal. Sometimes the tea was accompanied by leftovers like bread, cheese, cold meats, sausages or anything that could be pocketed and brought home to add a little substance to the tea. As the wealth of England increased, so did the number of people in the middle class. As a result, High Tea developed into a more substantial light meal. Nowadays, High Tea is no longer needed on a daily basis, as dinner has replaced it. However, tea is still enjoyed after the evening meal in England.

Suggested Teas:
Ceylon tea or Assam blended teas.

Suggested Tea Accompaniments:
Scones, devonshire cream, strawberry preserves, biscuits, cheeses and meats.

Note: See the Recipes section for the recipes to the "Suggested Tea Accompaniments"

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Tea Break

The concept of Tea Breaks in England got started over 250 years ago. This was a period of 15 - 30 minutes in mid-morning and mid-afternoon. It was controversial, but employers realized they could increase employee productivity and stamina by supplying them with tea to get through the day.

Suggested Teas:
Earl Grey, Lapsang Souchong, Orange Pekoe grade teas.

Suggested Tea Accompaniments:
Almond macaroon cookies and zucchini - pistachio bread.

Note: See the Recipes section for the recipes to the "Suggested Tea Accompaniments"

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Tea For One

While Tea For One can be enjoyed any time of the day, we suggest you partake of it at 5:00 PM. By eating light and early you will have more time in the evening and you will sleep better.

Suggested Teas:
Ceylon tea or Assam blended teas.

Suggested Tea Accompaniments:
Finger sandwiches (turkey triangles), almond macaroon cookies and either apple slices, orange slices or a bunch of grapes.

Note: See the Recipes section for the recipes to the "Suggested Tea Accompaniments"

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Cream Tea For Two

Cream Tea For Two can be enjoyed any time of the day. We suggest you invite your significant other or a cherished friend to share your Cream Tea for Two.

Suggested Teas:
A flavored black tea, (i.e., Summer Breeze tea, a black tea with strawberry, raspberry and rhubarb pieces)

Suggested Tea Accompaniments:
Scones with strawberry preserves and clotted cream.

Note: See the Recipes section for the recipes to the "Suggested Tea Accompaniments"

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Tea Party To Go

A Tea Party To Go can be enjoyed any time of the day. Think of this as a portable treat to share with your significant other, either at the local park or that special place that only you two share. When packing your Tea Party To Go in a basket be sure to include your teacups and sauces. You can prepare the tea ahead of time and place it in a thermos to keep it hot or cold.

Suggested Teas:
A blended tea or flavored black tea (i.e., Monk's Blend, a black tea with a vanilla and grenadine taste or Black Currant tea, a black tea with black currant pieces and leaves).

Suggested Tea Accompaniments:
Finger sandwiches (i.e., spicy chicken, stilton & pear pockets), double chocolate cookies and cranberry brazil loaf.

Note: See the Recipes section for the recipes to the "Suggested Tea Accompaniments"

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Garden Tea Party

A Garden Tea Party can be enjoyed any time of the day. Invite your significant other or a few cherished friends to your Garden Tea Party. Set up a pretty table in your back yard or local park and get acquainted with the tradition of tea in your garden. You may need to prepare your tea ahead of time and place it in a thermos, also don't forget to include your teacups and saucers.

Suggested Teas:
A flavored black tea (i.e., Black Currant tea, a black tea with black currant pieces and leaves)

Suggested Tea Accompaniments:
Finger sandwiches (i.e., smoked turkey tomato, curried egg), black currant whirls, scones with devonshire cream & black currant preserves and small gourmet chocolates.

Note: See the Recipes section for the recipes to the "Suggested Tea Accompaniments"

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Children's Tea Party

A Children's Tea Party or Nursery Tea is a British tradition that is usually hosted under the observance of the Nanny's watchful eye. However, any child can enjoy the whimsical atmosphere of tea with special treats and a grownup feel.

Suggested Teas:
Children's Bubblegum tea

Suggested Tea Accompaniments:
Finger jelly sandwiches (i.e., strawberry or blueberry preserves with butter, cinnamon toast or chocolate tea), double chocolate cookies or chocolate nut muffins.

Note: See the Recipes section for the recipes to the "Suggested Tea Accompaniments"

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