What defines the perfect afternoon tea? Is it the setting? The filling in the sandwiches with no crusts? Or is it the bone china tableware?
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Perhaps it is a combination of all three? With lashings of home made jam and scones. But it is safe to say that no afternoon tea is complete without bone china tableware.
Why does tea taste better in bone china?
The art of afternoon tea is most certainly an iconic British thing. Doing it properly is the only way, otherwise why bother? And the Brits certainly know a thing or two about tea. It is a national treasure and one we are proud of. But tea is a very personal thing. It is more than just asking if you like ‘One lump or two?’, it is about the strength of your tea, the time of day you drink it and the cup or mug you choose to drink it out of.
But, as any tea-lover will know, bone china tableware is the ultimate way to enjoy a good cup of English tea. So why is this? Well, the truth of the matter is that bone china tableware has an elegance to it. And it is this elegance that enhances the delicacy of the tea.
What to expect from the perfect afternoon tea
Well, if you have never had the privilege of enjoying a traditional afternoon tea you will want to know what to expect. Here are a few tips on ensuring that your afternoon tea is second to none.
Homemade
There is nothing like a homemade cake. So, when serving your afternoon tea make sure that you have plenty of homemade scones, clotted cream and jam. Cupcakes also go down a treat and anything with some locally sourced fruit.
Timing is everything
Traditionally afternoon tea would be served at 4pm, but anytime between 3pm and 6pm is ideal.
Always bone china tableware
It wouldn’t really be the perfect afternoon tea without bone china tableware. Your afternoon tea is the ideal opportunity to show off your beautiful tea cups and saucers or even your stunning commemorative china.
Sumptuous sarnies
Sandwiches without the crusts are the epitome of an afternoon tea. Cucumber sandwiches, if you don’t mind? But egg mayonnaise, ham and tuna are also the perfect accompaniment.
Time for tea
Whether you are a tea snob or fancy trying something new, there are so many different teas for you to try. But do you add milk first? Traditionally adding the milk first was deemed the correct etiquette in most of the refined social circles. Adding milk first was for poor-quality china where the heat of the tea made the china crack. But with bone china tableware you need not worry. Let you guests be the judge of how much milk they have. After all, tea is extremely personal.
Whether you opt for loose tea or teabags, crusts or no crusts, chocolate eclairs or cupcakes, let one thing remain; your bone china should always be in pride of place.
By Rob Rudd
Rob Rudd is an born and bred englishman. He lives in the heart of Hampshire with his wife and children. He enjoys writing for several lifestyle and family websites.
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Image Credit: http://wholles.com
