Anna Purcell
The English King Charles II was known to take tea in the afternoon in the mid-17th century, but High Tea—where did this idea come from? It came from Anna Maria Stanhope, the seventh Duchess of Bedford in 1840. She would have breakfast and a light lunch and by three in the afternoon she was famished, the problem being that the household did not dine until eight o’clock in the evening.
She started asking the cook to bring her some tea, bread and jam and possibly some biscuits (cookies). She enjoyed them in her bedroom and it quickly became a habit with her. She then decided to invite her lady friends to join her and of course they progressed to the formal living room. It quickly became very popular and the etiquette picked up; and when Queen Mary took up the habit it became a very formal affair.
To stick one’s little finger in the air today is pretentious at best, but years ago it was necessary for balance. The cups came from China and had no handles; and when they progressed to very fine, delicate china cups, they were hard to hang onto.
The Earl of Sandwich had previously introduced putting fillings between two slices of bread, so that idea was incorporated into High Tea, including sweets such as scones and pastries. It was a very gracious affair.
Even though it’s often referred to as High Tea in other parts of the world, in the UK it is called Afternoon Tea. The regular tea at six o’clock is the evening meal. It is usually a lighter meal, as the main meal is usually eaten mid-day.
We are planning a High Tea on High Prairie to honor ladies who do so much for so many. It will be held on April 16th from eleven o’clock until two o’clock. We invite anyone interested to bring a woman in their life that they want to show appreciation to—mother, grandmother, daughter or sister’s friends. We will pamper them all, serving finger sandwiches, orange poppy seed scones with clotted cream and preserves and, of course, chocolate dipped strawberries.
Step back in time to a more gracious life and enjoy the company of other women.
High Prairie High Tea, April 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For the complete invitation go to www.highprairie.us. Entrance is $12 per person at the door. Please R.S.V.P. by April 1st to Nance Carter at: nccolors@embarqmail.com or 206-550-1345.
We hope to see you there!