When we think of tea and the British, we picture delicate china, lace gloves, finger sandwiches, and just the right amount of pinky-lifting flair. But this refined ritual wasn’t always a staple of daily life—it had to be invented. And like many great traditions, it all started with a craving and a queen.
Let’s take a steeped stroll through the history of afternoon tea—and learn how to bring a little royal magic to your own table.
A Duchess’s Hunger, A Queen’s Trend
The story of afternoon tea begins in the early 1840s with Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, a close friend of Queen Victoria. At the time, it was customary to eat only two main meals a day: a late breakfast and a formal dinner in the evening. But around 4 o’clock, Anna would grow peckish (relatable), and she began requesting a light tray of tea, bread, butter, and cake in her room.
What started as a private ritual quickly evolved into a social affair. Anna began inviting friends to join her, and when Queen Victoria caught wind of the practice, she embraced and elevated it. Soon, “afternoon tea” became not just a meal, but a fashionable social event, often hosted in drawing rooms or gardens with a full spread of delicate bites and refined etiquette.
It was during this era that tea became synonymous with sophistication—a symbol of grace, order, and shared pleasure.
Victorian Tea Etiquette: The Original Rules of Elegance
Afternoon tea in Victorian England wasn’t just about the tea—it was about how you took it. Here are a few key customs of the time:
Teacups were held delicately, by pinching the handle between the thumb and index finger—no fingers through the loop!
Milk went in after the tea, so as not to “spoil” the delicate porcelain (or the flavor).
Small bites only: Think finger sandwiches (never anything messy), scones with clotted cream and jam, and tiny cakes or biscuits.
Conversation stayed light: Afternoon tea was a time for polite talk, not political debate (save that for the port and cigars).
Napkins in the lap, not tucked in like a bib—and for heaven’s sake, no slurping.
Host Your Own Royal Tea: A Modern-Day Guide
You don’t need a title or a castle to enjoy a regal afternoon tea. Here’s how to throw your own, Full Moon Tea Company-style:
1. Choose your tea thoughtfully.
Go classic with an English Breakfast or Earl Grey, or offer something softer like our Evening Peach Orchard for a twist. Brew in pots and serve with milk, lemon, and honey on the side.
2. Set the mood.
Think vintage table linens, fresh flowers, and your prettiest cups. You don’t need to go full Bridgerton—unless you want to.
3. Keep the food dainty and dreamy.
Finger sandwiches (cucumber, smoked salmon, or egg salad), warm scones with jam, and delicate sweets like shortbread or petit fours. Serve everything on a tiered tray if you’ve got it.
4. Add your own flair.
Read a favorite poem, play some soft classical or jazz, or gift your guests with handwritten quotes or flower sprigs.
5. Sip with intention.
Whether you’re gathered with friends or treating yourself, let it be more than a snack. Afternoon tea is a pause, a soft ritual of connection, elegance, and care.
Still Steeped in Grace
Queen Victoria may be long gone, but her legacy lives on in every pot poured with care and every bite savored between sips. Afternoon tea is no longer just for royals—it’s for anyone who believes in slowing down and delighting in the moment.
So go ahead: set the table, invite a friend (or two), and let your afternoon steep in charm.
