What is Afternoon Tea? A Delightful Tea Tradition Explained
Afternoon tea is more than just sipping a cup of tea—it’s an elegant and relaxing ritual rooted in British history. Whether you’re hosting your own tea party or simply curious about this charming tradition, here’s everything you need to know about afternoon tea.
Key Takeaways
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Afternoon tea started in the 1840s as a light social meal between lunch and dinner.
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It typically includes tea, finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts.
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Afternoon tea is served from 2:00–4:00 PM and is different from high tea.
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It’s a popular and elegant way to host birthdays, showers, or self-care afternoons.
The Origins of Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea began in the early 1840s in England, credited to Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, who found herself hungry between lunch and dinner. She started enjoying a light meal of tea, bread, and cake in the afternoon—and soon began inviting friends to join her. It quickly became a social event for the upper class and evolved into the delightful ceremony we know today.
When is Afternoon Tea Served?
Traditionally, afternoon tea is served between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. It’s meant to bridge the long gap between lunch and a late dinner.
What’s Included in a Traditional Afternoon Tea?
A classic afternoon tea usually includes:
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Tea – Served in pots with milk, lemon, and sugar options.
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Finger sandwiches – Cucumber, smoked salmon, egg salad, or ham.
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Scones – Served warm with clotted cream and strawberry jam.
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Pastries & sweets – Mini cakes, tarts, and macarons.
Everything is usually served on a tiered tray for that iconic visual charm.
Is Afternoon Tea the Same as High Tea?
Nope! Although people often use the terms interchangeably, afternoon tea and high tea are different. Afternoon tea is a light, elegant affair served at low lounge tables. High tea was a hearty evening meal for working-class families served at a high dining table.
Read the full comparison between Afternoon Tea vs High Tea »
Modern Twists on Afternoon Tea
Today, afternoon tea has been reinvented in fun and flavorful ways. You might see:
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Gluten-free or vegan menus
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Afternoon tea to-go boxes
At Humming Cup Tea, we bring this tradition to life in Austin, Texas—with everything from private tea parties to high tea catering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What kind of tea is served at afternoon tea?
A: Traditional options include black teas like Earl Grey, Darjeeling, and English Breakfast. At Humming Cup,
we also offer green, herbal, and caffeine-free blends.
Q: Do I need to dress up for afternoon tea?
A: Afternoon tea is usually semi-formal or dressy casual. A dress or blouse is perfect—hats optional, but always fun!
Q: What’s the difference between cream tea and afternoon tea?
A: Cream tea is a simplified version that includes just tea and scones with clotted cream and jam. Afternoon tea is a full tiered service with sandwiches and
desserts too.
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