August 12-18

Afternoon Tea Week

Celebrate Afternoon Tea Week savoring sweet treats and delightful brews! Unwind in style, make your afternoons special with a teapot full of warmth.

Type

Week

Introduction

Let's steep up the excitement for Afternoon Tea Week starting on August 12! Brewed to perfection, this beloved tradition comes with a fascinating history that traces back to early 1840s, thanks to Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, who felt the need for a mini-meal to combat the "sinking feeling" in afternoon. This lovely ritual of offering sweet treats and delightful tea turned out to be a timeless classic! From finger sandwiches to macarons, and from Darjeeling to Earl Grey, now is the time to indulge in the grandeur of this charming tradition. So set your teacups ready and make your afternoons special with a teapot full of warmth and joy. Get ready to sip, bite and enjoy, it's Afternoon Tea Week!

Afternoon Tea Week Timeline

1840s

Birth of Afternoon Tea

Anna, the Duchess of Bedford introduced the afternoon tea tradition in the early 1840s as a mini-meal to combat the "sinking feeling" felt in the afternoon.

1880s

Spread Across High Society

By late 1880s, afternoon tea had become a high society social event, with elegant tea gowns worn specially for these occasions.

1912

Popularity in the US

Afternoon tea took hold in the United States, with department stores and hotels offering tea service.

1920s

Afternoon Tea in Literature

The afternoon tea tradition became immortalized in literature, notably in works from authors such as Agatha Christie and Judith Kerr.

1950s

Afternoon Tea in Films

The tradition of afternoon tea was portrayed in numerous movies and TV shows, bolstering the ritual's popularity worldwide.

2019

Recognition of Afternoon Tea Week

Afternoon Tea Week celebrates the great British tradition of Afternoon Tea and is the perfect excuse to catch up with loved ones over a cup of tea and some delicious treats.

How to Celebrate Afternoon Tea Week

1 Experiment with different teas

Celebrate the week by experimenting with different types of tea each day. You could try classics like Earl Grey and Darjeeling, but also explore some less traditional options like Moroccan Mint or Chai. Don't forget to pair each cup of tea with a different sweet or savory treat!

2 Organize a virtual tea party

Invite friends and family to your virtual tea party. You each can prepare a pot of your favorite tea and some finger foods, then sit back, sip, chat and enjoy.

3 Try your hand at tea-infused recipes

Take the celebration to new heights by incorporating tea in your recipes – be it a main course, side dish, dessert or beverage. You might be surprised how versatile tea can be!

4 Make homemade scones

Scones are a classic part of any afternoon tea. Try making scones at home with a recipe that suits your tastes. You can even make a variety of flavors, such as plain, chocolate chip, or cranberry orange.

5 Visit a local tearoom

Choose a day during Afternoon Tea Week to visit a local tearoom. Make sure to book your table in advance to ensure you and your party get the best experience possible.

Why We Love Afternoon Tea Week

It's an opportunity to try various teas

With Afternoon Tea Week, there is a perfect excuse to go beyond your comfort zone and sample different types of teas. From the refreshing minty flavor of Moroccan Mint to the heartwarming spice of a Chai blend, there's a whole world of tea flavors to explore!

A chance to socialize and recreate tradition

This week-long celebration provides a great platform to bond with friends and family over a virtual tea party. This time-honored tradition isn't just about the tea and food, but it's also a cherished opportunity for conversation and connection.

The wonderful combination of food and tea

Afternoon tea doesn't simply mean tea - it's a treat for your palate with a variety of sweet and savory delights. From classic scones to finger sandwiches, the food pairing possibilities are endless!