my push for this week is to photograph my interpretation of English tea.
when people hear of 'high tea', what they're thinking is actually the british low tea or afternoon tea, which is served normally at 4 in the afternoon. it was started in the mid-nineteenth century when lady bedford had light snacks of dainty sandwiches and scones to alleviate her 'sinking' feeling, actually fangs of hunger, as at the time it was fashionable to eat dinner at eight or 9, thus creating a long gap between meals. the practice spread around the high social circles and in no time became a tradition.
high tea on the other hand was actually a meal of the lower working class which was served between six and seven in the evening and consisted of meat dishes, potatoes and vegetables and other heavy foods like baked beans and cheese.
the kind of tea that is most preferred for afternoon tea is the earl grey. tea may be taken with milk or cream or with lemon. sugar cubes are used. the loose tea leaves are placed in an infuser or tea ball and hot water is poured on to the tea.
i'd like to hear what our british friends jackie, claire and hazel have to say about the matter.
when talking about afternoon tea, there are do's and dont's hence there are a whole lot of etiquette books written on the subject. i found one website that talks about the proper invitation to tea, the equipment, the materials, the pouring, the serving, etc. etc. knock yourselves out, er, i mean...if you are so inclined as to want to read it: http://www.etiquettescholar.com/dining_etiquette/tea_etiquette.html
thank you kindly for your views and comments; they are much appreciated. i shall catch up with your albums tomorrow.
We have a very grand hotel out here in Cape Town '"the Mount Nelson" or the Nellie for short... they serve a fabulous high tea ..which I'm sure Sally has experienced.Great shot and earl grey is of my favourite cuppa's
@salza We have a very grand hotel out here in Cape Town '"the Mount Nelson" or the Nellie for short... they serve a fabulous high tea ..which I'm sure Sally has experienced.Great shot and earl grey is of my favourite cuppa's
@steeler have wanted to go there for high tea for years but haven't been yet. Bonnie and I threatened to go before I left Cape Town, been living in Tulbagh for 8 years now! Will get there one day.
How beautifully you have arranged this, summerfield! We had afternoon tea in England when we lived there and I loved the whole ceremony. Ours were usually the "sandwiches and scone kind." Earl Grey was my favorite tea and the milk/cream was warmed if I remember correctly. Wonderful tradition. Usually visited charming little tea places and one would be seated before a fireplace. Totally relaxing. Your comp is beautiful, warm and inviting. See ya. :)
Yes, you are right, afternoon tea is a very civilised tradition that is very popular again at the moment.the very best afternoon tea is served at The Ritz in London, I took my mum for her 70th. We had exquisitely delicate sandwiches, scones and endless tea, all accompanied by a pianist tinkling away nearby! Even where I live, 30 miles from London, the tradition is being turned to money making business, with many quirky shops and hotels offering their take on it! A wonderful way to spend time catching up with friends, but not good for the waistline!
Love it!!! Do you know I lived in the North East of England for nearly 10 years before I twigged that the famous Earl Grey tea was named after Earl Grey who's family seat is at Howick Hall in Northumberland. The tea was designed to complement the lime rich waters of the local well. The Greys weren't very business savvy and never thought about having it patented! Howick Hall does fabulous afternoon tea by the way :-)
@salza - thank you, sally. the facts and other tidbits are really quite interesting. high tea, low tea, afternoon tea, cream tea! let us know when you've made it to howard's grand hotel!
@steeler - thank you, howard. why not treat jackie there and then it's an excuse to take photos!!!
@valpak - want some tea now? :-) thank you, valerie.
@karenann - yes! i loved those little tea places with those dainty cups and the little sandwiches. makes me really want to go back to bournemouth again. we must go together. there should be a 365 convention, don't you think? thank you, KA.
@jackie8 - well, yes, the ritz! i can imagine how good the scones they serve! thank you, jackie.
@summerfield this is truly stunning is it shot in 'High Key'?
As for my version of hight tea at the moment is to come home from work at around 4:00 pm and doesn't really involve tea i much prefer a nice cup of coffee, with cheese and crackers.
But these are still stunning shots.
Paul.
February 1st, 2013
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@steeler - thank you, howard. why not treat jackie there and then it's an excuse to take photos!!!
@valpak - want some tea now? :-) thank you, valerie.
@karenann - yes! i loved those little tea places with those dainty cups and the little sandwiches. makes me really want to go back to bournemouth again. we must go together. there should be a 365 convention, don't you think? thank you, KA.
@jackie8 - well, yes, the ritz! i can imagine how good the scones they serve! thank you, jackie.
@redpants - thank you, sue. i'm glad you like it!
@bmnorthernlight - wow! how lucky are you to be there and get to experience this tradition. thank you, barbara.
@cottoncandy - quick, i have red velvet cupcakes on hand! :-) thank you, mischell.
@henrir - thank you, henri. coming for tea?
@eniaral - wow! are you ever lucky? it is a must that you take in this tea experience and report back to us with photos! thank you, laraine.
As for my version of hight tea at the moment is to come home from work at around 4:00 pm and doesn't really involve tea i much prefer a nice cup of coffee, with cheese and crackers.
But these are still stunning shots.
Paul.