Where does Afternoon Tea come from?

Have you ever wondered where the delightful tradition of afternoon tea came from? It's not just about cucumber sandwiches and fancy cakes - although those are definitely some of the highlights! Afternoon tea has a rich history, steeped in tradition that dates back from nearly 200 years ago.

Travelling Back to the 1840s

We can thank a resourceful lady named Anna Maria Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, and a lady-in-waiting to Queen Victoria. Around 4pm, when she was feeling peckish between lunch and the rather late 8pm evening meal, she would ask for a tray of tea, bread and butter, and cake to be brought to her room. The problem of that 'sinking feeling' was solved!

The Duchess would eventually invite friends to join her for this growing custom, and the upper classes soon adopted it as a fashionable social event.  

From Private Nibbles to Social Soiree

The Duchess's innovative tea-time quickly became a fashionable social event amongst the upper classes. Ladies would wear their finest gowns, gloves, and hats to enjoy an afternoon filled with conversation, delicate bites, and of course, a steaming cup of tea. The tradition even moved outdoors, with tea parties taking place in picturesque gardens.

High Tea vs Low Tea: A Matter of Class

While "high tea" might make you think of images of fancy spreads, it actually referred to a more substantial meal enjoyed by the working class. Eaten off high tables and often featuring hearty dishes like meat and fish, it served as the main meal of the day. "Low tea," on the other hand, was the more delicate affair enjoyed by the upper class, bridging the gap between lunch and the late dinner hour.

A Timeless Tradition

From Queen Victoria's daily tea parties to Agatha Christie's literary inspiration at Brown's Hotel, afternoon tea has woven itself into the very fabric of British culture. Even today, this delightful tradition remains incredibly popular. Whether you're seeking a classic experience or a modern twist, there's an afternoon tea to suit every taste. 

Tea Time Elegance

Of course, no afternoon tea would be complete without the perfect tea set. While earlier tea sets might have been fairly simple, the Victorian era saw a rise in elegant porcelain and silver pieces. Fine bone china, with its delicate translucency and exquisite designs, became the epitome of luxury and refinement. These delicate teacups, saucers, and teapots transformed the simple act of tea drinking into a truly elegant affair. Today, while there's a wider range of materials to choose from, the allure of fine bone china endures, making it a popular choice for those seeking to recreate the magic of a traditional afternoon tea.

Tea Time Designs

Beyond the material, the design of afternoon tea sets has evolved over the years. Early sets often featured simple, understated patterns, reflecting the restrained elegance of the Victorian era. However, as tastes changed, so too did tea set designs. Art Deco brought bold geometric patterns, while mid-century modern embraced clean lines and minimalist aesthetics. Today, the world of afternoon tea sets is incredibly diverse, offering something to suit every style. From classic floral motifs to contemporary abstract designs, there's a tea set to complement any taste.

At Jin Designs, our feeling is that afternoon tea should be a joyful experience. That's why we offer a range of animal-themed tea sets, adding a touch of personality to your tea time. Whether you're a cat lover, bird enthusiast, or simply enjoy simple, charming designs, our collection has something to delight you.

Ready to Have Your Own Afternoon Tea?

Feeling inspired to create your own afternoon tea experience? Jin Designs offers a delightful selection of contemporary, animal-themed tea sets and tableware that will have you brewing up in style. From delicate fine bone china mugs and jugs, to teapots and mini trays, Jin Designs has everything you need to create a memorable afternoon tea with personality and charm. There's dogs, cats, birds and sealife amongst the collections. You won't be short of a tea time companion.

Take a look at the Afternoon Tea Collection and find the perfect mugs, jugs, plates and tea time tableware!