I was asked by a friend to host an ‘High Tea’ with her for her Mother’s group. “Great!” I thought, “What a lovely way to strengthen friendships between Mums, share my love of preparing food, AND be involved in an event I’ve never organized before. It’ll be a (literal and figurative) piece of cake!”
Now, my Mum’s always taught me very good table manners. Good etiquette was so everyday I think I learnt it by osmosis. And her teacup collection was charming. Royal Albert and Aynsley, thank you very much. None of this Maxwell & Williams business.
So as I began my research, I was pleased to find that much of what I assumed to be ‘polite’ actually was! There were a few little hiccups like napkin (seat or table?), and the best tea to use lemon (not fragrant teas eg.Earl Grey).
But my big surprise was that true ‘high tea’ is not this elegant affair we’ve been led to believe. High tea is eaten high, seated at table and usually with cutlery. But we’re planning on taking ‘Low Tea’, because you partake of it at low or side tables. Chicken sandwiches, scones, and lemon curd are the preferred fare of choice.
How delightful! It sounds so good I’d eat it sitting anywhere!
