| Of all the stereotypical tokens of England, like the | | | | tea that we know today. Fond of inviting friends |
| London Bridge, Buckingham Palace and | | | | to dinner, the Duchess would experiment with the |
| double-decker busses, and tea tops the list. Tea is | | | | menu as she served high tea. Other ladies of |
| to England what apple pie is to America. English | | | | society began to follow suit, and "English High Tea" |
| tea is steeped in tradition and more than a | | | | eventually became a popular time for social |
| beverage of choice; it's also an important element | | | | gatherings. |
| in the social history of Britain. English High Tea is | | | | During the Industrial Revolution, in the second half |
| one of these traditions that are still an important | | | | of the Victorian Period, popularity of the English |
| element in the life of the British elite. | | | | high tea gained momentum. Men and women |
| While many imitate the practice of serving English | | | | worked hard during the day and returned home |
| high tea, it's not easy to duplicate it. North | | | | to prepare high tea for their evening refreshment. |
| American resorts, hotels and tearooms will often | | | | Quick and easy food choices were served for |
| offer "English High Tea" with an array of sweets | | | | English high tea. Tables were set with bread and |
| and pastries in early afternoon. These parties are | | | | butter, meat, cheese, pickles and of course, a pot |
| certainly elegant, but not true "high teas". | | | | of tea. There were no of the rich desserts, fancy |
| Exploring the proper method of serving English | | | | finger foods or tiny sandwiches that adorn |
| high tea begins with a little history lesson. Many | | | | today's mock "high tea" tables. |
| years ago, the practice of taking high tea was | | | | The evening dinner tea was served at a high |
| introduced as the people of England enjoyed a | | | | dining table, rather than on lower tea tables, which |
| morning breakfast and evening dinner as their two | | | | may have led to the name of "high" tea. |
| daily meals. | | | | If you choose to impress your North American |
| Breakfast would typically consist of beef, bread | | | | friends with an English high tea party, you may do |
| and ale. The evening meal, on the other hand, | | | | the trick by serving some fancy sandwiches and |
| was a veritable smorgasbord. This feast was | | | | sweets. If ever called to task with British guests, |
| served as the sun began to set, and came to be | | | | however, wait until the afternoon sun begins to |
| known as "high tea". | | | | fade, and serve your tea with some hearty fare. |
| A woman named Anna, Duchess of Bedford, was | | | | You'll certainly impress with your proper English |
| credited with introducing the form of English high | | | | high tea service. |