There's something magical about setting the table just because. A pot of tea, a few dainty bites, and suddenly the afternoon feels different. Slower, more generous, touched by tradition. That's the quiet beauty of afternoon tea. It doesn't require a special occasion, but it always feels like one.
If you've ever wondered how to host a proper tea event or found yourself googling “what is high tea” or “what's the difference between high tea and afternoon tea,” you're not alone. And if you've admired those elegant three-tiered trays or mismatched bone china sets and thought, "I could never pull that off," you absolutely can.
In this blog, we guide you through the process of hosting an afternoon tea.
A Short Steep into the History of Afternoon Tea
Long before scones and sugar cubes, tea was considered a medicinal remedy. Originating in ancient China, tea was first brewed for its healing properties over 4,000 years ago. Legend credits Emperor Shen Nong with discovering it when tea leaves blew into his pot of boiling water.
By the 17th century, tea had arrived in England, first as a curiosity for the elite, and then as a full-blown cultural phenomenon. It was expensive, locked away in caddies, and often sweetened with equally precious sugar. Afternoon tea, as we know it, took shape in the 1840s, when Anna, Duchess of Bedford, began requesting a tray of tea and small cakes to tide her over until dinner. The ritual caught on, and just like that, a new social custom was born.
High tea, despite its grand name, was the working-class counterpart to afternoon tea. It was a sturdy early evening meal taken at the high dinner table, often featuring meat, bread, and strong tea. These days, especially in North America, the lines blur. Search for high tea in Vancouver or places for high tea, and you'll likely find a classic afternoon tea service dressed to the nines.
What Time Is Tea Time?
Traditionally, afternoon tea falls between 2:00 and 4:00 PM. But when you're hosting at home, you make the rules. A 3:00 PM start lets guests linger into the late afternoon without overlapping dinner. No one's checking the clock. They're too busy reaching for one more scone.
The Afternoon Tea Menu Can Be Simple
You don't need a culinary degree or a brigade of bakers to put on a proper tea. The charm is in the bite-sized variety. Think:
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Light finger sandwiches (cucumber, egg salad, smoked salmon)
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Warm scones with jam and cream
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Small sweets (shortbread, lemon tarts, macarons)
Serve with a pot of your favourite loose-leaf tea. Earl Grey is classic, but don't shy away from florals or fruit blends. If you're unsure, offer one caffeinated option and one herbal.
Afternoon Tea vs High Tea
Let's clear it up. Afternoon tea is an elegant mid-afternoon gathering featuring light bites and tea. High tea was the evening meal of the working class. Think meat pies, cheese, bread, and a mug of tea after a long day.
So, if you're wondering what is high tea or what time is high tea, the historical version is very different from the one you'll find at a downtown hotel. In North America, "high tea" has come to mean a fancy tea service, but technically, it's afternoon tea with extra flair.
What You Need For Afternoon Tea
This is where the magic happens. Afternoon tea is all about atmosphere, and the right pieces do more than serve. They set the mood. At Around the Block, we love how a single piece of vintage china or sterling silver can turn a simple cup of tea into an experience.
Here's how to create that feeling at home:
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A proper teapot - Whether porcelain, silver-plated, or ceramic, your teapot should pour well and keep heat. A gently aged Birks or Wedgwood pot adds a touch of history and charm.
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Teacups and saucers - They don't need to match. In fact, mixing floral patterns, gold rims, and bone china cups adds a touch of whimsy and a personal feel. And yes, they do make the tea taste better.
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Tiered stands - Not just for show. Tiered trays organize the course from savoury to sweet, and give your spread height and elegance. Vintage silverplate or china versions of cake plates are often tucked away in our shop, waiting to be rediscovered.
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Cream and sugar sets - Crystal or sterling, with small tongs for the sugar cubes. These quiet details are what make tea feel intentional.
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Serving utensils - Pastry forks, cake servers, tiny spoons. These are the finishing touches. Polished, well-loved, and ready for their next gathering.
When you build your table with vintage or consigned pieces, you're not just adding style; you're also preserving a piece of history. You're choosing things that have already hosted years of conversation and are ready for more.
A Few Thoughtful Touches for Afternoon Tea
Fresh flowers in a small vase. Linen napkins folded beside the saucer. A gentle playlist humming in the background. These don't take much, but they transform the energy of the space.
Tea isn't about impressing anyone. It's about slowing down enough to notice the details. The swirl of milk in the cup. The flake of a buttery scone. The quiet clink of silver on porcelain.
Tea Time at Around the Block
Planning a proper tea gathering? We've got the pieces that make it special.
At Around the Block, you'll find a rotating collection of vintage and consigned teaware. Think classic bone china teapots, silver-plated tiered stands, delicate sugar tongs, crystal creamers, and beautiful teacups that practically beg to be used. These are the kinds of finds that give a table character and charm without ever feeling too precious to pour from.
Whether you're looking for a complete tea set, a single stunning cake plate, or a few elegant utensils to complement your service, you'll find treasures waiting.
Because the difference between just tea and a proper tea is all in the details.
