Also known as "low tea", afternoon teas were initiated by Anna Maria, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, on of Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting. During her time, it was customary to eat a large breakfast, light lunch and very late dinner. Clearly, this gave hunger a home around the 5:00 hour. One afternoon, the Queen requested tea and small cakes to be served at this time, an idea Anna Maria grasped and continued for the following days. This became a much loved domestic ceremony and the tradition continues into our modern age.Typically served between 3:00 and 5:00, afternoon tea is always a time for elegant snacks rather than a meal. The menu often includes: scones, pastires, fruit cake and finger sandwiches.Consider hosting your own afternoon tea, featuring Let's Do Tea scones and tea in the month of November: British Appreciation Month.
