WHAT IS TEA TIME?
LOW TEA - is Afternoon Tea, served at a low table, perhaps in a parlor or living room. One would find the finest accoutrements at this tea ritual, with tea brewed in silver or china teapots, and an assortment of tea sandwiches, scones with jam and Devonshire Cream, sweet breads, cookies, tarts, and perhaps some type of cake. The proper time for such a ritual is traditionally between three and five o'clock in England. In the United States many tearooms have found that, in order to accommodate the large demand, they have arranged for multiple seatings requiring an adjustment of the start times from as early as Noon.
HIGH TEA - is a supper meal served at a high table, a dining or kitchen table. The fare would include lunchtime leftovers, meats, meat pies and salads. A cake is often served as well. It is also called Nursery or Children's Tea as little ones might enjoy their meal in their bedroom rather than in the dining room. It is the traditional light supper meal for most British families and usually begins at six o'clock.
CREAM TEA - a reference to the presence of cream as part of the menu, e.g. strawberries and cream, or scones and Devonshire cream, also known as Light Tea. This tea is served in the afternoon and one might enjoy this pastime while out shopping, touring or when in need of a quick thirty to forty-five minute break.
ELEVENSES TEA - a lesser-known tradition in America. It is intended to be a quick tea break in the morning, at home or in the office, much like our coffee break that tides one over until lunch. Very simple food such as a scone or crumpet is normally served. However, one could be imaginative and create a "brunch tea" for this time of day.
Varieties of Tea
Brewing the Perfect Pot
Historical Background
