Sometimes, the wait for dinner can be too long and lunch is too far away. Everyone is beginning to feel the effects of the long day.

Once this is done, heat the kettle and get started with a cup of tea and some light sandwiches. This is a chance to enjoy the day and to refuel for the evening.

Afternoon Tea Week is a British tradition of enjoying afternoon tea. It’s meant to add elegance and pomp to an otherwise mundane time of the day, in the latter part of the afternoon.

To preserve a British tradition that has been a part of British afternoons since 1840, Afternoon Tea Week was created. Dinner was often served at 8 o’clock in those days. A full lunch was not a thing back then. What could a hungry person do during the afternoon hours? You can make a mini-meal during the day!

Although it’s called tea, there are many more to tea than just a drink that is served in the afternoon. This light meal traditionally includes small sandwiches and scones with jam or clotted milk. This time will likely include sweet treats such as pastries and cakes to lift spirits and boost energy to get people through the day.

What started as an afternoon meal became a social event for people who were in the upper echelons. This tradition was made even more popular when Queen Victoria took part. The idea of a ‘tea reception” was created at that time. This event featured lavish, fancy afternoon meals that could be hosted by a small group of friends or a few hundred of the most prominent members of society.

Hot tea, as the name implies, was an important part of the meal. It was started by Anna, 7th Duchess, of Bedford. A cup of hot tea and a snack seemed like the best way to soothe her tiredness. Soon, she invited her friends to go on walks in the fields with her and began the tradition that would become Afternoon Tea.

It is time to continue the tradition and celebrate Afternoon Tea Week once again!

It’s easy to celebrate Afternoon Tea Week. You can simply make Afternoon Tea a part of your day for the duration of the week. Warm tea, sweets and small meals will lift spirits and help to drive momentum for the day. These are some other ways to celebrate:

If you really want to do it all, you can host a tea party where your friends and family can attend. Get out your Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea and fill up those teapots. To honor this wonderful history, it might even be fun to wear a Victorian Costume.

People who are unable to cook a formal or don’t want to take the time (or don’t feel like it) may be able to make one. You might be able find a local restaurant that offers a semi-formal or formal afternoon tea.

The number of guests at an Afternoon Tea will determine the type of tea served. You can make a reservation for a tea for two or a tea for four. A pot of tea will be served along with three courses of food. These dishes are typically displayed on a tall three-tiered display stand.

Tea sandwiches are usually served at the stand. Traditional scones are served next, usually with fresh jam and clotted cream. A platter of pastries and sweets will then be served.

It is undisputed that England is the best place for afternoon tea. It might seem a little expensive, but you can still enjoy the finest afternoon tea in London at these locations.

Even if you don’t have the time to make tea every day, there is Still Time for Afternoon Tea Week. It’s also a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the British tradition of “Keep Calm, Carry on”