Tea time good impressions

Here at CommuniBakes, we’re partial to a traditional afternoon tea. In the 21^st century, it’s all about sandwiches, cakes, scones and cream and jam, and a good cuppa, but it used to be very different.

Back in the mid to late 1800s, afternoon tea was an important social activity. It was a way for ‘ladies’ to make a good impression on their friends and neighbours.

There were lots of rules to follow when it came to afternoon tea, including:

• No unexpected drop ins – if a lady intended on visiting another, they had to send a calling card first. Dropping in unexpectedly was embarrassing for the host and ill-mannered of the visitor.
• Tea was made with the sugar first and the milk last!
• Turning the China cups upside down to take a peek at the maker’s mark was deemed poor breeding – ladies were to ask their hostess who the maker of the cups was if they were impressed by the design
• Hanging around for a chat after your brew was considered rude – you were to drink your tea and leave as soon as you had drunk it
• It was also essential to avoid gossip at all costs
• The ladies also had to leave political conversations to the men
• No eye contact when drinking tea – ladies were to look down into their cup and nowhere else
• If you were visiting a friend or neighbour and someone else arrived, you were to leave immediately to allow the new guest to take your seat.

Thankfully afternoon tea is a much simpler affair these days.

We sell lots of sweet and savoury treats that would make for a fantastic afternoon tea if you were putting one together to enjoy at home. Just pop in and see us. You can find our opening hours here.