The Tea Trolley

Why Serve Afternoon Tea?

There has been a resurgence of interest in the art of serving afternoon tea. The reasons for this renewed interest are multitudinous. The first that springs to mind is that afternoon tea allows people to slow down the hectic pace of modern life. In an age of fast cars, fast computers, and fast food, it is indeed an pleasure of inestimable proportions to savour a fragrant, lovingly-brewed cup of tea accompanied by elegantly presented savouries and sweets. By its very nature, this tradition of civility must be enjoyed by those who are not in a rush. Secondly, tea time engenders an atmosphere of congeniality. It is nearly impossible to be in a room with several others of your friends and acquaintances enjoying a sumptuous repast of scones, clotted cream and jam and not be friendly. What could be more delightful than spending an afternoon in the company of kith and kin over an exquisite "spot of splosh"? It fairly dares you to be in a bad mood! Finally, hosting afternoon tea for your beloved family and valued neighbors is an act of hospitality that will be cherished in the hearts of your guests for years to come. My ten-year old niece Natasha talks about her first experience of tea-taking hosted by her Aunt Rose as though it were a visit to an enchanted world of butter tarts and decorated sugar cubes. How special it was for me to leave such a magical and positive impression upon the mind of this young girl! Organizing an afternoon tea is an art that improves with experience, but its popularity both with those who host and those who are invited makes it worth the effort it takes to orchestrate this memorable occasion.