Enjoyed High Tea….Or Did I???

(Originally Published Friday, August 26, 2011 – Blogger: One Daughter’s Point of View)

Yesterday our DAR chapter held what has become an annual new member new orientation. It was a lovely affair hosted in the home of our membership chairman during which time we enjoyed each other’s company, got to know our new members better, and got to brag more on the work of the DAR. And of course, inspire (we hope) our new members to become actively involved in the work of our society. We also enjoyed tea together (the event was billed as a New Member Tea and Orientation) and I heard a few comments about enjoying high tea. So, I had to find out…what is high tea??

If my research is right, high tea isn’t what we had. We weren’t served tea on a high table (well…maybe technically the member pouring tea for everyone was at a dining room or high table…but in spirit it wasn’t really high tea). We weren’t served a heavier meal with the tea. We had an afternoon tea or low tea.

Now, before you think we’re a lowly group of low-class ladies – a low tea is served on a low table (i.e. coffee table) with light foods and in the late afternoon. BINGO!! That was us!

We sat in the living room enjoying our tea, dainty finger foods, and gracious company. It was very lovely. But I think I’ve said that already. I’m talking about a tea and for some reason feel compelled to use words like gracious and lovely. You’ll forgive me, won’t you?

I also learned a little more about proper ‘tea etiquette’ that I’ll share with you in case you have the opportunity to attend a low or high tea.

Pinkie fingers really should be raised when holding your tea cup. They help with balance.

Don’t stir the tea with your spoon. Instead, gingerly fold the tea from the six o’clock position to the twelve o’clock position.

Serve milk not cream with tea. Cream is considered too heavy for such a delicate liquid. It is also best to pour your milk after the tea is in the cup. I wonder if my skim milk is not heavy enough. I’ll have to get back to you on that!

The tea experts state you should use lemon slices and not wedges if serving lemon with your tea. Remember not to spoil your tea by adding both lemon and milk.

But in all seriousness, it was a very enjoyable afternoon and a wonderful way to experience something different with a wonderful history. I hope you have an opportunity to enjoy a gracious and lovely low tea affair soon too!