Afternoon tea has been a cherished English tradition since 1840. It began when Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, introduced a light mid-afternoon snack to bridge the gap between lunch and her late dinner. Her practice of enjoying tea with bread, butter, and cake became a social event when she invited friends to join her at Woburn Abbey. Over time, it evolved into a more formal occasion, especially after Queen Victoria embraced the ritual. By the late 19th century, tea rooms became fashionable spaces for women to socialize without needing a chaperone.
What Does Traditional Afternoon Tea Include?
The classic afternoon tea menu has evolved over time. Initially, it featured simple fare like tea, bread, and cake. Scones, now iconic, were only added in the early 1900s alongside the rise of cream tea, a variant served with clotted cream and jam. Today’s afternoon tea typically includes:
- Dainty sandwiches (including cucumber sandwiches).
- Cream tea with scones, clotted cream, and preserves.
- An assortment of pastries and cakes.
Afternoon tea is often enjoyed as a special treat for occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries. Upmarket hotels and tearooms across Britain offer the experience, typically served between 2 pm and 5 pm.
Afternoon Tea by Post: A Modern Twist on Tradition
While traditional tea outings are delightful, the convenience of afternoon tea by post has made it possible to enjoy this experience at home. This modern approach delivers all the essentials for a perfect afternoon tea directly to your door, allowing you to recreate the indulgent experience without leaving your home.
Why Choose Afternoon Tea by Post?
- Convenience: No need to book or plan a visit to a tearoom.
- Perfect Gift Option: Afternoon tea hampers are thoughtful and widely appreciated presents.
- High-Quality Ingredients: Many hampers include locally sourced and artisan products.
Cornish Cream Tea Hampers: A Delicious Choice
Cornish Hampers specializes in delivering authentic afternoon tea experiences. Their hampers include premium ingredients, offering a taste of Cornwall’s best.
What’s Inside a Cornish Cream Tea Hamper?
- Rodda’s Clotted Cream: Famous for its rich texture and creamy flavor.
- Handmade Scones: Baked to perfection for a classic cream tea experience.
- Boddington’s Strawberry Jam: Known for its high fruit content, with 80g of strawberries per 100g of jam.
- Tregothnan Tea: The world’s first English-grown tea, cultivated in Cornwall’s ideal climate.
Why Customers Love These Hampers
Sam from Cornish Hampers highlights their popularity:
“Afternoon tea hampers make excellent gifts as they tick a lot of boxes. They’re unique, widely loved, easy to send by post, and don’t require the diary planning of a tea outing.”
Who Is Afternoon Tea by Post For?
Afternoon tea by post is perfect for anyone looking to celebrate or indulge in a traditional treat. It’s especially ideal for:
- Gift Giving: Birthdays, anniversaries, or just as a thoughtful gesture.
- Virtual Gatherings: Send hampers to loved ones and enjoy a shared tea over a video call.
- Relaxing Afternoons: Treat yourself to an indulgent experience at home.
How to Order Afternoon Tea by Post
Ordering afternoon tea hampers is simple. Most companies, like Cornish Hampers, offer online ordering with nationwide delivery. Look for options that feature high-quality, local ingredients to ensure an authentic and delicious experience.
Conclusion
Afternoon tea by post is a delightful way to enjoy a classic English tradition at home. Whether you’re gifting it to someone special or indulging in a personal treat, this modern take on a beloved ritual brings convenience and charm together. With options like Cornish Hampers offering exceptional quality, you can savor the elegance of afternoon tea without leaving your house.
