"They Drink Tea"

Tea, a marvelous discovery for the western world. Little leaves picked at just the right moment, tossed by hand, toasted by eye to critical perfection, aged and shipped around the world to be chugged down for $4 in a paper cup on the run from an over priced chain of stores drizzled with sticky syrups and flavored non-dairy products.

The little leaf that the backs of mighty trading houses has fallen to a low. There is hope, You, yes your the one reading this so pay attention and stop thinking about searching for more top hats and corsets. Pay attention, ok now where were we, yes tea. You are bound to find yourself invited to tea or planning to host a casual tea now that you have gained access to the alternate history timelines. Many explorers and time travellers have failed to make it home for the lack of proper tea ettiquite or proper repasts at said events. Do not fail, otherwise you will never hear the end of it from your associates. This should be somewhat painless and should not take to long unless your a Colonial, yes..yes.. I mean American. 

OK, a bit of explanation will be in order I see. Tea service, is "Low" or High" tea, a reference to the tables which I am sure you can figure out. Low tea was taken in the sitting room at low tables with sofas and chairs handy.

 

High tea (or meat tea) is an early evening meal, typically eaten between 5pm and 7pm. It is now largely followed by a later lighter evening meal. High tea would usually consist of cold meats, eggs or fish, cakes and sandwiches. The America High Tea usually is referring to an afternoon tea party with various little cakes and "High" being more ones society standing than the tables it is served on.

Now that you have a bit of a clue you should be OK. Small savory and sweet items served with tea in the afternoon or early evening. Not really so intimidating or complicated when High Society is removed and you are left with a small repast amongst friends new and old.

Low Tea:

Full Tea -Tea, savories, scones, sweets 

Light Tea - Tea, scones and sweets

Cream Tea - Tea, scones, jam and cream

High Tea:

Savories - Tiny sandwiches or appetizers

Scones -  Served with jam & clotted cream 

Pastries - Cakes, sweets, cookies & shortbread

Drink Tea! ~CJ 

Come and sit with me and we'll have tea
And talk of things that were and things that are to be
Of places we will go and things that we will see

an exert from Lee Scott c 1998 Tea for Three

As a bit of history we can reportedly thank Duchess of Bedford for tea time. The Victorian lunches had gotten skimpier and skimpier and she found herself at a bit of a sinking sensation late in the afternoon. 

This started with having the servants sneak her tea and sundries but soon she invited her lady friends and upon returning from the summer in the country to London she continued the popular event. The Duchess would send calling cards around to invite friends  for "tea and a walking the fields." This was quickly picked up by other socially minded hostess.