AFTERNOON TEA

There are many ways to celebrate mom this Mother’s Day. Recently, there’s lots of buzz around experiences such as attending a High Tea or Afternoon Tea. It’s elegant, accessible, seasonal, and downright delicious. 

Traditional Afternoon Tea Setup

1. Tea Selection

Fine loose-leaf teas (served in teapots with strainers) or high-quality tea bags. Popular choices include Earl Grey, Darjeeling,English Breakfast, or even herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint. Served with milk, lemon slices, and sugar on the side.

2. Tiered Stand (Three Tiers)

A three-tiered cake stand is the hallmark of a traditional tea setup:

Bottom Tier (Savories):

• Finger sandwiches (no crusts!) such as:
  • Cucumber with cream cheese
  • Egg salad
  • Smoked salmon with dill
  • Coronation chicken or ham with mustard

Middle Tier (Scones):

• Freshly baked scones, served warm, and accompanied by clotted cream and strawberry jam (sometimes lemon curd or honey).
  

• •  

Top Tier (Sweets):

• A variety of small pastries and cakes including mini éclairs, macarons, tarts, Victoria sponge, Battenberg, or petit fours. 

3. Place Settings

• Fine china or floral porcelain (matching cups, saucers, plates)
• Silver or stainless steel cutlery
• Linen napkins or tea napkins
• Sugar bowl, milk jug, lemon dish

4. Extras

• A cake fork and a small knife for scones
• A tea strainer and stand if using loose-leaf tea
• Sometimes champagne or prosecco for a “sparkling afternoon tea”

Your hostess or server might pour the first cup of tea, and you typically eat from the bottom of the tiered set up to the top. 

 

Growing Tea in Canada

Growing tea in Canada is possible—but it’s a challenge due to the cold climate. However, with the right care and some climate adaptations, you can grow it in parts of Canada, especially in warmer microclimates or indoors. There are some small farms in warmer climates, like Vancouver Island.

Tea is now cultivated in many countries within the “tea belt”—the tropical and subtropical zones between the latitudes 42°N and 33°S. Major producers include China, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and more. 

The flavor of tea varies dramatically depending on where it’s grown—climate, altitude, and soil all shape the taste, similar to wine terroir.