Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 63 of Life On the Brink!
This week is a very special week: National Afternoon Tea week! Yes it’s a thing, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share some lovely tea tidbits that I’ve picked up recently.
Before we get to any of those, though, it’s only right that you take a pause right now and make yourself a cuppa.
What’s in my teacup? The Republic of Teas’ “Celebrate with a Cuppa Cake” blend.
Right then, let’s get down to it.
Everybody needs a break now and then, and the Brits have perfected the art of the break called Tea. Now, there are a few distinctions that I ought to make:
-”Afternoon Tea” was first developed in the 1840’s as an elevated snack between lunch and dinner (which was served quite late at the time). Sometimes the term is still used to mean a simple gathering of tea and a biscuit or something, but usually (especially in the States) refers to the whole, three-tiered shebang.
-”High Tea” (or sometimes just referred to as “Tea”) usually means a light supper, served between 5-7. This is basically a meal, but tea is present.
-”Cream Tea” is a simple form of Afternoon Tea that consists of tea with scones, clotted cream and jam.
Now then, I’m going to try to tackle the rather nebulous term that is “Tea Time.”
If you think about it, any time can be Tea Time.
Most of us drink tea or coffee in the morning as a little wake-up, and it’s just as lovely to have one in the afternoon, as a similar pick-me-up.
It can be in a mug, or with a pot, cup and saucer, and as simple as you like. Often, it’s accompanied by a biscuit or simple snack and is a chance to rest and relax for a moment.
Snacktime certainly isn’t unheard of here in the States, but somehow tea time is so much lovelier. This is the tradition that I’d encourage us all to adopt today.
Here is a quote from Cosy: The British Art of Comfort by Laura Weir:
“Tea is restorative and nurturing, it doesn’t have an ulterior motive- it isn’t about pepping you up to the point of spun-out anxiety- but it has a worthy purpose: to be one of life’s dependable chums….tea is home, tea is totally cosy and it belongs to us all.”
HOW TO ENJOY A PROPER TEA TIME
1. Take a break. Sometimes this is the trickiest bit! Choosing to stop your work, studying, cleaning, or whatever else you may do must often be a conscious choice, but that’s the whole point. This is a chance to take care of yourself.
2. Put the kettle on. This might be at home, at the office, or, if you’re out and about, at a local café or coffee shop (oh how I wish I lived near a true teahouse). Here’s something I’ve recently learned: re-boiling water that has already been boiled and left out causes the water’s oxygen levels to seriously decrease, which decreases the development of the tea’s flavor. Boil fresh water each time if you can.
3. Choose your tea. The traditional go-to would be an English Breakfast black tea, but feel free to choose your blend. Sometimes, especially if I’ve had a cup in the morning, I like to go for something lighter or more restorative in the afternoon, like chamomile, green, peppermint, or turmeric.
4. Choose your vessel. Is it a big, comforting mug kind of day, or is it time to pick your favorite teacup? I love having a collection of drinking vessels that are special to me, and each a little different so I can decide how I’m feeling.
5. Pour your water and brew. While it’s brewing you can take some deep breaths, maybe a couple stretches, or maybe, if you’re at the end of your day’s work, tidy up the space so the tea acts as a punctuation to the workday.
6. Add sweetener or milk if desired.
7. Add a snack? Now, I love a full afternoon tea, but it’s a little much for the daily ritual. Instead, most tea-takers will accompany the tea with a tea biscuit, like a digestive, shortbread, or other slightly-sweet crisp. Apparently, the Chocolate Digestive is Britain’s most sold.
Depending on what your eating habits are, I think other nice accompaniments would include:
-a small scone (cream and jam are lovely too)
-a few berries, cherries, or slices of apple
-a handful of almonds
-a fresh pastry from a local shop
-a small protein bar or energy ball
Whatever you choose, it need not be a grand affair, or a large portion. It’s just something to keep you awake and alert until dinner.
Or! You can forgo the snack altogether, depending on what the rest of your day looked like. Personally, though, I think there’s something so classic and romantic about a simple biscuit with tea.
Of course, there’s a lot of dispute on the ins and outs of preparing tea. I’ve recently encountered a fascinating essay by none other than George Orwell, called “A Nice Cup of Tea.” It was published in the Evening Standard, 12 January 1946 and begins with this preface:
“If you look up ‘tea’ in the first cookery book that comes to hand you will probably find that it is unmentioned; or at most you will find a few lines of sketchy instructions which give no ruling on several of the most important points. This is curious, not only because tea is one of the mainstays of civilization in this country, as well as in Eire, Australia and New Zealand, but because the best manner of making it is the subject of violent disputes.”
Tea time, like many other traditions, teaches us the importance of slowing down. Taking time out of your day to do something kind to yourself is not always intuitive, but the ritual of taking tea is a chance to take a step back and enjoy your surroundings.
Maybe take your cup outside to enjoy the sunshine or watch a thunderstorm.
Maybe it’s an opportunity to chat with a friend, to connect with someone special over tea.
Maybe it’s a much-needed break in between classes.
Or maybe it adds a touch of elegance to an ordinary day.
Whatever your tea time looks like, I hereby grant you permission to take that break, even 5 minutes, to make your day more enjoyable. That’s the whole point of tea.
Cheers, friend!
More Inspo:
Just check out the whole category of the blog called “Tea.”
This Week’s Little Joy: Josh and I spent our anniversary at the Wedmore Place at the Williamsburg Winery, and even though we were only gone for one night, it felt like much longer. We had a wine tasting and a gorgeous meal al fresco, we walked all around the grounds, and the breakfast was so enjoyable. If you’re ever looking to celebrate in the Williamsburg area, I can’t recommend it enough. Everyone was so accommodating, and we received free prosecco more than once because we were celebrating. We stayed in the Vienna room, and I can’t wait to return to try a different space! All around, a lovely weekend away to commemorate two years with my love.
What I’m Listening To: The album is “Chet Baker Sings,” released in 1956. Chet Baker is perhaps known primarily as a jazz trumpet player, but his singing voice is basically the most soothing voice in history. The songs on this album are relaxed, simple, and all contain Chet singing. It’s so soothing.
Thank you everyone for listening! If you haven't yet, feel free to rate this podcast on Apple Podcasts, or leave a comment on this post letting me know what you like to serve with your tea. Until next week, cheers!