Then, there is the tea! Earl and Lady Grey, lemon and chamomile, green tea and English Breakfast tea. Choosing and brewing tea is somewhat of an art and once again experimentation is at your disposal. There are even many different varieties of tea pots, including metal and porcelain.

Tea time varies depending on where you are in the world; in Africa, it is a lunch break type of situation, in Australia and New Zealand it is more of a “snack”, while in Hong Kong it is a small afternoon meal.
It was the Portuguese wife of King Charles the II (1661) who originally brought the idea  of “taking tea” into England. Later on Anna Russel, who was a Duchess, revolutionized tea by making it into a larger affair; more like a meal and less like a snack.

There is also High Tea, which includes such delights as cold meat, fish and biscuits it is either a late afternoon snack or takes the place of dinner.

The United States is rather unfamiliar with the idea of “tea” and our “coffee break”, though seemingly similar, is more of a “gossip gathering” ritual than anything else. Our version of High tea is taking out our best China and making thin sandwiches on white bread with no crust.

As you can see, no matter where you go, tea time is a delightful and widely acceptable practice that many different cultures enjoy.
So; whether you are enjoying your tea set for one, or basking in the company of many, may you find your perfect cup of tea!