Tea Sets For One

There are many colorful options available, when searching for tea sets for one and a vast array of designs to choose from. If you choose to embark on a solo tea party, though it may be lonely, it can be made interesting by the tea sets at your disposal. There is not the normal etiquette that comes with having a “company tea party”, yet you may still indulge on the delectable tidbits that usually accompany afternoon tea. There are the finger sandwiches, petite, filled with sea food, deviled egg salad or the nostalgic Cucumber salad; borrowed from the Victorian age. Scones will follow, cheddar scones, raisin scones with cinnamon or for the sweet tooth-chocolate chip scones! If your culinary tastes are still unsatisfied, there is tea cake of every kind to experiment with: pumpkin pinwheels, baklava or petite fours; another Victorian marvel.

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!