For centuries, afternoon tea has been a beloved tradition in Britain and other parts of the world. But did you know this delightful ritual arrived in America in the 19th century? Americans are embracing taking time out of their day for a little “me” time with tea and some sweet treats.
It All Began in Boston
It all started with a Boston socialite named Anne Taber Gay. In the early 1800s, she introduced her friends to the long-standing English custom of holding afternoon tea parties. These events soon became popular among the upper classes in America's largest cities. As people came to enjoy this new ritual, they began hosting tea parties, and variations on the original British tradition emerged.
In the early 1800s, Anne Taber Gay introduced her friends to a centuries-old English custom–afternoon tea. In America, the practice of drinking tea was still relatively unknown, so Anne’s unique idea quickly caught on, becoming popular among Americans all around the country. Today, we consider afternoon tea a timeless tradition that many still enjoy.
So why did Anne Taber Gay think of introducing afternoon tea to the United States? Well, she was a passionate traveler who had already spent some time in Europe and wanted to bring home her newfound love of tea and the unique tradition of enjoying it with friends. She believed drinking tea together in the afternoon could be an excellent way for people to connect socially and become closer over conversation, laughter, and delicious food!
But What About Today?
The idea quickly caught on as more people realized that having afternoon tea was much more than just an enjoyable gathering - it was also an opportunity to relax amongst friends and family. As older generations passed down the tradition to newer ones, this custom has only grown in popularity. Nowadays, afternoon tea is a beloved custom that brings families and friends together over the shared love of good conversation and great food. So if you’re ever looking for a unique way to bond with your loved ones or want to relax at the end of a long day, why not try afternoon tea?
Afternoon tea may be an old tradition, but it has many timeless benefits. From catching up with old friends to gathering around the table with new ones, this age-old ritual can create memories that will last a lifetime!
Since then, afternoon tea has become an American pastime. It’s now served at posh hotels and cozy cafes across the US, where guests can savor traditional scones and cakes alongside more modern snacks like macarons or mini sandwiches. Many small businesses have also gotten in on the trend by offering special tea blends and unique teapots and accessories. And, of course, no afternoon tea is complete without a variety of flavored teas to choose from!
So the next time you require a moment to relax and refresh, consider treating yourself to afternoon tea. It’s a great way to enjoy some quality “me” time while celebrating a beloved tradition that has been part of American culture for over 200 years. Cheers!