The art of the tea party is making a renaissance.
As shows like Bridgerton – set in the Regency era with all its extravagant parties, fashion and manners – capture the attention of TV-watching audiences and in-person gatherings continue to flourish, there is something particularly alluring about the tea party.
Tea parties are not just a way to connect with friends or family; they're also a chance to savour ephemeral moments of lightness, where everything is pretty and fun, if only but for a moment. And while full of sophistication, there's also a free-spiritedness that can be imbued into the afternoon depending on how 'Mad Hatter' from Alice in Wonderland one wants to get.
For some Oak Bay residents, a yearly tea party is more than a fun event – it's a cherished tradition. That's the case for resident April Andrews who gets together for an annual afternoon tea with her neighbours.
"I love that everybody takes the time to dress up," April says. "There is an excitement around the whole group that exudes a real sense of happiness and anticipation for something special. Where else can we break out our proper British accents and giggle that much?"
"It's a fun alternative to an evening meal," adds neighbour Anne Smith. "A tradition I look forward to with a wonderful group of neighbours."
To create a tea party at home worth dreaming about, there's everything one needs on Oak Bay Avenue. The perfect stop for April and Anne Smith is White Heather Tea Room, a beloved local institution celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
While White Heather Tea Room is known for its in-person dining experiences, it also offers many to-go patisserie and afternoon tea packages. Everything is made in-house, including delights like freshly made scones, French almond financier with pistachio rosehip buttercream, cheddar and herb mini sconewiches with chicken and apple salad and other Le Cordon Bleu-level pastries.
"Our takeaway tea boxes are incredibly popular," says manager Sloan. "Each box is assorted with care, either in a picnic-style spread or in three plastic tiers tied with ribbon."
White Heather also sells an assortment of fine teas, including its signature blend, the Mad Hatter. This "delightful" cup of Sri Lankan Ceylon black tea features notes of calming passionfruit and uplifting papaya.
Sloan says there is a distinct difference between afternoon tea and high tea, both customs of British culture. High tea is actually a working-class meal which typically includes meat, fish, breads and desserts along with a pot of tea, all served around dinnertime at a high table.
Afternoon tea, on the other hand, originated in the 1840s during the Victorian era and includes dainty sandwiches and pastries. It was considered more of a formal gathering for the upper class and is what many today call "high tea".
"Afternoon tea encourages us to set aside time to relax and slow down with a warm cup of tea. It is a unique culinary experience, with both savouries and sweets presented with a distinguished character," Sloan says.
Of course, a well-planned afternoon tea party goes beyond the food and into the realms of esthetic and charm. Choosing a theme can add these extra layers – whether it's a garden tea adorned with fresh floral arrangements, a vintage-inspired affair with lace and delicate china, or a whimsical Mad Hatter gathering with mismatched teacups and playful colours. Or, one can make it a Royal tea by cheers-ing with champagne.
A perfect spot to find second-hand tea sets with whatever character you desire is Good Things Consignment – also on Oak Bay Avenue. When choosing a set, consider its design and ensure it goes with your furniture and home. You'll want to look for a matching set with all items needed – including a milk saucer and something for sugar. However, mix-matching sets can also look appealing so long as the styles and colours work in harmony.
Colour coordination will take the setting to the next level. A classic white tea set with blue details will work nicely with blue flowers like cornflower, hydrangea or delphiniums, for instance. For the tablecloth, lace always adds a nice touch and a basic white is easy and light, letting your tableware shine. Pops of colour can be added in a complementary or matching colour to the teaware by placing a runner in the middle of the table or coloured macarons on the plates.
For a real show stopper, Oak Bay Flower Shop creates fresh flower arrangements, including cute ones in tea cups – extra fitting for the occasion.
While the perfect afternoon tea party takes effort, the enchanting atmosphere and memories make it worthwhile.
Whether indulging in an afternoon of elegance or embracing a playful tea party with friends, the beauty of this timeless tradition lies in the details – and, of course, the perfect cup of tea.
This article is from the spring edition of Tweed.
