Why You Need to Grab Your Besties and Host an Afternoon Tea Party ASAP
By Anjali Kumar
Like Justin Bieber says in his hit Christmas track “Mistletoe,” “It’s the most beautiful time of the year, lights fill the streets spreading so much cheer, I should be playing in the winter snow, but I’ma be [having afternoon tea]... with you, shawty with you.” Or, at least it should have gone like that.
Afternoon tea time truly is the most beautiful time of the year. But what exactly is it? As defined by Britain's premier tea guide AfternoonTea.co.uk, afternoon tea is a light meal and social event that usually occurs between 3 and 7 pm. Guests choose from a selection of teas, finger sandwiches, pastries, and desserts to snack on while catching up with friends. Think: regency era violins plucking away at Mozart, fresh, aromatic lavender tea wafting through the air, and pillowy blueberry scones sitting atop a towering platter, patiently waiting to be devoured (sounds fab, right?).
For the past few years, I have frolicked around the tri-state area in desperate search of the best tea houses. And, after working on this very in-depth qualitative scientific research, I am proud to present you with the perfect guide to recreating your very own tea party in college!
1. The Tea
The most important part of the event! Selecting a tea can be a little overwhelming when you are presented with hundreds of options in a tea house. But, lucky for you, you can just buy a couple to try out when it’s your own tea party! There are fall-themed teas, like pumpkin spice and cinnamon, fruity teas, health and wellness teas, and so many more. I highly recommend Throat Coat tea to all my freshman flu patients out there. But don’t be afraid to put a modern spin on it and grab some bubble tea from Collegetown or a nice, hot chai from Libe! If you are making your own tea, I recommend using an electric kettle or microwave if you’re in a pinch.
2. Invite friends!
Afternoon tea is an amazing, therapeutic talking outlet. A Sunday brunch tea time is the perfect opportunity to debrief your weekends or take a break from prelim studying. Or, if you’re missing friends and family back home, a little FaceTime afternoon tea session never hurt anybody!
3. Food
Food can make or break your afternoon tea outing. Some of my favorite traditional small bites include scones with lemon curd and clotted cream, cucumber cream cheese and curried chicken salad sandwiches, and mini carrot cakes for dessert. However, I am all about being untraditional! Go a different route and get a little charcuterie board action going with small bites and baked goods from CTB! Grab muffins and hors d’oeuvres from Temple of Zeus! Make a Wegmans Instacart order! Or, dining hall food works, too!
4. Setting
Cultivating a vibe for your tea party is definitely a top priority. Invite people over to your dorm on a chilly day or lay out a cozy blanket on the slope for a sunset picnic with a gorgeous view. For the dress code: tea parties are usually a great excuse to dress up, but doing it in a sweatsuit is just as fun. Music is a must for your tea party; get fancy with some Bridgerton violin covers or go a more modern route with some chill Hozier and Kacey Musgraves. Or, play rap or heavy metal and jam out–tea parties are very versatile, so do them however you would like.
Congratulations! You are now totally prepared to throw a rockin’ afternoon tea party right here at Cornell.