The high art of an afternoon tea table

I love my Darjeeling tea. It is my go-to beverage for refreshment. I also love the concept of an elegant tea table, just like what we get to see in classic Hollywood movies and period dramas – Susmita Chatterjee

The joy of afternoon tea and treats

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Mary Poppins, Famous Five or lately Bridgerton may have given us a taste of tea parties, but it’s been around since the 1840s. The seventh Duchess of Bedford introduced the concept of afternoon tea because she often felt hungry in between lunch and dinner. It later evolved into a ritual where friends were invited, turning it into an elaborate tea-party. As a proud tea-drinking and producing nation, we have also held on and rediscovered this very British-ritual with all the fancy frills.
In the late 1920s and 30s Flurys introduced the concept of elaborate tea menus to aristocrats in Calcutta while catering to expats, and it quickly became an intrinsic part of the high life. Rajesh Singh, national head of the heritage confectionery chain elaborated on the all the elements that go into creating the experience. “Premium Darjeeling tea, bite-sized sandwiches, puffs, quiche, rum balls, assorted pastries, along with scones served with whipped cream and jam, make for a perfect afternoon tea table,” he said.

Youngsters should enjoy tea too since it’s a healthy drink. There’s nothing like good adda with friends over some tea
– Nayantara Pal Choudhuri

Try a desi high tea with
Masala chai
Pakodas and fritters
Samosas
Chaat
Fish fry or fish fingers
Mutton patties
Mishti

Afternoon tea was a social confluence of class and style. A well-planned ceremony where method, etiquette and aesthetics were at play. It’s always magical to see a beautifully set up table – Oiendrila Ray Kapur, art, lifestyle and travel experiences curator
High tea was originally known as the working-class’s main meal of the day and included bread, meats and pies. Low tea, or afternoon tea however, was what the aristocrats enjoyed with a light snack before dinner. The ‘high’ and ‘low’ in these terms actually refer to where the tea was taken, either at a low table or a high dining table

Afternoon tea is picking up in Kolkata now & can be explored every season. In summers one can try cold beverages such iced lemon tea or a nice tea mocktail – Nayantara Pal Choudhuri, former chairperson, Indian Tea Association

Choose the right tea for your table
Black tea - Earl Grey, Darjeeling first flush,
Assam second flush
Ceylon blends
Indian masala chai is a new entrant and the milk version can have a pride of place
– Inputs by Oiendrila Ray Kapur

Tea cakes and finger sandwiches are much-loved traditional tea snacks
Indian tea table with kachori, samosa and sandesh
Elegant cups and saucers are a must for an afternoon tea teable

Susmita pic: Anindya Saha; makeup: Pritam Das; hair: Sujit Das; styling: Soumya Nandy; Tea table pics: Kounteya Sinha