Afternoon tea, or "le goûter" in French and "fika" in Swedish, was a charming tradition to take a brief pause, enjoy good conversation with friends and family, and indulge in enjoying scrumptious bites. Steeped in history, this British ritual of enjoying scones, finger sandwiches and tea seems to be an iconic tradition. Although tea has been an integral part of Chinese culture for thousands of years, the tradition of enjoying tea between lunch and dinner is a relatively recent 300 years old custom. This international passion was popularised by the Duchess of Bedford, who turned afternoon tea into a social event by inviting friends to join her for tea, bread, butter and cakes at 4 pm.

The elite society back then maintained a strict two-meal schedule, enjoying a filling breakfast and a late dinner at 8 pm. With such a significant gap in the afternoon, Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, often found herself feeling dreaded around four o’clock. To overcome the hunger gap and add an air of refinement to the afternoon, she started requesting a light tea snack with bread, butter, and cakes in her private chambers. What began as a solitary indulgence quickly became a social affair, with the trendsetting Duchess inviting friends to join her for this afternoon treat. The lively conversations, fine porcelain, and delicious treats quickly became a fashionable custom. In no time, “afternoon tea” became a fashionable social event embraced by the upper classes across England.

The tea break quickly evolved into a prestigious social event, a way for the aristocracy and royals to display their royalty, wealth and luxury. It required the perfect setting. Hosts opted for the most opulent rooms, outfitted with beautiful porcelain and fine china, creating a luxurious atmosphere. Etiquette was paramount, dictating not only dress codes but also the exact order of serving, reinforcing the refined social structure of these gatherings. With it came an array of fine accessories like porcelain teacups, decorative teapots, silver urns, silver tea sets and personalized tea blends, all designed to reflect one’s status and taste.

Drinking tea from fine porcelain cups and saucers became an iconic element of the afternoon tea ritual. Porcelain tea sets were particularly favoured as they retained heat well, ensuring the tea remained at the perfect temperature.  Various types of porcelain sets, each with its own distinct characteristics, were preferred for such occasions. Bone China, known for its delicate yet durable nature, was a favourite choice. Equally beloved was Fine China, admired for its refined elegance. Other prestigious varieties, including blue and white porcelain, celadon, and famille rose, each brought their own unique touch of artistry and refinement to the tea table. Therefore, the aristocracy showcased their exquisite porcelain tea sets at social gatherings, further elevating their status.

Over time, these porcelain tea sets that once graced the tables of the elite, have come to be regarded as vintage and antique treasures. They often featured intricate designs, delicate hand-painted details, and high-quality materials such as fine porcelain and bone china. As the years passed, these once opulent tea sets became cherished collectibles, symbolising a bygone era of refinement and elegance. Highly coveted by collectors, vintage porcelain tea sets are cherished for their timeless appeal and historical significance. Sets from famous manufacturers or those with distinctive designs are especially sought after. Beyond their monetary value, they evoke deep sentimental feelings, creating a personal connection to the past. Whether used for intimate gatherings or larger tea parties, vintage tea sets offer more than just function as they bring an air of elegance and nostalgia, turning any occasion into a memorable celebration of tradition.

In essence, what began as a simple snack to bridge the midday gap, evolved into a symbol of luxury and social status. The elegant porcelain tea sets once reserved for the elite are now cherished as vintage treasures. Today, afternoon tea continues to be a timeless celebration of elegance, offering a chance to indulge in tradition and meaningful conversation.