Edmund and Mary Fry of Rose Tree Cottage are experts in the tradition of afternoon tea. Serving Afternoon Tea As opposed to high tea, which takes place after 5:30 p.m., afternoon tea can be as formal or as informal as you wish it to be. At Madelyn and Elizabeth Cain's Mother/Daughter Tea, the party is complete with dresses, bone china, teacakes and dainty decorations. Adorned in a traditional butler's outfit, Edmund Fry teaches the girls the finer points of afternoon tea. - For this party, the Frys present special favors that pull apart to reveal a crown and a gift to transform the girls into queens for a day (figure A).
- Edmund Fry first pours milk into the cup to prevent the china from staining and to give the tea its proper color.
- He pours the tea through a strainer as he serves it to prevent any leaves from getting in the cup (figure B).
- Sugar cubes are added to the tea with tongs, and he says that proper etiquette asks that no sound be made as the tea is stirred.
- Hats on, gloves removed and backs straight, the girls are instructed in how to lift their cups with the saucers to prevent spills on the dresses and tablecloths. Edmund Fry says that their spoons should remain on the saucer while they quietly sip their tea.
- There is no need to stick out the little finger as you sip, notes Fry. In fact, it should be left in to help balance the cup.
Guests: Edmund and Mary Fry
Rose Tree Cottage
824 E. California Blvd.
Pasadena, California 91106
Phone: 626-793-3337
Fax: 626-793-8125
E-mail: RoseTreeCo@aol.com
Web site: www.rosetreecottage.com
Catalog $3.00
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