Welcome to our Tea World
Meet…………Dorothy Findlater
As an English native with Scottish heritage, I moved to Monterey and instantly fell in love with its charm. My parents instilled in me a deep appreciation for tradition, and I noticed a missing touch of British elegance that I cherished so much. Inspired by my heritage, I saw the perfect opportunity to share the timeless tradition of English high teas with this wonderful community.
Today, I’m thrilled to bring a touch of British sophistication to Monterey through bespoke high tea experiences. My goal is to entertain and delight, offering a taste of England’s grace and charm right here in the heart of this beautiful city.
the history of High Teas
English High Tea's popularity soared during Queen Victoria's reign in the 19th century, turning it into a delightful social event. It was meant to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner, typically served between 4 and 6 PM. Thanks to the Duchess of Bedford's tasty idea, it evolved into a fashionable affair featuring delicate finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of scrumptious pastries on tiered stands. This delightful tradition, blending tasty treats with socializing, remains a beloved and fun way to enjoy tea and light refreshments.
5 Fun Facts About High Teas:
Duchess Origin: The tradition of afternoon tea is credited to Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, in the early 1840s. She started the trend of having a light meal between lunch and dinner.
Tiered Stands: High tea often features a three-tiered stand. The bottom tier holds savory sandwiches, the middle tier has scones with clotted cream and jam, and the top tier is for sweet pastries and cakes.
Not Just for the Elite: While it started as an upper-class tradition, high tea became popular among all social classes in Britain, evolving from a working-class supper to a refined social event.
Tea Etiquette: There’s a proper way to hold a teacup! Hold the handle with your thumb and index finger, and avoid sticking out your pinky finger – a common misconception.
Queen Victoria’s Influence: High tea's popularity soared during Queen Victoria's reign. She adored the tradition, and her love for tea helped it become a widespread and cherished British custom.