Is it “afternoon tea” or “high tea?” 

Afternoon tea is a fancy tea setting with a three-tiered tray of sandwiches, scones and sweets. High tea is a more substantial evening meal, traditionally served at a high dining table, with heartier foods such as meat, vegetables, bread, and sometimes tea. Our party is an “afternoon tea.”  

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How do you take your tea? 
Some people enjoy milk and sugar with their tea, especially when served a black tea variety, like we are serving at our tea (Earl Grey Supreme). At a traditional afternoon tea, tea is poured first, add sugar (if desired) and stir lightly with teaspoon. If you’d like milk, you pour a bit in from the little pitcher on the table. But there’s no right or wrong way...some people prefer their tea plain black, some with milk, and some with sugar. It’s up to you! We’ll also have an assortment of caffeine-free tea bags and hot water, as well as plain water if you're not a tea fan at all.  

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Must I hold my pinky out while holding a teacup? No, not at all! 

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How do I eat a scone?  
When enjoying your scone, break it in half (or into manageable pieces) with your hands rather than cutting it with a knife. Then add a bit of jam and a dollop clotted cream (or cream first and then jam—this is a matter of great debate!) and enjoy one bite at a time. 

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🫖 A Little About Your Table 

Guests will be seated at tables of eight, with each table featuring two three-tiered stands of delicious food to share. 

The traditional order for enjoying afternoon tea is: 

• Bottom Tier - Savories – Start with this tier and enjoy the sandwiches and other savory treats first. 

• Middle Tier - Scones – Next, move on to the scones, along with jam and cream. Traditionally, if scones are right out of the oven, you would eat those first. But alas! Ours are coming from the Tea Room of Rustic Root on the morning of 11/14, so we’ll enjoy them as the second course. 

• Top Tier - Sweets – Finish with the delightful assortment of desserts on the top tier. And since you’re sharing a meal with three others at the table, it is absolutely OK to take the plate off the tier and pass it to the other guests on your side of the table. In fact, that’s part of the fun of afternoon tea—sharing the treats and enjoying the conversation with those around you. 
   

👒 What Should I Wear? 

We want everyone to feel completely comfortable and relaxed! The event is indoors, and the vibe is cozy. There is absolutely no need to buy anything new for this afternoon. ​

• Cozy & Classic: A favorite cardigan, knit sweater, or blouse with slacks or a skirt.

• Easy & Elegant: A dress you already love.

• Smart & Simple: A sweater, polo, or button-down shirt with chinos, khakis, or slacks.

• Country Casual: A casual blazer, zip-up fleece, or cardigan layered over a favorite shirt.

 
The Beatrix Potter Palette (Optional): If you want to playfully lean into the theme or the autumn season, look for earthy tones in your closet—like soft sage greens, warm browns, rust, navy, or light denim blues (just like Peter Rabbit's jacket!).