| ELEGANCE, PRIDE AND CIVILITY AT
AFTERNOON TEA
By Fannie L. Allen
Mothers and daughters, best friends and new acquaintances
shared a pleasant afternoon over a menu of tea time treats--a
selection of assorted crustless sandwiches, teacakes and
pastries, chocolate strawberries, scones, and a variety
of teas. What a wonderful experience with delightful and
tasty treats!
The occasion was the 2002 High Tea Society Mother-Daughter
Tea at the Four Season Hotel in Washington, D.C. The Hotel
provided an elegant, refined and calm atmosphere. The tables
were beautifully decorated in a floral scheme and a harpist
played themes appropriate for the occasion.
Around the room, beautiful modern and vintage hats adorned
the heads of the elementary school age girls that the High
Tea Society (HTS) mentors. Elegance and fashion were the
perfect accompaniments for the positive spirit and confidence
of the girls. The atmosphere exuded poise and decorum. Civility
prevailed throughout the afternoon.
It was obvious that the attendees were acquainted with
the menu; they maneuvered through the three-tiered tray
appropriately. No spoons were left in the teacups. The girls
take their tea etiquette seriously and they put in practice
what they had learned. An associate noted that their body
posture and body language demonstrated comfort and confidence.
She also stated that the girls seemed at ease as they enjoyed
their tea and the setting while they chatted with those
nearby.
The High Tea Society hosted the Mother-Daughter Tea. This
fundraiser was one of four afternoon teas sponsored by the
HTS as part of their educational and cultural enrichment
program. These occasions provide opportunities for the girls
to display their social graces and to continue the learning
process in a real life setting.
The HTS adopted Afternoon Tea as an opportunity for exposing
the girls to a myriad of pleasant experiences that they
probably would not encounter without the help of mentors
and other responsible adults. The Afternoon Tea experience
is a non-threatening and enjoyable activity for cultural
enrichment and for teaching the fundamentals of etiquette,
self-control, manners and decorum--all essential social
skills. HTS believes that Afternoon Tea transcends barriers
and provides a forum for opening doors to a new world with
new possibilities and opportunities for young girls to discover
their true selves.
As you have probably noticed from local restaurants and
hotel marketing and community organizations, Afternoon Tea
is growing in popularity. It has been said that we have
Anna, Duchess of Bedford, to thank for introducing afternoon
tea. It was customary during her time to enjoy a large breakfast,
a light lunch and a hearty dinner around eight in the evening.
The Duchess, by five in the afternoon, would start to experience
“a sinking feeling.” She ordered tea, sandwiches
and sweets. This soon became a ritual and she invited friends
to join her.
Today, Afternoon Tea is considered an alternative to the
business lunch or dinner. Therefore, afternoon tea is a
social and professional function and it is a popular way
to entertain. At an HTS Afternoon Tea, a hat and gloves
are essential elements of the dress code.
The High Tea Society is a tax-exempt educational and cultural
enrichment organization for young girls, ages 10 to 18,
who live in the inner city and attend District of Columbia
Public Schools. Through educational and cultural seminars
in science, music, literature and drama, and by establishing
high standards of excellence, HTS actively engages and mentors
selected students in their academic and personal development.
Afternoon Teas provide the setting for many of the seminars
as the HTS strives to expand the student’s field of
vision beyond their immediate environment. If you wish to
know more about the High Tea Society, please visit their
web site at www.highteasociety.com.
As a member of the Executive Committee, I invite you to
support the organization and to attend the next scheduled
tea event.
Fannie L. Allen is Director of the Allen Etiquette Institute,
2009 North 14th Street, Suite 706, Arlington, Virginia 22201.
Her telephone number is: 703-566-3270. She lectures throughout
the country on Etiquette and Protocol.
Ms. Allen welcomes etiquette questions and comments. While
she cannot respond to each and every one, your question
and a response may appear on this web site: www.blacksocietypages.com.
You may E-mail Ms. Allen at: faassoc@erols.com
or visit her web site: www.allenetiquette.com.
Copyright ©2002 Allen Etiquette Institute
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