Rather than just sit down for afternoon tea while I was in London last month, I was able to bake English classics and learn the craft and etiquette of the tradition with an expert in her beautiful Victorian home. Giuliana Orme, author of Afternoon Tea at Home Made Simple, has been offering home-baking and tea-making classes in her home for several years, providing guests with the opportunity to learn the history behind this British institution that dates back to the reign of Queen Victoria and the secrets behind the makings of the perfect afternoon tea. 
Our class with Giuliana began with a brief tour of her Victorian home, then it was straight to the scone and shortbread baking and specialty sandwich making. Giuliana welcomes all levels of abilities and gave detailed step-by-step instructions on how to assemble the teatime treats and desserts in her homey, quaint kitchen. With a very relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, the time it took our group to make the scones and cucumber sandwiches flew by, and we were soon escorted to the lovely drawing room to enjoy the fruits of our labor and learn proper tea etiquette. 
Over cups of hot tea, scones with homemade jam and warm conversation, we learned interesting information about the history of afternoon tea from Giuliana. The Duchess of Bedford reputedly started the institution in the 19th century as a way to fend off the hunger she felt between lunch at noon and formal dinner at 9 p.m. She would order tea, cakes and bread and butter to be served in her room and later started inviting relatives and friends over for snacks and conversation. Guiliana also showed us the beautiful china she’s aquired over the years and informed us of suggested topics of conversation for tea, such as music, food and travel. 
We all left full and happy with a goody bag filled with cake and scones with clotted cream and jam. If you can’t make it to Giuliana’s beautiful home for a lesson and traditional afternoon tea party, check out her book, which demystifies the tradition and includes delicious, easy-to-follow recipes to make at home. — Monique Barrett, eFlyer editor/associate editor
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedUnited States
Apr 15, 2021New Deals and Packages in Williamsburg, Virginia
Colonial Williamsburg is a great place for a springtime getaway! Explore the historic town, learn about the way they lived life back in the 18th century and enjoy sweet deals and offers throughout the spring.
eFlyer Reviews
Apr 14, 2021The Hamilton Hotel Review
The Hamilton Hotel, located steps from the White House, was the perfect place for a relaxing weekend getaway. Upon arrival, the staff was extremely friendly and helpful with a quick check-in process. The lobby was immaculate with shining marble flooring, velvet couches and an arched ceiling design that brought a sense of sophistication. For added security, the elevators are only accessible to those who have a key card to a guestroom.
eFlyer News
Apr 14, 2021Luxury Hotels Add Bryte Restorative Bed to Guestrooms
Luxury destinations around the country partnered with Bryte to introduce The Restorative Bed and enhanced sleep programming at their hotels. The revolutionary, AI-powered Restorative Bed uses real-time technology to intuitively adjust based on the individual’s needs and preferences. An embedded sensory network detects biometrics, like heart rate and breathing patterns, when a sleeper enters the first stage of sleep, triggering cooling features and lulling sleepers into deep sleep. Computer-controlled air cushions alleviate pressure points, and the technology also leads sleepers naturally out of sleep.
eFlyer News
Apr 14, 2021Tauck Announces Full Restart of U.S. Tours
Tauck announced plans to fully restart its U.S. tours by July 1. Departures of the Southern Charms: Savannah, Hilton Head and Charleston tour have already begun, with other popular tours across the country relaunching in the coming months. Check the Open for Travel page for information on specific tour departures.
eFlyer News
Apr 14, 2021Turkish Airlines Resumes Premium Onboard Dining Service
Turkish Airlines resumed its premium onboard dining and hot meal service on all business- and economy-class flights longer than two hours and 15 minutes. The resumption of service is in accordance with all health and hygiene applications.
Food
Apr 13, 2021Bring Coffee Anywhere with Chemex
Coffee is the pillar to almost everyone's morning and, in a way, it's part of a routine you need to get right in order to have your day go smoothly. There are many different brands, types, flavors, coffee shops and ways to make the bold morning beverage.
Maldives
Apr 12, 2021Soneva Yacht Experience in the Maldives
Luxury resort chain Soneva offers guests a luxurious yacht experience in the Maldives. The Soneva in Aquayacht brings guests on a three-night excursion to the pristine Goidhoo Island.
Daily
Apr 9, 20212021’s Best Frequent-Flyer Programs
With the vaccine rolling out and U.S. air travel expected to pick up in the upcoming months, the personal finance website WalletHub released a report on 2021’s Best Frequent-Flyer Programs, to help travelers make the best decision for their wallets.
ShareThis