LET’S START WITH THE BIG ONE. WHICH GOES ON THE SCONE FIRST: JAM OR CREAM?
In Devon they put cream first; in Cornwall they put jam first. There’s lots of inter-county rivalry over this. Personally I like my scones Devon style, because I believe a scone is merely a vessel for clotted cream and we should pile as much on as possible.
ON A RELATED NOTE, MILK FIRST OR SECOND?
Originally, milk was always put in first. Bone china was expensive and often had flaws in the glaze: you wouldn’t want to crack your precious cup with hot tea, so you put milk in first to protect it. Wealthy tea-drinkers had high-quality of china, of course, so they could put the milk in afterwards (or not at all). So in time this all became a mark of social status.
Frankly, I think it’s completely up to you. It also depends on how you brew it: brewing tea directly in the mug requires that you put the milk in afterwards, though if you brew it in a pot it can then be poured over the milk.
How Should the Tea Stand Be Ordered?
Top tier:
Scones (when cake stands were invented in the 1700s, a warming dome could only be rested on the top tier).
Middle tier:
Sandwiches
Bottom tier:
Sweets and pastries
Time for Tea?
Afternoon tea traditionally takes place between 4–6pm (although not technically "correct", we think it's quite the substantial lunch alternative).
And What Order Should They Be Eaten In?
Sandwiches first. Scones second. Sweet treats last.
HOW SHOULD ONE STIR ONE’S TEA?
Strictly it shouldn’t be “stirred” in a circular motion: instead move the spoon from 6 o’clock to 12 o’clock, as though you’re folding the tea over. (This officially makes the British seem as stiff as a board.) Do this 2–3 times, then place the teaspoon on the right-hand side of your cup, on the saucer.
TEABAGS OR LOOSE LEAF?
Loose leaf. If you’re doing afternoon tea right, you’ll be using a teapot – so you should brew loose leaf tea in the teapot, then reinfuse it with fresh hot water to keep your tea party going. You’ll also get a more complex taste.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
