The Art of Afternoon Tea: The Use of Porcelain Dinnerware with Green and Black Teas

Navigation

1. Porcelain: The Perfect display of Afternoon Tea
2. Aligning Porcelain to Your Tea Selection
3. Beyond the Cup & Saucer: The Art of the Porcelain Ensemble

The act of consuming tea in the afternoon is originated from the British practice that dates back to the early 1800s. Duchess of Bedford, Anna, who felt hungry in the late afternoon invited her friends for taking tea, cakes and sandwiches. This small meal then evolved into a social event, more especially among the upper class of society. Since then the tea especially in the afternoon has been associated with comfort and leisure.

One of the most important characteristics that distinguishes the ritual of afternoon tea is the usage of porcelain dinnerware. Classically, a fine porcelain dinnerware set was a status symbol and only the wealthy people could afford to have one. Today, having a beautiful porcelain tea set that includes teacups, saucers and plates gives a certain charisma to the tea ritual.

Porcelain is best known for its fine patterns and designs. It makes the tea table more attractive and classy. This tradition is considered important as it helps to maintain continuity with the past. It makes the afternoon tea not only about the food and drinks; but also a great chance to enjoy the beauty and history of this tradition.

Porcelain: The Perfect display of Afternoon Tea

The history of sophistication

Fine porcelain has a very close association with the ritual of tea in the afternoon. It represents class and elegance. Porcelain has its origins in China and has existed since ancient times. It was first produced during the Tang Dynasty but the art was refined and perfected during the Song Dynasty.

Chinese porcelain gained the popularity and soon became an item holding great value in Asia and the Middle East. The importation of porcelain in Europe began in the 16th century. Because the demand was high, European manufacturers also sought to create their own porcelain material.

Porcelain has been associated with afternoon tea to a greater extent, and it can be traced back to the 18th century when tea became a trend in Europe. During the social functions, the rich families used to display their porcelain dinner set. Due to that, porcelain became a necessity in the afternoon tea.

Types and their associated tales

Various kinds of porcelain are used to present the afternoon tea. Bone China is one of the most prized and most appreciated porcelain types. It is particularly appreciated for its transparency and smooth texture. Bone China was first developed in England in the 18th century. The material is attained by mixing clay with bone ash, which produces a firm and fine material. Bone china has an unmatched elegance and a lighter feel that is highly preferred in formal tea settings.

Another renowned type for serving the afternoon tea is the Fine China. This material is very strong and can be relatively cheaper than Bone China. Fine China is produced in a number of different colors and designs. It is flexible, and you can easily incorporate it in several afternoon tea themes and styles. The strength of Fine China makes it suitable for everyday use.

There are some other types of porcelain, including blue and white porcelain, celadon, and the famille rose. All of them contribute their specific beauty to the tea table. Blue and white porcelain is characterized by very classic patterns that have been much appreciated since the Ming period. Celadon porcelain has a jade-like glaze, and it gives a very subtle aesthetic to the tea experience. Finally, Famille Rose is known for its bright colors and attractive patterns. Each type of porcelain has its story and they all play a great role in the history of afternoon tea.

Aligning Porcelain to Your Tea Selection

Green Tea Synchronization

Green tea is known for its mild and delicate taste. It provides a calm and classy tea drinking experience. Celadon porcelain is ideal to present the green tea. Celadon porcelain is famous for its soft greenish glaze which resembles jade. Celadon is characterized by light tones that give a visual perspective to the tea. It complements the color of green tea because it allows the flavors to stand out.

However, you can also use white or pale-colored Bone China with simple design to serve green tea. It does not overwhelm the tea experience and gives room for the flavors of the tea to shine. Porcelain perfectly complements the purity of green tea and also brings a balance to the natural qualities of the tea.

Black Tea Brilliance

Black tea is all about strong and bold taste. Black tea is definitely quite bold and it requires an incredibly dramatic and bright porcelain selection. It means that the porcelain tea set must be as deep and as complex as black tea. Blue and White porcelain is perfect for serving black tea. It goes quite well with the firmness and depth of the tea.

The richness of the colors and the complexity of the patterns make porcelain visually pleasing. It also enhances the flavors of the tea. Therefore, by combining the porcelain choice with the nature of tea, you can significantly improve the experience of the afternoon tea. It makes each cup an actual celebration of flavors and aesthetics.

Beyond the Cup & Saucer: The Art of the Porcelain Ensemble

Teapots

The teapot is the focal point in every tea service and it is always crucial to select the one that aligns well with your porcelain cups and saucers. Teapots are widely available in various designs and materials. You can easily find an elegant teapot ranging from the bone china to the fine china.

When you match a Celadon teapot with Celadon teacups, it gives a very serene and harmonizing look. A blue and White porcelain teapot is also a very good choice because it also generates an elegant tea experience. The material of the teapot is important to keep the tea warm and to retain the flavors of the tea. The choice of the teapot can enhance the practicality as well as the beauty of the tea drinking process.

Creamers & Sugar Bowls

Creamers & sugar bowls are also significant part of the afternoon tea accessories. These pieces should harmonize with the design of your teapot and cups. For a more conventional look, you can get Bone China creamer and sugar bowl. It has fine patterns and gives a touch of elegance. If you want to create a modern tea party, you can choose Fine China set with clean and smooth lines. Creamers and sugar bowls are essential in completing the tea service and making it as elaborate as possible.

Plates & Tiered Stands

Plates and tiered stands are used to serve sandwiches, pastries, etc. Porcelain plates that complement the teapot and teacups would be ideal to complement the table setting.

Porcelain tiered stands are used to make the afternoon treats more presentable and tempting. If you choose these additional porcelain pieces properly, you can make the tea time soothing and elegant at the same time.

By combining porcelain dinnerware with rich flavors of green and black tea, you can create an unforgettable and stylish afternoon tea experience. The real skill lies in finding the complementary porcelain pieces that add character and depth to the tea table. Experiment with different blends to create your own tea ritual.