Tea Time
Three mid-priced buys suitable for afternoon tea parties of all kinds.
Afternoon tea is one of my favorite British rituals. It’s just the right amount of fussy (I do love me some pomp, after all) and oh-so decadent. While I’d experienced afternoon tea back in the States and while living in Japan, nowhere tops the UK and their love of all things ceremonial.
Nowadays, afternoon tea services come in all shapes and sizes. There are a variety of different menus, ranging from the traditional to the avant-garde and interactive, and the rules around dress codes have certainly evolved (although I’d always recommend checking with the venue before you arrive and steering clear of athleisure.)
This week’s products are all inspired by the afternoon tea experience. They can prepare you for a formal tea at a restaurant or hotel, or help you recreate one at home.
Just keep those pinkies down.
1. OPI Chocolate Moose Nail Lacquer (£14.90)
If you were still hesitant to jump on the brown nail bandwagon, here’s one worth trying at home instead of shelling out for a manicure. The rich color of this shade of nail polish reminds me of both a cup of tea with milk and one of the delicious pastries you’d enjoy alongside it. It’s an elegant neutral that’s easy to pair with any outfit, accessories or makeup look. OPI (previously featured here, here and here), is my go-to nail brand to keep my nails looking healthy and chic. Their nail lacquers always give me a professional, long-lasting finish.
2. COS Polka-dot Taffeta Midi Skirt (£135)
I like to have a bit of fun with my outfit whenever I have afternoon tea. I often go for something more dramatic than I would normally wear, especially in terms of silhouette. And now that dress codes are more relaxed, there are so many more options. A midi-length, full skirt is more traditional, but this one from COS (previously featured here, here and here), with its inky black hue and subtle pattern, brings a touch of goth to your tea party. Pair it with a white button-up blouse to channel Sharon Stone or a black turtleneck like Audrey Hepburn.
3. T2 Tea for Two Sets ($33 and up)
If you don’t want to bother with a reservation, you can recreate a bit of the afternoon tea experience at home any day of the week with T2’s (previously featured here) colorful teaware. I think their Tea for Two sets make an excellent gift for the tea lover in your life (or yourself) and are available in several eye-catching patterns. Each set includes a stackable pot with an infuser and two cups. Add your preferred dried tea (I’m partial to their Gorgeous Geisha and Sticky Honey Rooibos varieties) and sip the hours away in style.
Something to try …
If you’re planning a trip to England anytime soon, here are some of my favorite afternoon tea spots within Greater London and close by:
Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard (pictured above)