Do You Seek a Very Nearly Tea or a Proper Tea?

“Christopher Robin was home by this time, because it was the afternoon, and he was so glad to see him that they stayed there until very nearly tea-time, and then they had a Very Nearly Tea, which is one you forget about afterwards, and hurried on to Pooh Corner, so as to see Eeyore before it was too late to have a Proper Tea with Owl.” –The House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne (quote courtesy of Dawnya Sasse)

Whether you’re a tearoom owner, tea hostess, or seeking out an afternoon tea experience, do you seek out a Proper Tea or a Very Nearly Tea? What’s the difference?

Here are Tea Party Girl’s top ten thoughts:

  • A Proper Tea pays attention to the details. These include ironed linens, sparkling silver, and fresh ingredients.
  • A Very Nearly Tea lets the tea cool or run out.
  • The guest of a Proper Tea RSVPs in a timely manner and arrives promptly. They make time to groom to their best before they arrive and are better listeners than talkers.
  • The hostess of a Very Nearly tea shows her guests that she is stressed by the work.
  • A Proper Tea considers each element’s artistic contribution and thinks through how the tea, food, music, and table settings complement one another.
  • A Very Nearly Tea serves dry scones and tea bags guests are expected to brew themselves.
  • A Proper Tea provides comfortable seating.
  • A Very Nearly Tea crowds as many people as possible into tight places.
  • The Proper Tea guests are allowed to linger.
  • The Very Nearly Tea guests are rushed.
  • Think back through your experiences. What have made your tea-times unforgettable? When have you been disappointed? Please share YOUR thoughts with us on the difference between a Proper Tea and a Very Nearly Tea in the comments below.


    Comments

    1. Steph W says:

      On the topic of Pooh bear, I recently discovered in the children’s section of my library these two books: Winnie the Pooh’s Teatime Cookbook and the Pooh Party Book. Oh, they are delightful (and even give a menu for a Very Nearly tea). All of the recipes feature honey, of course! Fun!

    2. Teapriestess D says:

      To your list I’d add
      The Proper Tea is an intimate affair no matter how many are present.
      The Very Near Tea is about as intimate as a meal at McDonalds.

    3. Tarie says:

      Oh, this is such a charming post in such a charming site! This is my first time visiting – and I’m visiting via the March carnival of children’s literature at the Reading Tub Blog.

      And wow, Winnie the Pooh’s Teatime Cookbook and the Pooh Party Book!

      Tea-times are unforgettable when they are with people you love. :)