According to legend, one of Queen Victoria's (1819-1901) ladies-in-waiting, Anna Maria Stanhope (1783-1857), known as the Duchess of Bedford, is credited as the creator of afternoon teatime. Because the noon meal had become skimpier, the Duchess suffered from "a sinking feeling" at about four o'clock in the afternoon. At first the Duchess had her servants sneak her a pot of tea and a few breadstuffs. Adopting the European tea service format, she invited friends to join her for an additional afternoon meal at five o'clock in her rooms at Belvoir Castle. The menu centered around small cakes, bread and butter sandwiches, assorted sweets, and, of course, tea. This summer practice proved so popular, the Duchess continued it when she returned to London, sending cards to her friends asking them to join her for "tea and walking in the fields." The practice of inviting friends to come for tea in the afternoon was quickly picked up by other social hostesses.

An Afternoon Tea Party is a wonderful way to celebrate many special events. A great alternative to a formal dinner, Afternoon Tea is an ideal way to host a bridal or baby shower, birthday party or retirement. Typically served between 1pm and 5pm, an Afternoon Tea can be a very formal or casual affair.