L'heure du Thé (Tea Time)

We returned to the Morrin Centre for a fourth event- Tea Time.

"Come sample traditional teas, a variety of sandwiches, and delicious teatime treats, while boning up on Victorian etiquette and teatime customs in our historic library which boasts a collection of over 27,000 books."
Our host, and tea expert, was Guy-Philippe who spent an hour and a half sharing what was involved in, among other things, planning a Victorian tea party. Did you know? High tea is NOT the dainty meal of petit fours, finger sandwiches and scones served with clotted cream.  That is actually Afternoon Tea. Served generally at 4 or 5 pm in the afternoon, during the Victorian and Edwardian times, it became a welcome break between lunch and the late supper of those times. Afternoon tea was often served at a low table in a parlor or drawing room and thus called low tea.

In contrast, High Tea is what workers came home to after a hard day's work, especially in northern England, and was served in the early evening. It was always accompanied by heavier selections such as meat dishes like Cornish pasties, baked beans, cold cuts and cheese. There was nothing fancy about this meal.  Instead, it was a hearty working class family meal presented informally and often accompanied by a good strong tea. It was typically served at a higher dining table, thus acquiring the definition, high tea. I had no idea.
We even learned how to properly drink a cup of tea. Etiquette guides advise that one should hold the teacup using the thumb and your first two fingers. Sticking out your pinky is not advised. You should look into your tea cup when drinking, never over it (over it is considered being flirtatious and provocative). Do not tap your spoon against the side of the cup when stirring. I happened to like the napkin etiquette, when tea has concluded. At the end of dining, neatly fold the napkin with a crease and place it back on the left of the plate. This cue is an indicator to the host that you wish to be invited back. Needless-to-say, this is how both Steve and I placed our napkins.
The staff was incredible. The food was delicious. The company was delightful, and the setting was exceptional. The Morrin Centre has truly been a place of wonderfulness for us while in Québec.
“No matter where you are in the world,
you are at home when tea is served.”
– Earlene Grey 

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