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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.

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    3 Comments Add your own

    • 1. Steph W  |  March 11th, 2008 at

      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  |  March 13th, 2008 at

      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  |  April 2nd, 2008 at

      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. :)

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