Here’s The Tea: Embrace the Timeless Rituals at Peach Grove House
The comforting ritual of brewing a perfect cup of tea offers a moment of tranquility in our busy lives. At Peach Grove House, we believe that tea is more than just a beverage; it’s a self-care indulgence, a way to bring home the flavors of our favorite travels, and a social and cultural ritual that brings people together.
History of High Tea
Before the introduction of afternoon tea in Britain, the English typically had two main meals: breakfast and dinner. By the mid-18th century, dinner for the upper and middle classes had shifted from midday to a later evening hour. The Duchess of Bedford (1783–1857), one of Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting, who experienced a “sinking feeling” around four o’clock in the afternoon, to alleviate this, she took her tea and light snacks in private. Eventually, she began inviting friends to join her for tea at five o’clock in her rooms at Woburn Abbey – small cakes, bread and butter sandwiches, assorted sweets, were served along with the tea. This practice proved so popular that the Duchess continued it upon returning to London, and it was soon adopted by other social hostesses.
While this afternoon tea became a cherished ritual among the upper classes, the term “high tea” referred to a different tradition. High tea was a more substantial meal taken by the middle and lower classes in the early evening, typically around 5 or 6 pm. This meal often included hearty dishes and was the main meal of the day for the working class. In contrast, the afternoon tea introduced by the Duchess of Bedford was a lighter affair, primarily consisting of tea and snacks, and was associated with the upper classes.
A Daily Self-Care Indulgence
Taking a moment to savor a cup of tea can be a simple yet profound act of self-care. Whether it’s starting your morning with a robust black tea or winding down in the evening with a soothing herbal infusion, tea offers a peaceful pause. At Peach Grove House, we encourage our guests to embrace this ritual, perhaps enjoying their tea in one of our cozy sitting rooms or while gazing out over the picturesque Warwick landscape.
Bringing Home the Flavors of Favorite Travels
Tea has a remarkable ability to transport us to distant places with just one sip. From the traditional yerba mate of Argentina, enjoyed communally with a gourd and bombilla, to the classic English Breakfast blends savored during British afternoons, each cup tells a story of its origin. At Peach Grove House, we love curating a diverse selection of teas, allowing our guests to embark on a global journey without leaving the comfort of our historic home.
As someone from Argentina, yerba mate holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, I cherished the moments spent sharing mate with family and friends, as well as enjoying it alone, finding comfort in its companionship. Each sip connected me to fond memories of togetherness and tradition. It was this sense of warmth and connection that we aim to share with our guests through our tea offerings.
A Social and Cultural Ritual
Tea has long been a cornerstone of social gatherings across cultures. In Argentina, sharing mate is a cherished tradition that fosters community and connection. In England, the practice of afternoon tea brings people together over delicate sandwiches and pastries. At Peach Grove House, we honor these traditions by offering afternoon tea sessions per request, perfect for intimate gatherings or meetings. It’s a delightful way to connect with others and share in the timeless ritual of tea.
Shop Our Favorites
To elevate your tea experience, here are some of our favorite teas and accessories.
- The Tiffany Jardin Porcelain Teapot: Featuring flora and fauna motifs first introduced on 19th-century Tiffany & Co. hollowware, the Tiffany Jardin collection captures the beauty of the natural world. Shop Here for the Tiffany Tea Pot!
- Victoria Grey Classic by Fortnum and Mason: It was in Queen Victoria’s reign that Britain became a nation of tea lovers, this Famous Tea pays homage to the monarch herself. Buy Victoria Grey Classic Tea!
- Wildflower Honey by Rulison Honey Farms, a fourth-generation family business, responsibly manages bees, hand-bottles honey, and serves customers throughout New York’s Hudson and Mohawk Valley regions. Find Wildflower Honey Here!
- Wilkerson Bakery’s Moravian Spice Cookies are hand-baked, exceptionally thin treats featuring a warm blend of ginger, allspice, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Molasses and brown sugar add depth and aroma, making these cookies a delightful holiday and tea time tradition. Buy Moravian Spice Cookies!
- The Wildflowers Tea Towel by The Shops at Mount Vernon: a 100% cotton towel measuring 19” x 32”, featuring detailed illustrations of 15 different wildflower blossoms. Shop Now for a Wildflower Tea Towel!
