Tea party

People typically consumed light foods such as fruit during summer and spring seasons and more substantial fare in fall and winter.

[1] Formal tea parties are generally characterised by the use of prestige utensils, such as porcelain, bone china or silver.

Most of the formalities of that age have disappeared, particularly since World War II, when economic changes made household servants a rarity, but afternoon tea can still provide a good opportunity for intimate conversation and a refreshing light meal.

At kettle drums, guests traditionally came for short periods and left at will, mingled and conversed with little formality, and partook of tea, chocolate, lemonade, cakes, and sandwiches.

Per false folk etymology, the name "kettle drum" is said to have originated in the informal tea gatherings hosted by British camp officers' wives during East India Company rule or the British occupation of India, during which kettle drums are claimed to have served as tea tables in the camps.

[7] Tea party etiquette depends on the customs and accepted standards of behaviour of a given time period and place.

Various rules of etiquette included:[9] Tea parties are sometimes hosted by young children where the guests consist of stuffed animals, dolls, friends (both real and imaginary) and family members.