The Afternoon Tea Revolution

At a recent event at the Kansas City Museum, Stacie made a bold declaration: Tea Market is calling for an Afternoon Tea Revolution.

And honestly? It’s about time!

How It All Began (Yes, Literally in a Closet)

The story of afternoon tea starts in the early 1800s with Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, a woman after our own hearts. Dinner wasn’t served until late in the evening, and she found herself feeling “that sinking feeling” around four o’clock.

So she started sneaking off to her boudoir - her own version of self-care - for a quiet pot of tea and a little snack. Eventually, she invited her ladies-in-waiting to join her, and before long, “afternoon tea” became the height of fashion across England.

It began as one woman’s small act of rebellion - a refusal to power through the afternoon slump - and turned into a movement built on connection and conversation.

Spilling the Tea: Then and Now

There’s a reason we still say “spill the tea.”In those early gatherings, women finally had a space of their own - away from the expectations of the day - to speak freely. They laughed, shared secrets, compared notes on life, and yes, probably talked a little gossip.

Afternoon tea was more than a meal. It was a moment of power disguised as leisure - a ritual that gave women community and voice at a time when both were rare.

Fast forward to today, and that spirit hasn’t changed much. Whether you’re catching up with a friend or swapping stories with your sister, there’s still something sacred about sitting down with a cup and spilling the tea.  It’s connection in its purest form.

Why We’re Calling for a Revolution

Our lives have only gotten louder. Lunch happens between emails, and dinner’s a blur of takeout containers and kid carpools. We’ve traded connection for convenience - and no one feels rested.

That’s where the Afternoon Tea Revolution comes in. It’s not about lace doilies or silver spoons. It’s about reclaiming a rhythm that actually makes sense.

Picture this: friends gathered around a beautiful pot of tea, plates filled with something light and lovely, the conversation easy and unhurried. By early evening, the kitchen’s calm, the energy feels settled, and the night is yours to enjoy.

No chaos. No late night marathon cleanup. Just nourishment, laughter, and the reminder that slowing down is an act of self-respect.

A Tea Market–Inspired Menu

If you’re ready to join the revolution, here’s a sample menu with suggested parings to host your own modern afternoon tea.

Savory

• Mini Quiche - This recipe is easy to follow and is always a hit!

Pair with: Wuyi Oolong or Bao Zhong

• Cucumber Sandwiches with Lemon-Dill Cream Cheese - Here is one we love!

Pair with: White Pomegranate Tea – delicate, floral, and elegant

Sweet

• Cranberry Orange Scones - Here is a great one to try - served warm with butter or lemon curd

Pair with: Orange & Spice – cinnamon, Cardamom, Ginger, Clove and juicy, exotic, mood boosting Blood Oranges

• Chocolate Shortbread - Ina Garten has a great recipe!

Pair with: Earl Grey de la Crème - an elevated classic everyone will love!

For a decaffeinated option, pair with our Organic Cinnamon Plumb

Want to skip the cooking all together? Our dear friend Angela of A Slice of British does a great Afternoon Tea spread that you can't go wrong with. Her food is all made from scratch and as authentically British as it gets.

Finish with a tea-infused cocktail or a touch of sparkling rosé and raise your cup to the lost art of afternoon connection.

The New “Tea Time”

Maybe we can’t all sneak away to our boudoirs like the Duchess, but we can channel her spirit - a quiet, delicious rebellion against the rush.

This is your invitation to pause. To sip. To spill the tea - the good kind.

The Afternoon Tea Revolution starts right here - with you, your favorite cup, and a commitment to slowing down beautifully.