Afternoon Tea

"Under certain circumstances there are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea."
-- Henry James, The Portrait of a Lady

I can't agree more fully with Henry James! Our family has spent many an afternoon delighting over tea -- from intimate teas at home to elegant affairs at the Waldorf. We unwind as well as celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, recitals with tea, sandwiches, cakes, and scones with Devonshire cream! Afternoon tea necessitates the slowing of time. It evokes the joys of companionship, of unhurried conversation, of beauty and elegance, and of much-needed relaxation. Oh, the joy and necessity of Afternoon Tea!