Ceremony is a lost art in America today. But sometimes occasions that require proper dress and decorum as well as an out-of-the-ordinary menu can be fun. Afternoon tea is the perfect way to slow down, appreciate the art of conversation and brush up on manners.

One of Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting, Anna the Seventh Duchess of Bedford, is credited with discovering afternoon tea in the 1840s. One day she had requested a tray of tea and pastries around four o’clock to suppress her hunger since dinner was typically served fashionably late at eight o’clock. The concept took England by storm, and it became en vogue to serve a similar spread of high-quality tea, finger sandwiches and petite pastries.

Today afternoon tea is celebrated across the board at posh hotels, quaint inns and fine restaurants. The most famous Afternoon Tea is probably that of the Plaza Hotel in New York City. It is prepared in the most traditional manner and served in the Palm Court, where the famous picture of Eloise, the fictional child who treated the Plaza as her playground, hangs. Female patrons can be found dressed to the nines, which sometimes includes the essential white gloves.

Rest assured, though, afternoon tea can be just as wonderful enjoyed in an elaborate setting or in your living room. What truly makes afternoon tea memorable is having an interesting mix of guests and lively conversation. It is meant to be an occasion of lingering and enjoyment. You will wow your guests by hosting a get-together of such simple pleasures.

Invitations
For this afternoon tea, you can pick up the phone and personally invite your guests. No, e-mail does not count. You should also invite people other than your usual suspects. Try to select neighbors or acquaintances with a broad mix of ages, backgrounds and interests. Be so bold as to invite people you may not even know that well. But do try to have at least one or two people you would consider eccentric to keep things interesting.