Afternoon Tea Just After Three

The importance of afternoon tea just after three, a British tradition worth saving.

Today we live in a crazy world where traditions are lost at great expense and cost. We rush around to get things done, squeezing in chores. mostly on the run. The fast lane shows no sign of slowing whilst our to-do lists keep on growing. Perhaps it is time to reflect on how we got into such a state, surely there is more to life, this can't be our fate? There is a tiny tradition that we British should remember because afternoon tea can be enjoyed all year through to December. The height of the table denotes a high or low tea, taken in the afternoon, sometime after three. I think this is a custom that needs to be part of daily life, a quiet half hour away from your electrical device. To sip on a hot mug or cup of tea, fancy with cake or simple with a dunking cookie, whether alone at a dappled tea shop in the height of spring or by burning

logs with jumpered friends and the joys that would bring. Afternoon tea under fluorescent lights just isn't right, so leave the office for a quiet place outside. Away from the bustle of what life brings, away from the distraction of daily things. If you're lucky to be at home in the day, design your own tea tradition in your own unique way. I know it's hard in the working world, fitting in extra when everything's already in a whirl, but the cost of self-preservation with every sip of tea is really truly priceless, so give it a try and see.

In a perfect world, every day would be warm and sunny, so tea could be taken outside in many different ways, even sweetened with honey. What would be finer than tea in a cup of

China? Maybe a decadent cake treat with a well-tended lawn at your feet, so wriggle those toes amidst the grass, for the moment will soon pass. Connecting with the earth is another lost tradition, but one so vital for a healthy condition. In that little half hour during afternoon tea, reflect on a simpler life and how sweet things might be. Feel the warmth of the sun or be glad you're wrapped up by the fire; either way, think of your worldly desires. Now I know this all sounds fanciful and out of most folks' reach, but afternoon tea is something we should all try to achieve. Perhaps just at weekends in your kitchen or back doorstep, if your weekdays are already hectic. Just give yourself the chance to unwind – half an hour away from your phone for a short time. Enjoy a cup of tea whilst petting your rabbit, dog or cat; they'll soon enjoy tea time too; now I know that as a fact. One of the greatest afternoon

teas I can remember was with my house rabbit napping on my lap back in November. It was cold outside and nearly dark by half three, but I had a throw rug snug about my knees. My rabbit sat as I stroked her ears and nose – such a simple, peaceful time – but if you're lucky, that's how it goes. Not every afternoon tea is perfect; interruptions may cause a distraction, so here is how I'd want my afternoon tea to be.

Imagine the summer of all summers, with the bluest of skies, sat beneath a willow arch as the odd soft-pink petal flutters by. The quintessential aroma of a classic, dusky rose, beautiful to look at and a delicate treat for your nose, intertwined with honeysuckle

to create a dappled shade, adding to the scent that could only be nature-made. Riding on the warmest of breezes, the added smell of sweet peas – the perfect setting for the perfect afternoon tea. Sat in a cream linen director's chair at a table of equal rusticity, set with a Morris blue teapot, milk jug with porcelain matching mugs for two. There was nothing special about the tea; it was standard Yorkshire, just like me! However, there was a treat of a sticky, fresh Danish, rich in fruit and teeth-loosening icing, my favourite treat after profiteroles. I can't really explain why this afternoon tea was so special; I was at home amidst the flower beds I'd grown. With no distractions but for a passing humble bee and a sparrow dive-bombing past, not expecting to see me, it was peaceful enough to notice a soft, summer breeze kiss, with

grass-ticked toes; it was near perfect bliss. This was the ultimate afternoon tea, just us two watching the garden grow. Baby blackbird stopped on by, as her parents had taught her we were reliable raisin suppliers and Mr Robin bobbed by on his way to bug catching, as wrens and blue tits had a singing competition. I know it is a luxury many won't get to have; I realised how wealthy I felt and the extent to which my riches went. Sat amongst perfumed spires, with bushes full of busy birds as butterflies danced along with gentle puffs of breeze, there was nowhere I would rather be. This is how I knew I'd achieved ultimate wealth – spiritually happy, content and in good health.

Create your own afternoon tea; take it from me, the time spent would be wise. For active folks, tea may be preferred on the go, bought at a shop to enjoy at a nearby beach with your dog or on your daily walk in the hills, sat on a dry stone wall, just above meadow-hugging fog. In a perfect world tea should be made in an unwashed pot; Granny would have a fit if she knew the pot was spotless. But I believe the idea to preserve afternoon tea is about the half-hour tune-out; it's not about the tea leaves. Half an hour a day watching some nature go on its way, whether swaddled and snug, sat on a hearth rug, watching snowflakes or raindrops race down a pane, or simply sat on the grass in the shade of a tree, by a river or stream cooled by the water's flow, see if you can see the grass around grow. Notice the bugs, like little spiders or worms, grass dwellers that go unnoticed but are always there, everywhere. Watch a ladybird scale a dandelion stem, or notice lawn daisies with pink petal ends. I found for my mind, spirit and soul, half an hour doing nothing except watching nature grow, helped my well-being in a way I'd never known. I always find that thirty minutes every day, just after three, to reflect on the simple things that live and grow around me. If you can buy a teapot and a special sweet treat, then find the time for the great British tradition of afternoon tea.