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Afternoon Tea and Alice in Wonderland

A perfect combination...

One of  Cookify's favourite design styles is English Afternoon Tea with a vintage flare; we've been looking at some new design routes for our ranges and are planning some Alice in Wonderland themed - watch this space! Whilst we were brainstorming some ideas, we realised how the two themes of English afternoon tea and Alice in Wonderland - are so closely linked.

With the Mad Hatters Tea Party, describing the quintessential tea table laid with with mis-matched cups and saucers brimming with tea, it's easy to see the link between the two styles. The original drawings from Alice in Wonderland also have a soft English vintage feel to them, with the washed colours, drawing style and playful curly fonts. For some, the Mad Hatter tea party scene is a little hectic, given the niceties of a smart hotel afternoon tea which is a much daintier affair. 

What are the origins of afternoon tea?

Despite being such an English tradition, records show that "afternoon tea" only first appeared around the middle of the 19th century.  Tea of course, has a much longer heritage in England, dating back to 1660's when King Charles II and his wife bought tea drinking into fashion.

The Seventh Duchess of Bedford is credited with introducing afternoon tea, as she requested a selection of tea, bread, butter and cake be bought to her to fill the gap between lunch a late dinner time of 8pm. This ritual became a social occasion and it soon became a calendar staple, marking the start of afternoon tea.

Afternoon tea to this day, feels like a treat and taking time out of a busy day. Particularly on holiday, where the debate around cream teas comes in - Devon v Cornwall, Jam first v cream first! Either way, we love cream teas and afternoon doesn't feel complete without them, making it a really indulgent treat.

English tea party aprons 

One of our best selling design lines, encompassing the timeless English afternoon tea themes of bunting, tea, cakes, checked table clothes all in soft colour ways.   Our top selling apron is the Personalised Superstar Baker Apron for all sizes, from 3 years up to large adult. Perfect for the baking superstar in your life, our cooking apron can be personalised with any name to create a thoughtful one-of-a-kind gift.

 

personalised aprons

Just right for tea time lovers who want a Mad Hatter Tea Party feel but want to protect their clothes! Our other popular personalised English tea time aprons are for those who Love Cupcakes or those who are Queen of the Kitchen.

Why not browse our Afternoon Tea Collection for vintage tea party styled personalised aprons?

Alice in Wonderland gifts

As part of our new range of Alice in Wonderland kitchen gifts, is this fun and colour personalised "We're all bonkers..." Apron.  This quote is take on the Tim Burton 2010 film of Alice in Wonderland, rather than the original book, but has become a staple of much loved quotes attributed to the book. In the film, the exchange of this quote is between the Mad Hatter and Alice, when the Mad Hatter asks Alice "Have I gone mad?" and she responds " I'm afraid so. Your entirely bonkers.  But I'll tell you a secret, all the best people are."

 

Alice in Wonderland personalised apron

 

Another great Alice in Wonderland gift is our "We're all mad here" t-shirt and apron. A fun design inspired by the Cheshire Cat from Alice In Wonderland - perfect for your favorite Alice in Wonderland fans who like a quirky present. We particularly like the curly retro style font - it really adds to the vintage feel of the design.

 Alice in Wonderland tshirt and apron

 

Have you ever wondered why the Mad Hatter's pocket watch always says 6 o'clock?  Here's the answer in this quote:

“Well, I’d hardly finished the first verse,” said the Hatter, “when the Queen jumped up and bawled out, ‘He’s murdering the time! Off with his head!’”

“How dreadfully savage!” exclaimed Alice.

“And ever since that,” the Hatter went on in a mournful tone, “he won’t do a thing I ask! It’s always six o’clock now.”

If ever  you see the Mad Hatter's pocket watch not a 6 o'clock, you know to say something...

Ideas for English Tea Parties

Alice in Wonderland would be a great style to use for your English tea party, particularly if you like the vintage look.  There are lots of ideas out there for tea party props and recipes from biscuit cutters shaped like card symbols, through to "Drink me" labels for glasses or bottles.

Here are links to some of our favourite Alice in Wonderland afternoon tea recipes:

Playing card sandwiches

Queen of Hearts Tarts

Chessboard Biscuits

You might like to look at:

Afternoon Tea Collection

Why it's OK to bake with kids

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