Well, I don't know if you've fallen for the Bridgerton series like I have. Personally, I avoid romantic series like the plague, especially Netflix ones because they make me too delusional and go to my head. Then I look for my Prince Charming at the library, who will pick up my books when they fall on the floor. No, it cannot be.
A year ago, I arrived in Luxembourg, where it's freezing to death. So I decided to curl up under my blanket with my tea and my knitting, looking for a series to get me through the winter. And that's when the trouble started, when I saw the new season of Bridgerton.
It was already well known at the time, but I thought to myself: ugh, another sappy series with the same old 'run away from me, I'll follow you' plot. So, of course, I binge-watched all the seasons, completely captivated by the atmosphere and the costumes.
I won't mention the actors' performances, which are grotesque, but let's move on. Above all, an irrepressible desire developed in me without me seeing it coming: my obsession with tea time!!
Actually, they clearly spend their time eating in this series, little fruit jellies here, little cupcakes there, and you get yourself a little tea served with your tea set. In this period of seasonal depression, it's exactly what we need, people: sugar, sugar, sugar.
I continued down this slippery slope of British monarchy-themed series, watching them all: Downton Abbey, The Crown, Pride and Prejudice... But I don't care about the monarchy side of it all, it's tea time that I'm waiting for.
As a sugar addict myself, I live vicariously through these characters who don't gain an ounce and yet spend their time eating cream puffs. So recently I took action: I prepared my own tea time just for me. And I fully intend to influence you (mwahahaha).
First, a little history, because personally I knew nothing about tea time and it's actually fascinating.
In the 18th century, tea time began to develop. At first, it took the form of an afternoon gathering of highborn gentlemen at the coffeehouse (lol, those English lords needed something to keep them busy). They were also called "penny universities" in reference to the conversations that these convivial moments encouraged and the one-penny entrance fee.
But women were not allowed in these places because... they weren't allowed to drink coffee, I suppose?! What they were allowed to do, however, was drink tea, more ladylike if you please.
Then came the tea gardens, afternoons when noble men and women gathered to drink tea together, and gradually this social event became a tradition and food was added to the mix. No wonder drinking only tea all afternoon made you hungry.
Just to quote the Duchess of Bedford, considered the tea time pioneer, who ordered a sandwich one afternoon, declaring that she had a "sinking feeling" between lunch and dinner. From there, tea time began, with scones, small sandwiches, and a variety of cakes.
Obviously, since it's a monarchy, there's a certain etiquette to follow. I won't list them all because there are too many, but here are my top 5 rules to know if you don't want to come across as a boor. You never know, you might be invited to tea with Charles and Camilla:
One day during the February break, I decided to have my own tea time at home. I went a little overboard and spent the modest sum of €32 on macarons at Ladurée and €6 on ONE mini lemon tart.
Your girl is broke, but what can you do?
I have very high standards for myself. I must have been the Duchess of Bedford in another life, that's the only explanation I can think of.
Anyway, I made little salmon, lemon, and dill sandwiches for the first course and added my princess purchases: pistachio, raspberry, rose, lemon, and orange blossom macarons, and my lemon meringue tart.
For tea, I opted for green tea, which I sprinkled with rosebuds in my Villeroy&Boch cup that I bought for €1 at Emmaüs in Thionville (because I'm still a peasant girl).
To conclude, I have finally realized my dream and nothing can stop me now, but above all, remember: treat yourself like the Queen you are.
Written by Chloé Lemonnier
ROUX Student Magazine is a student club at the University of Luxembourg. Everything in the magazine is 100% made by students for students and now for you :). The article you just read was featured in our Issue 28. You can find all issues digitally or grab the newest one for free physically in our monthly publication events. Contact us on instagram: @roux.magazine or email us on paper.roux@gmail.com.
