Afternoon tea was served to me in Cliveden House’s library, commencing with a glass of champagne… the absolute PERFECT welcome to this grand house steeped in history.
Having just returned from Merry Old England, I wanted to share a colloquial term I was introduced to while having afternoon tea at Cliveden House. The English lady I was with asked, "Do you drink your tea ‘white’?” “Yes, I like milk in my tea whilst in England,” I answered. (I prefer lemon when in America) And then she asked, “Are you a MIF or TIF?” with an amused smile and a wink!
The tradition of pouring afternoon tea has many nuances, but this reference was new to me. I soon found out that it refers to “Milk in first” or “Tea in first” when pouring the tea from a teapot into the cup.
It was considered refined to pour the milk into the cup after the tea (TIF), and more “downstairs” to pour the milk in first (MIF). The theory was that pouring the milk in first would protect the cup from possibly cracking from the boiling hot tea, and cups were expensive to replace. Alternatively, if you could afford fine porcelain and have cups to spare, the milk would be poured in after the tea (TIF).
This is similar to the “What goes on your scone first, the clotted cream or the jam?” question. (The “Devon” method is when the clotted cream goes on first, and the jam is applied on top, while the “Cornish” method has the strawberry jam first, topped with a layer of clotted cream.) Still fiercely debated! It is your preference, although now, scientists are saying that the milk blends chemically better when you have a MIF pour! Ha… my British father would have insisted on TIF, no questions asked!
The soft sunlight poured in the window to highlight Nancy Astor’s ribbon design on the plates and the scrumptious goodies served at Cliveden’s afternoon tea.
GrandMillennial Tip:
What do you do if you make your tea with a teabag in a mug? Your only choice is TIF because you must wait for the teabag to brew in the cup, and then one should remove the teabag and then add the milk. The milk cannot go in first as it will cool down the hot water, and the teabag will not brew/ steep correctly.
Forbidden Faux Pas:
No-no: To refer to “afternoon tea” as “high tea.”
What is done: “Afternoon tea” is more formal, with delicate tea sandwiches, scones, lady-like cakes and sweets served mid-afternoon. Many Americans mistakenly say “high tea” when, in fact, they are referring to “afternoon tea.” Here is the difference: “High tea” is served as a more wholesome meal, not delicate goodies, and is served after work or in the evening, not in the afternoon.
The charming traditions in England are so enchanting. So, are you “Miffy or Tiffy”... now that you know the difference?
Xx
Holly
PS: English tea time tradition was first invented at Belvoir Castle in England in the 1840s. Her Grace, the Duchess of Rutland, is hosting an inaugural gala on February 10th at The Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach to benefit “The American Friends of Belvoir Castle.” She was my Honorary Chair when I chaired the Salvation Army Paradise Ball in 2022. I had the honor of being a houseguest at Belvoir in 2023. I can attest that the castle is vast (used as a double for Windsor Castle in The Crown), and maintenance is an ongoing challenge, as with any historic edifice. Consider attending; it will be a ball, and I would love to meet you! It is not too late to purchase your ticket here.