“A Proper Tea is much nicer than a Very Nearly Tea, which is one you forget about afterwards.” – A. A. Milne

I thought it was rather apt to get in the mood for high tea this week (and, by the looks of the weather, a little longer too). The Royal Wedding hasn't really been on my mind that much – until I discovered that my favourite homeware designer, Cath Kidston, has brought out a Royal range. And, actually, some of my friends are arranging afternoon tea ceremonies.

Traditionally high tea for me has comprised a light, crusty scone with berry jam, some local thick clotted cream and a few delicate-cut egg mayo sarmies. But recently I have eaten out and discovered some, as Pooh puts it, “Proper Teas”. In the Vista Lounge at The One&Only, the table is prettily arranged with glass cake stands adorned with marshmallow-pink meringues, bejewelled macaroons, sugar-dusted rum canelé, nougat wedges and strawberry cakes. The Leopard Bar at The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa doesn't boast a table; rather you receive a three-tiered stand packed with goodies. The best-ever choc éclairs are light and covered in warm melted chocolate and, of course, their famous cheesecake is not to be missed.

The entire shop of La Patisserie in Illovo is high tea – a table groaning under a ginormous sparkly chandelier with gorgeous slabs, squares and rounds of sweet sensations. Something local and a little different is a collection of milk-powder, condensed-milk, gold-leaf and syrupy confections at Victory Lounge in Chatsworth, Durban – washed down with extra-sweet tea in extra-large mugs.

So get the tea brewing and enjoy the viewing!

Abigail