Promotional Mugs Perfect for Your Afternoon Cups of Tea

The Brits traditionally love a cup of afternoon tea, even more so when it is in their favourite promotional mug.

Whilst the custom of drinking tea has been around for Centuries since the 1660's, afternoon tea is a relatively new tradition, only becoming popular in the 19th Century. At this time the 7th Duchess of Bedford complained of having a 'sinking feeling' in the afternoon. The solution proposed to the Duchess was to have a pot of tea and a sandwich, this made her feel much better and she started to invite friends over to join her and so 'afternoon tea' was born.

Afternoon tea was differentiated between the classes. The upper class would enjoy 'low' tea at around 4pm whereas the middle and lower classes would have a 'high' tea later in the afternoon at 5pm. The names 'high' and 'low' tea describe the table on which it was served.

For example, the upper class would enjoy their afternoon tea in the drawing room on low tables. In comparison the middle and lower classes, unable to afford a house with a drawing room would have it on their dinner table. This is still true today, as hotels offer 'high tea' in their dining rooms. The afternoon tea tradition became famous overseas, with many tourists still believing that everyone in England stops for tea in the afternoon.

However, whilst Brits still drink a lot of tea, a full afternoon tea is generally a luxury and a occasional indulgence. To experience the best afternoon tea's people generally go to exclusive and expensive hotels. But afternoon tea does not need to be an entire meal, it can just be a tea and biscuit and what better to serve it in than a promotional mug? If you give someone who works in an office a promotional mugs, you will be gaining maximum exposure for your brand. Everyone who walks past the desk will see it, and anyone who goes into the kitchen can see it. If your design is eye catching enough you can target lots of different people without them even realising.

Promotional mugs are also very practical and long lasting. By this we mean they will be used, especially in an office where they are likely to be used for years. They are extremely practical as offices always require more mugs. We think that afternoon tea is a tradition which should not die out. You can promote this tradition and keep it alive with promotional mugs.

Written by

Total Merchandise | Editoral Team

Our editorial team is drawn from a pool of experienced promotional merchandise product team members, account managers, marketers and other contributors. With such a wide range of skills and experience, they write about many aspects of promotional merchandise, wider marketing and business matters, as well as company news updates.

Connect with Total Merchandise on LinkedIn Connect with Total Merchandise on LinkedIn

Total Merchandise
Introducing Foamo, 2025's Most Innovative New Promo Coffee Cup

Introducing Foamo, 2025's Most Innovative New Promo Coffee Cup

Say hello to Foamo: the coolest new coffee cup to make - or should that be 'brew'? - waves in the world of branded merchandise. Ready to order with your design t

Our Best Selling Promotional Items: Umbrellas

Our Best Selling Promotional Items: Umbrellas

Promotional Umbrellas have long been one of our most popular promotional items. They are a great giveaway opportunity that offers a large imprint area with high visibility and c

New Year, New Merch: The Best Products for Promoting Your Brand This Year

New Year, New Merch: The Best Products for Promoting Your Brand This Year

Fact: the new year is the perfect time to consider new promotional merchandise! It's a common trend that the start of a new year means a fresh start, so why not have the sam

Eco Friendly Promotional Gift Ideas

Eco Friendly Promotional Gift Ideas

It’s time for green to go mainstream, people. With more and more businesses becoming aware of their corporate responsibility to become more eco-friendly, it’s really

Introducing Foamo, 2025's Most Innovative New Promo Coffee Cup

Introducing Foamo, 2025's Most Innovative New Promo Coffee Cup

Say hello to Foamo: the coolest new coffee cup to make - or should that be 'brew'? - waves in the world of branded merchandise. Ready to order with your design t

Total Merchandise Wins BRIMAN Award For Second Consecutive Year

Total Merchandise Wins BRIMAN Award For Second Consecutive Year

We're proud to announce that Total Merchandise has won the prestigious BRIMAN award for the second consecutive year. This important accolade, issued at the British P

Inside Our Promo Products Showcase: Total Merchandise Expo 2025

Inside Our Promo Products Showcase: Total Merchandise Expo 2025

Last week, we hosted Total Merchandise Expo 2025, the second edition of our annual customer exhibition.  The UK's largest event of its kind, it offered our clie