Does one serve sherry at formal tea?

Traditionally, sherry is not served at a formal tea.

Here's why:

* Formal tea focuses on tea and delicate treats: The focus is on the elegance of the tea service, the variety of teas, and the dainty finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries.

* Sherry is a fortified wine: It has a stronger alcohol content and a bolder flavor profile that doesn't typically complement the light and refined nature of a formal tea.

* Sherry is more suited for aperitifs or after-dinner drinks: It's often enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite or as a digestive after a meal.

However, there are exceptions:

* A sherry might be served with a less formal afternoon tea: Some people might enjoy a glass of sherry alongside their tea if the atmosphere is more relaxed.

* Specific types of sherry could be offered: Some lighter sherries, like fino or manzanilla, could potentially be enjoyed with certain tea blends, especially if the tea has a more robust flavor.

Ultimately, the choice of whether or not to serve sherry at a tea depends on the specific occasion and the preferences of the host and guests.