Afternoon tea is a beloved British tradition. It’s a delightful way to catch up with friends or celebrate a special occasion in style. Whether you’re hosting a formal gathering or a cosy get-together at home with the family, you can create the perfect afternoon tea experience.
Set the Scene with a Tablecloth
Start with a delightful table setting. Use a tablecloth or runner, lay out your best crockery. This could be matching or vintage-style teacups and saucers. You might also add a touch of elegance with fresh flowers or candles. A tiered cake stand adds height and makes your spread look extra special.
Serve a Variety of Teas
Offer a selection of teas to suit different tastes. Classic choices include English Breakfast, Earl Grey and Darjeeling. You might also want to offer herbal options like peppermint or chamomile. Don’t forget the milk, sugar, lemon slices and honey too.
Start with the Savoury Bites
Start your menu with some finger sandwiches. These could have traditional fillings like cucumber, smoked salmon and cream cheese, egg mayo with cress and ham with mustard. Cut them into rectangles or triangles with the crusts removed for that classic tea look. No afternoon tea is complete without freshly baked scones. Serve them warm with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Plain or fruit scones are both popular choices. In recent years afternoon tea has been heavily influenced by social media.
Don’t Forget the Sweet Treats and Cakes
Offer a tempting array of small cakes and pastries. Think Victoria sponge, lemon drizzle, mini éclairs and fruit tartlets. Keep the portions small so guests can sample a little of everything. You can enjoy all the treats in one handy offering, with delicious afternoon tea boxes. They are available from companies such as https://www.afternoonteabox.com/.
Add Some Personal Touches
Handwritten place cards, pretty napkins or a printed menu can add charm. You might even include a playlist of background music. The key to a great afternoon tea is creating a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Once everything’s laid out, sit back, sip your tea and enjoy the conversation.
