Did you know here in England this week is Afternoon Tea Week? It is a dedicated time to honour and enjoy the tradition of afternoon tea which originated in England in the 1840s when Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford complained of having that sinking feeling in the late afternoon (I can relate). She started drinking tea and having a light snack at around 4pm and before long the idea caught on among her society friends. Now afternoon tea is a beloved tradition across the UK but now it's often more of a treat for weekends, birthdays or special occasions.
There’s something very British about afternoon tea. When I think of them I think of dainty sandwiches, scones piled high with jam and clotted cream, delicate cakes and of course a good strong brew in a proper teapot. Whether you're planning a special birthday celebration, treating your friends or just indulging in a little luxury at home, putting together the perfect afternoon tea is fun and easier than you might think.
Step one: The Setting!
You don’t need a grand manor house to make afternoon tea feel special, a few thoughtful touches go a long way. Here are some ways to create a beautiful tea setting:
Use your best crockery.
This is the time to dig out those floral teacups, tiered cake stands, and matching plates. Mismatched vintage china also looks charming, so don’t worry if your set isn’t complete.
Add fresh flowers.
A small vase of fresh blooms even supermarket tulips or a handful from the garden adds a lovely touch to your table. Bonus points if you’ve got a tablecloth or some lace doilies.
Soft background music.
A gentle playlist with classical music or vintage jazz helps create a relaxed, elegant atmosphere. Think of it as the soundtrack to your tea party.
Step Two: The Tea!
Tea is the star of the show so choose a good quality blend. Here's how to get it just right:
Classic black tea.
Earl Grey, Darjeeling or a strong English Breakfast blend are all perfect choices. Loose leaf tea is ideal, but good quality tea bags work just fine too.
Herbal alternatives.
Not everyone loves a builder’s brew. Peppermint, chamomile or fruity blends are especially nice in summer months.
Use freshly boiled water and let the tea steep for around 3 to 5 minutes depending on the blend. Serve with milk, lemon slices, sugar cubes or honey. Don’t forget the teapot! It just doesn’t feel like afternoon tea if you're using mugs and a kettle.
Step Three: The Savoury Selection!
Contrary to popular belief afternoon tea isn’t all about sugar. Start with something savoury to balance the sweetness that’s coming.
Finger sandwiches.
You can’t go wrong with these traditional fillings:
Cucumber with a little cream cheese.
Egg and cress.
Smoked salmon and dill.
Coronation chicken (a classic!).
Ham and mustard.
Trim the crusts, cut them into fingers or little triangles and arrange them neatly on your stand. If you want to elevate things a bit, add mini quiches, sausage rolls or cheese scones with chutney. These give your spread a bit more substance, especially if you’re skipping lunch.
Step Four: The Scones!
No afternoon tea is complete without freshly baked scones. If you’ve got time, make your own, they’re surprisingly easy and taste incredible warm from the oven.
A basic scone recipe:
There’s nothing quite like a warm scone fresh from the oven! This easy recipe makes about 8 fluffy scones, ideal for slathering with jam and a dollop of cream.
Ingredients:
225g self-raising flour
55g butter (cold and cubed)
25g caster sugar
150ml milk
Pinch of salt
Extra flour for dusting
A little milk for brushing the tops
Method:
Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan) / Gas 7.
Rub the butter into the flour and salt with your fingertips until it looks like breadcrumbs.
Stir in the sugar.
Add the milk gradually, mixing to form a soft dough.
Turn out onto a floured surface and gently knead just enough to bring it together.
Roll out to about 2cm thick and use a round cutter to cut out scones.
Place on a baking tray, brush the tops with milk, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden and risen.
Cool slightly, then serve warm with jam and cream.
Jam or cream first?
This is an age old debate. In Devon it’s cream first, then jam. In Cornwall, it’s jam first, then cream. My solution is to try both and see what you prefer! Just make sure you're using proper clotted cream.
Step Five: Sweet Treats to Finish!
Now for the fun part: cakes and pastries. You don’t need to bake everything from scratch shop bought is absolutely fine.
Mini Victoria sponges.
Classic, light, and filled with jam and buttercream! Very British.
Lemon drizzle slices.
Zingy, sweet and always a crowd pleaser.
Chocolate brownies or tiffin.
For the chocoholics among us. These are rich enough that a small square goes a long way.
Macarons or eclairs.
If you’re feeling fancy, these add a continental flair and look gorgeous on a tiered stand.
Step Six: Finishing Touches!
The little details can take your afternoon tea from lovely to unforgettable.
Printed menus.
Pop a little printed or handwritten menu at each place setting so guests know what’s on offer. It feels very professional and thoughtful.
Personal touches.
Add place cards, napkin rings, or even little party favours like a mini jar of jam or a teabag to take home.
A Fizzy Twist.
Want to go bougie? Add a glass of bubbly prosecco or champagne. or if you’re looking for a non-alcoholic alternative elderflower juice in a flute glass feels just as fancy.
Afternoon Tea for Kids or Teens!
Make it fun sized! Swap out classic fillings for kid friendly ones (think jam, Nutella or cheese) and include treats like fairy cakes, chocolate buttons or biscuits. Serve milk or squash in teacups, and they’ll love the novelty.
Make it Seasonal!
Tailor your afternoon tea to the season:
Spring: Add edible flowers or floral teas.
Summer: Go picnic style with iced tea, strawberries and light pastries.
Autumn: Include apple slices, cinnamon bakes or pumpkin scones.
Winter: Think mince pies, spiced tea and a few festive treats like gingerbread men.
I love an afternoon tea and there's something special about putting one together! So pop the kettle on, grab your favourite china and treat yourself and your guests to a proper afternoon tea.
What is your favourite thing about an afternoon tea?
