Afternoon Tea Party Ideas | Planning My Party
Need afternoon tea party ideas? Who doesn’t love a good afternoon tea party? Whether you’re hosting a small gathering of close friends or a larger event for family and acquaintances, afternoon tea parties are a great way to enjoy some time socialising over delicious food and drinks.
But what if you’re not sure where to start when it comes to hosting your own afternoon tea party? Never fear – in this article, we’ll give you all the tips and tricks you need to host a fantastic afternoon tea party that your guests will love. From choosing the right menu items to choosing the best month and time for your tea party, this page will give you the answers. So let’s get started!
First, decide on an afternoon tea menu. There are many great tea party recipes online or in cookbooks.
Most people like to serve a variety of finger sandwiches, scones, and cakes. Next, set the scene with pretty decorations and table settings. Fresh flowers always make a nice touch. People often like to use vintage plates and teacups for an elegant look.
Finally, choose a warm, dry day at a time that should be convenient for your intended guests, then send out your party invitations! With these tips in mind your afternoon tea party should be a great success.
Scone Recipes for Afternoon Tea Party Ideas
As you plan your perfect afternoon tea party, don’t forget the scones! Whether you’re serving up traditional English fruit and plain scones or something a little more unique, these recipes are sure to please your guests.
For classic English scones, try this scone recipe from The Spruce Eats. These scones are light and fluffy, with a slightly crusty exterior. Serve them warm, topped with butter and a selection of jams.
No matter what kind of scone you choose to serve at your afternoon tea party, your guests are sure to enjoy them.
So get out your best tea set, bake up a batch of scones, and get ready to relax and enjoy some time with friends.
What Jam Goes On Scones?
If you’re hosting an afternoon tea party, you’ll need to decide what jam to put on your scones. This can be a difficult decision, as there are so many delicious jams out there!
Traditionally, strawberry jam containing seeds is THE classic jam used for scones. You will find strawberry jam served at the vast majority of afternoon tea services.
However, there are several other jam flavours that are great with scones.
Here are a few of our favorites:
- Raspberry jam
- Blueberry jam
- Apricot jam
- Rhubarb jam
Whichever jam you choose, your guests are sure to enjoy the lovely scones you serve!
Which Cream Goes With Scones?
Afternoon tea is a lovely tradition that is sometimes forgotten in the hustle and bustle of our busy lives.
But taking the time to enjoy a cup of tea and some delicious treats with friends is a great way to relax and catch up. And what could be better than homemade scones?
Scones are a classic afternoon tea treat, but which cream goes best with them? Here are some ideas to help you choose the perfect pairing for your next afternoon tea party.
Clotted Cream
This thick, rich cream is traditional in Devon and Cornwall and pairs perfectly with scones. It’s made by slowly heating milk until the cream rises to the top and forms a “clot”.
Devonshire Cream
This similar to clotted cream but is made with double cream, which makes it even richer and more indulgent.
Whipped Cream
A lighter option, whipped cream is still creamy and delicious. Add a little vanilla extract or other flavouring to make it extra special.
Cream Cheese
Another lighter option, cream cheese adds a tangy flavour to scones. Try it with fruit scones or savoury scones for a unique twist
Savoury Afternoon Tea Ideas
If you’re looking for something a little different for your afternoon tea party, why not try out some savoury options?
Mini quiches, savoury tarts, and pasties or sausage rolls are all great choices. For something heartier, try mini burgers or chicken skewers. And don’t forget the dipping sauces! A variety of dipping sauces can really take your savoury afternoon tea to the next level. Let’s not forget the vital savoury element of any afteroon tea… the sandwiches!
Sandwich Fillings For Afternoon Tea
When it comes to hosting an afternoon tea party, sandwiches are a must! But what kind of sandwich fillings should you use? Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Egg mayonnaise and cress
- Smoked salmon and cream cheese
- Coronation chicken
- Cucumber and cream cheese
- Ham and mustard
- Cheese and chutney
Sandwiches for afternoon tea are usually served as finger sandwiches with the crusts removed.
These sandwiches look very smart and add to the elegance of the occasion.
Afternoon Tea Party Ideas | What Cakes Are Suitable?
Afternoon tea is a lovely tradition that can be enjoyed with friends, family, or even by yourself.
While tea is the main event, it’s always nice to have something sweet to go along with it. Here are some ideas for cakes to serve at your next afternoon tea party.
Victoria Sponge Cake
This classic cake is named after Queen Victoria herself. It’s a light sponge cake filled with jam and cream.
Earl Grey Tea Loaf
This cake is made with Earl Grey tea, giving it a unique flavour. It’s perfect for those who like a little bit of sweetness in their tea.
Lemon Drizzle Cake
A lemon drizzle cake is perfect for those who like a tart flavour. The lemon syrup gives the cake a moist texture and the perfect amount of sweetness.
Chocolate Cake
For those who like something rich and decadent, chocolate cake is always a good choice. Serve it with a cup of coffee for an extra special treat. No matter what kind of cake you choose, afternoon tea is sure to be a delicious and relaxing experience.
Best Time To Host A Tea Party
There is no definitive answer as to when the best time to host a tea party is. However, most people generally agree that afternoon tea parties are the best. Afternoon tea parties are typically held between 3pm and 5pm. This gives guests plenty of time to enjoy their meal and still have time for other activities afterwards.
Driest Month For A Sunny Afternoon Tea
It’s no secret that summer is the busiest time of year for afternoon tea parties.
However, did you know that June is actually the driest month of the year? This usually makes June the best month to plan an afternoon tea party in advance. Even so, it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on the weather forecast in the days leading up to your party.
There are a few things to keep in mind when hosting an afternoon tea party during the summer, particularly if you live somewhere that gets very hot! First, make sure to have plenty of refreshments on hand. Iced tea, lemonade, and iced coffee are all great choices.
Second, set up any outdoor activities in advance. If you’re planning on playing croquet or badminton, make sure the lawn is freshly mowed and the equipment is in good condition.
Finally, don’t forget the sunscreen! Even if it’s not super hot out, you’ll still want to protect your guests from harmful UV rays. With a little luck and one eye on the weather forecast, your summer tea party should be sunny, dry and lots of fun!