Afternoon tea is more than just a cup of tea and food, it is a treasured ritual that combines elegance, taste and social enjoyment. Hosting afternoon tea at home can turn an ordinary day into a special event, perfect for gathering with friends or treating yourself. This post gives you all the steps to enjoy an exquisite afternoon tea at home.

What Is Afternoon Tea?

Afternoon tea is a traditional English meal that originated in 19th century England to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner. It is also a way for people to socialize and have fun, spending the afternoon with friends and family, chatting and relaxing over a cup of tea and good food.

What Is The Best Time For Afternoon Tea?

The best time for afternoon tea is traditionally between 3:30 pm and 5:00 pm. However, you can adjust this according to your own habits and routine, as it was originally intended for the time between lunch and dinner.

What To Serve For Afternoon Tea?

When setting the afternoon tea table, begin with a clean, elegant tablecloth, preferably white or a soft pastel color. Place a teapot in the center and neatly arrange matching teacups and tea trays for each guest. Place a teaspoon next to each teacup for stirring.

To the left of the teacups are small plates for sandwiches and desserts, as well as a knife and fork for spreading jam or butter on scones. The tiered cake stand in the center works best for finger sandwiches on the bottom, scones in the center, and pastries on the top.

Combine milk, sugar cubes and lemon slices in a small bowl with sugar tongs and a milk jug. Cloth napkins should be folded and elegantly placed on or aside each plate.

The Afternoon Tea Menu

A traditionally balanced afternoon tea menu usually consists of three main components: delicious finger sandwiches, warm scones with cream and jam, and sweet pastries. Aim for bite-sized treats that are easy to eat while chatting.

You can usually prepare 3-4 sandwiches per person for afternoon tea at home, with a variety of fillings, such as cucumber, smoked salmon, ham, bacon, mayonnaise, cheese, and so on. 

Of course, scones are also a must and are deliciously tempting with different flavors of cream and jam.

You can also prepare little sweet treats such as puffs, macaroons. Pies, cookies and so on, small and exquisite, suitable for talking and chatting at the same time to enjoy.

What Is The Best Tea For Afternoon Tea?

The choice of tea is not fixed, you can do it according to your own preferences and habits, if you are still hesitant you can refer to the following:

1. Earl Grey Tea

Earl Grey infused black tea with bergamot oil has a refreshingly sweet flavor and is perfect for pairing with finger sandwiches and delicate petit fours.

2. Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a delicate, floral black tea with a lighter flavor. It pairs well with more subtle flavors, such as cucumber sandwiches or fruit tarts.

3. Green tea

Green tea is more refreshing, and its mild flavor goes well with savory foods such as smoked salmon sandwiches or fresh fruit.

4. Herbal Tea

Herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint or louis vuitton are great choices and are perfect for summer. Their gentle flavors complement sweets like cakes and macarons.

Conclusion

Overall, with careful planning you will be able to create the perfect afternoon tea menu and spend the best afternoon tea time with your family and friends enjoying delicious tea and food.