Creating your own afternoon tea at home can be a wonderfully rewarding experience. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, building the perfect menu is key to a successful event. Here’s how to balance savoury, sweet, and tea with ease even if you’re new to it all.
1. Start with the Structure
A traditional afternoon tea has three layers:
- Savoury items like finger sandwiches or mini quiches
- Scones with clotted cream and jam
- Sweet treats including cakes, pastries or biscuits
You don’t have to follow this format rigidly, but it’s a helpful framework for variety and flow.
2. Savoury First
Begin with 3-4 savoury items. Finger sandwiches are a classic, and easy to prepare. Try:
- Cucumber with mint cream cheese
- Smoked salmon and dill
- Egg mayonnaise and cress
- Ham and wholegrain mustard
For vegetarian guests, replace meat with roasted vegetables, hummus or cheese-based options. Mini quiches, savoury scones, or even vegan or traditional sausage rolls to add more substance.
3. Scones Are the Star
Scones are a non-negotiable element of afternoon tea. Serve them warm with clotted cream and jam and offer two per person: one plain, one with fruit or spice.
Try flavour twists like lemon and poppy seed or cheese and chive for savoury versions if you want to leave an impression and always provide proper spreading knives and individual pots for hygiene and presentation.
4. Sweet Treats That Delight
Balance your selection with a mix of textures and sizes:
- Mini Victoria sponges or Battenbergs
- Lemon drizzle slices
- Macarons or chocolate truffles
- Shortbread or jam tarts
Aim for 3–4 items per person, combining something rich like a chocolate tart with something light like a fruit pastry. Miniatures work best for a polished look.
5. Tea Pairings and Presentation
Choose two or three teas to serve:
- A black tea like Earl Grey or English Breakfast pairs well with savoury and scones
- A lighter tea like green, floral, or fruit complements sweet desserts
If you’re new to loose leaf, start with pyramid tea bags and provide milk, lemon, and sugar on the side.
Use tiered cake stands, matching crockery, and cloth napkins for a cohesive look. Place savouries on the bottom tier, scones in the middle, and sweets on top.
6. Dietary Variations
Some few ideas for planning for different diets include:
- Vegetarian: roasted veg and cheese sandwiches, veggie quiches
- Vegan: plant-based scones with coconut cream, dairy-free cakes
- Child-friendly: peanut butter and jam fingers, fairy cakes, apple slices
Keep in mind, the perfect afternoon tea menu is thoughtful, balanced, and beautifully presented. Stick to simple, delicious recipes, focus on variety, and you’ll create a tea experience that feels just as special as any luxury hotel without leaving your home.
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