Although my entire my family was born in California, we have British heritage and growing up we went to England fairly frequently. One of my favorite British traditions is afternoon tea time. This long standing tradition has also become an American favorite and is the perfect party theme for gatherings with family and friends.
In this guide I will give you brief background to British afternoon tea, provide over 50 easy tea party food and drink recipes, tea party hosting tips and finally a helpful shopping guide to plan your own tea party soirée.
A Brief History on British Afternoon Tea Time
The ceremony and serving of afternoon tea is a quintessentially British tradition. The 7th Duchess of Bedford, Anna, is credited with starting the tradition in the early 1800s. The Duchess was hungry and had a "sinking sensation" by late afternoon due to the custom of serving dinner between 8 and 9 p.m. She would order tea, bread and butter, and cakes to be delivered to her room to satisfy her hunger. Later, she would ask others to join her at her house, and the light tea became a routine.
The Duchess continued the custom on returning to London and soon the trend quickly spread throughout England. Tea invitations were given to relatives and friends, along with the time the tea would be served. Sometimes there was entertainment, but most of the time, it was all about discussion and mindless gossip over tea and cakes. Tea consumption gradually expanded from the home to the rest of society. Tea Parties became commonplace, and Tea Rooms and Tea Gardens popped up all over the place.
The 'At Home' trend diminished throughout the Edwardian era as people's desire to travel grew. Tea was now offered at 4 o'clock in the new tea lounges of luxury hotels like the Ritz and high-end stores like Fortnum & Mason and was frequently accompanied by groovy tunes and even a little dancing.
What’s the Difference Between High Tea vs. Afternoon Tea?
When people enjoy a well-planned tea party, laughter and chat flow naturally around the table. If you're planning on organizing a tea party, make sure you know whether you'll be having an afternoon tea or a high tea. Even though these names are sometimes used interchangeably, they are different.
Afternoon tea, which gets served in the middle of the afternoon, is known for its delicious scones, tea sandwiches, and pastries. On the other hand, high tea is served in the evening hours and comprises quite more substantial fare such as meat, fish, egg dishes, and loaves of bread and sweets. Consider it a light meal with a cup of tea.
Afternoon tea, sometimes known as "low tea," is typically consumed at a low table, such as a coffee table in a living room, in front of a warm fire. (Of course, it can be served at a table as well.) High tea takes its name from the fact that it is usually served at the end of the workday at a high plateau, such as a dining table or a high counter. Whether you offer a more opulent tea or prepare a heartier dinner, both are delightful ways to enjoy tea and amuse your guests.
Which Kinds of Events or Occasions Are Best for Tea Parties?
When you’re thinking about hosting an event with a tea party theme, you want to consider the fact that your guests will be expecting elegance, sophistication and a touch of old-world charm.
Tea Parties are Perfect for:
Birthday Parties
Bridal Showers
Mother’s Day
Bachelorette Parties
Weddings
Baby Showers
Anniversaries
Graduations
Galentine’s Day Party
Manners And Etiquette For Tea Parties
Should you blow on your tea to cool it? Do you like your scones dipped in your tea? Gasp! Follow these basic etiquette practices to ensure elegance and refinement at your tea party.
When it comes to tea etiquette, this involves not sipping your drink too noisily or speaking with your mouth full. The idea of tea may be intimidating due to its formal appearance but once you understand the basics of tea etiquette, it's a very relaxing and enjoyable experience.
FYI - These tips will come in handy if you’re ever invited to afternoon tea at the palace with the Queen of England.
According to British Tradition, Tea Party Guests Should Follow the Below Etiquette Guidelines:
Dress properly in modest, feminine and floral inspired styles. There’s literally a dress and skirt style known as “tea length” which has recently become very popular.
Keep your mobile phones away from the table and engage in conversation.
Always hold the teacup by the handle.
Never drink your tea with a teaspoon in it.
Do not put a teaspoon in your mouth.
Never blow the tea to cool it down.
Don't slurp tea into your mouth.
Use sugar and milk just for black tea.
There’s a particular order to which you’re supposed to eat at a proper tea party. First savory tea sandwiches first, secondly scones and finally sweets last.
The proper way to eat a scone is by breaking it into little pieces first.
Never dip your scone in tea.
Never lick your fingers.
Place your napkin folded on your lap.
What supplies do you need for tea parties?
It may appear intimidating to plan a tea party food at first, but it's frankly rather simple. Your afternoon tea menu might be as simple as tea and cream scones or as ambitious as different varieties of teas, scones, finger sandwiches and other culinary delights. In any case, these helpful recommendations will ensure that you select the ideal blend of food and drink for your next afternoon tea.
Also, keep scrolling to see over 50 easy tea party recipes at the bottom of this blog post!
What kind of tea should you serve at tea parties?
In keeping with the British-style tea party, the most traditional English teas are Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Yorkshire Tea, PG Tips and Lady Grey Tea. These are all black teas served with cream and sugar.
You can also choose to serve green teas and herbal teas to give your guests more variety to choose from. You can make big tea pots of the most popular teas and then supply tea bags for the additional varieties.
Tea Condiments, Creamers and Sweeteners
Give your guests the options to put dairy creamer (whole milk or half and half), non-dairy creamer (nut milk), sugar, honey or lemon slices in their tea.
Savory Finger sandwiches & Other Light eats
Finger sandwiches are mostly served at full tea, primarily a richer style of afternoon tea with a food menu. In an afternoon tea finger sandwich you will usually find egg salad, tea sandwiches, cucumber tea sandwiches, smoked salmon finger sandwiches, roast beef finger sandwiches, ham finger sandwiches and chicken salad finger sandwiches.
In addition to finger sandwiches, some tea party menus include savory scones, soups, quiches, or lighter savory appetizers such as roasted nuts or cheese and crackers.
What Toppings Should You Serve with Scones?
Scones are one of the most commonly served pastries at tea parties. They might be sweet or spicy, complicated or simplistic. Every taste is catered to from buttermilk scones, spicy cheese mustard scones to sweet cinnamon scones.
The most appropriate toppings for scones include Devonshire cream (also known as clotted cream), fruit jam and lemon curd.
What Kind of Sweets Should You Serve at a Tea Party?
Aside from delicious scones, other desserts are frequently provided with a full or light tea. Different kinds of sponge cakes, tarts, Meringue cookies, cupcakes, and trifles are popular sweets for tea parties.
See my English Trifle Recipe here!
Caffeine-Free Tea Party Drinks for Kids
If you’re hosting children at your tea party, you obviously don’t want to serve them caffeinated tea. They also may not like the bitter taste of tea. Good child-friendly alternatives to tea are juice, chocolate or strawberry milk, whole milk, soda pop or lemonade.
What Alcohol Can You Serve at a Tea Party?
At the opposite end of the spectrum, if serving tea is too humdrum for your mature guests, then yes you can incorporate alcohol too. Perfect boozy tea party beverages include tea cocktails, champagne or mimosas.
What is the proper place setting for a tea party?
A tea party's place setting is far more formal than for a typical meal. Typically a tablecloth is laid and your guests' plates are placed. Your guests will then be given a small cup of their favorite type of tea along with a matching saucer and teaspoon.
The tea cups for tea parties are more ornate and delicate than those used in everyday life. In addition, a teapot and a creamer or sugar bowl are included in the table setting.
Being that tea cup sets and tea pots are the most quintessential part of a tea party, shopping for these may be your biggest financial investment when planning your party. Some of my favorite online places to shop for tea cups and tea pots are Etsy, Wayfair, and Williams Sonoma.
Where Can I Buy Authentic British Foods for a Tea Party?
Cost Plus World Market is my go-to online place to buy authentic British brands condiments and teas that aren’t available in stores in the United States.
In their England food shop they have:
Centerpiece Ideas for a Tea Party
Tea parties are centered around beautifully placed and decorated tables. While the tea cups with matching saucer plates and tea pots are the main focus of the table setting, you still want to have additional decorative elements to bring the scene to life.
Create Beautiful Tea Party Tablescapes with These Embellishments:
Fresh flower arrangements inside vintage tea pots or mason jars.
Tiered tea cup tray (like the one in my photos!). You can find similar vintage ones on Etsy.
Stacks of vintage decorative books.
Fairy garden themed terrariums.
Tea Party Theme Ideas
Although an English tea party is considered a party theme already, you can go a step further with more focused and detailed sub-themes to bring out even more whimsy and charm for your guests.
Mad Hatter Tea Party / Alice in Wonderland
Downton Abbey Tea Party
Top 50 Easy Finger Food Recipes for Tea Parties
Take the stress out of cooking and planning with these easy yet still very delicious recipes. These are all tea party approved and will compliment your elegant theme.
Sweet and Savory Scone Recipes for Your Tea Party
Recipes for Gluten-Free and Vegan Scones
Recipes for Homemade Curds and Clotted Cream
Tea Sandwich Recipes for Your Tea Party
Savory Finger Foods for Tea Parties
Small Tarts and Desserts for Tea Parties
Recipes Using Tea Flavors
Shop for Tea Party Essentials:
See More Hosting Ideas on the Blog:
Ideas for a Modern Feminist Girl Power Themed Party
Tropical Themed Charcuterie Board and Grazing Table
Build-Your-Own Angus Beef Gourmet Burger Bar
How to Build the Perfect Charcuterie and Cheese Board
Halloween Alternatives to Trick-or-Treating that the Whole Family Can Enjoy
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Gennifer Rose
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