The Queen’s Birthday is right around the corner and it’s time to start planning a quintessentially British party! Is there anything more perfect to celebrate such an important occasion that with a Great British Tea Party. Drinking tea as been the high of sophistication in British culture since the 18th century and it has long been a tradition to enjoy a light bite to eat and a cup of tea in the afternoon.
Whether you are a seasoned afternoon tea lover, or you are hosting your very first tea party, we have got your back with this easy guide to get you feeing inspired (and hungry!).
Easy Steps To Planning a Great British Tea Party
Setting the Scene…
It’s time to try your had at decorating. Find an elegant table cloth, hang up some bunting or even make your own from paper, old fabric or using miniature Union Jack flags. To top your table, think about fresh flowers, doilies and folded napkins.
Find some stunning chinaware to get an authentic British Tea Party vibe and don’t forget about the tea pot! Set down your tiered cake stand full of goodies in the middle of your table as a beautiful centrepiece.
Top Tip: You can find good priced plates and teacups (don’t forget the saucers) in charity shops if you don’t already have them.
Drinks – It’s Not Just English Breakfast Tea!
Of course you will be serving tea, so make sure that there is plenty of milk and sugar in the centre of the table so your guests can help themselves. You can stick to the classic English Breakfast or offer different tea like peppermint, Earl Grey, chai or camomile.
Believe it or not, some guests might not fancy a hot drink, so you might even want to branch out with other options. Try a fruity cocktail, a classic Pimm’s or a refreshing peach iced tea. You can even just crack open the bubbly to make it a boozy brunch afair!
Top Tip: Check out BBC Good Food for some tasty Iced Tea recipes!
What’s on the Menu?
There isn’t a rule book to follow when it comes planning the spread for your afternoon tea party. Nevertheless, standard afternoon tea is made up of sandwiches, cakes and scones or teacakes. Why not get adventurous with your tea party and create your own smorgasbord of delicious sweet and savoury treats?!
Sandwiches & Savouries
Sandwiches are a staple food that can be made quickly and easily. Consider classic combinations like salmon & cucumber or egg & cress. It’s best to make your fillings in advance and then make your sandwiches just before serving to avoid soggy bread. Sandwiches aren’t the only thing to explore here, why not think about scotch eggs, miniature pork pies or a good ol’ sausage roll to get your guests licking their fingers.
Scones, Jam & Cream
Scones are best eaten warm and on the day that they were baked. You can add anything you like to them and they aren’t complex to make. Why not try topping with cheese, adding fresh or dried fruits, nuts or even chocolate chips! Serve to your guests with cream, jams or honeys and a nice cup of tea. The debate comes next, some people add the cream and top with jam, others vice-versa. How do you enjoy yours?
Cakes & Biscuits
Smaller, individual portions are perfect for an afternoon tea party. Traybakes, fondant fancies, macaroons and small biscuits are all great options because they can be tiny enough to fit tidily on your cake stand. That doesn’t mean you have to stick to miniature deserts, go wild with crumbly pastries, coconut ice cubes or a large show stopping sponge… Your guests will be begging for another slice, so what are you waiting for?!
A Handy Guide
Too much information? Here is a saveable image for you to save so that you have all the information in one place. It will give you more information about how to host an Afternoon Tea Party!
Need Some Help?
If you don’t want to struggle with all of this catering by yourself, don’t fret! We have incredible service providers who will deliver afternoon tea all over the country. So, why not leave it to the professionals, enjoy your tea party & experience some authentic and delicious Afternoon Tea.
Chouxlicious delivers afternoon teas from North to South! Her afternoon teas have proved extremely popular during 2020, bringing in a little bit of luxury to your home. Chouxlicious set up business during the national lockdown in May, wanting to bring a bit of joy to people, and since then have built the business to deliver to as many people as possible. Check out this package with Mums in mind, the best gift for Mother’s Day!
Price From: £15 Per Person
Taste Creative focuses on providing you with a dining experience that’s memorable for its perfect planning, attention to detail and exciting cuisine. Their delicious afternoon tea is ideal as a beautiful gift to show your loved ones you are thinking of them from afar and can be delivered all across the UK.
Price From: £22 Per Event
The Fab Patisserie offers delicious afternoon teas of the highest standards because they only use the finest ingredients. prepare traditional sandwiches; a range of scones scones – served with a selection of jams and cream; and desserts. If your mum loves a good scone, afternoon tea is definitely the way to go.
Price From: £19 Per Person
Final Thoughts
So, are you feeling fancy? Planning the perfect afternoon tea party doesn’t have to be just that! Afternoon tea catering is fast becoming the most popular type of catering for garden parties, hen parties and more.
Head to our website for a huge range of great services to complete your party. Need some extra help? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at hello@poptop.uk.com
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