Afternoon tea is a tradition in Britain dating back to the early 1840s, afternoon tea can be served be-tween 2-4pm designed to combat afternoon hunger. If you are planning on hosting your own after-noon tea for friends and family, you will need to know what to serve and how to correctly lay the ta-ble! Selecting a date, sending out invitations, decorating with accessories, menu planning. These are just some of the things that go into planning the perfect afternoon tea. Be extra, create a magical show for your guests. In this article, we explore everything you need to know about throwing your very own afternoon tea

How to set the table for afternoon tea

Setting the table for an afternoon tea party really means you can go all out! For this occasion, add a floor-length cloth and top with draped white linen, then decorate with flowers and greenery and bunting for a celebratory tea party. Remember to leave plenty of room for teapots, jugs and cake stands. 

Each guest will need the following silverware when laying the table for an afternoon tea party:

• Bread plate
• Saucer
• Teacup
• Teaspoon
• Small folk
• Small knife
• Napkin

Afternoon tea tip: The base ends of the cutlery are to be placed 2cm from the edge of the table. Once silverware is used, it should never be placed back on the tablecloth.

What to serve at afternoon tea?

Serving a variety of sandwiches, treats and tea selections is important when hosting a traditional afternoon tea party.

Selection of tea and coffee

If you're looking for more than English breakfast, think about serving some of these delicious specialty teas with your afternoon tea:

• English breakfast
• Earl grey
• Assam black tea
• Chamomile tea
• Mint tea

When setting the table for afternoon tea, it is important to supply plenty of tea for your guests. We suggest one large teapot per two guests. And of course, refill if required. You can also serve coffee at Afternoon tea. Making sure you offer a selection of tea’s as well as coffee is important. Cater to your guests who don’t drink tea by offering them the option of coffee instead.

How to plate afternoon tea

Standard afternoon tea includes a tier of sandwiches, a tier of cakes and a mixed tier of scones and teacakes, with additional jam and cream on the side for guests to enjoy.

Decorate the table

For a special afternoon tea party, whether you’re inside or out, deck out your area with banners and balloons. The extra the better! Personalise your table and each individual set by adding name cards and chair accessories. Add candles for a more serene setting.

Vacate outside

Embrace the summer weather, by moving your indoor afternoon tea party, outside. Decorate by set-ting up a low-level table accompanied with fluffy cushions and throws. Accessorise the table with or-naments, a printed tablecloth, napkins, silverware, and flowers by bringing the inside, out. Enjoy your tea and sweet treats in the summer sun!

Relax and enjoy!

Once you have greeted all your guests and sat them down, relax, sit back, and enjoy your afternoon tea with family and friends. Afternoon tea may seem like a light meal, however, when paired with several cups of tea and great conversations, it can actually be quite filling for the stomach and soul.

Our delicious Patisserie Valerie  afternoon tea can be delivered straight to your door. Order yours online today, available for next day delivery.