It’s a favourite tradition for many British people, but it can also be an expensive one. Many places offer an afternoon tea experience where we can sit down to catch up with friends or family. If you want to treat your loved one to a memorable experience but money or mobility are an obstacle, here’s our guide to making your own afternoon tea.
The History of Afternoon Tea
Nowadays, afternoon tea is seen as a way to get in touch with our traditions. However, unlike festivities such as Christmas, Halloween, or Easter, afternoon tea has only been a part of our culture for the last two hundred years or so. To put that into perspective, tea has been consumed in Britain since the mid-1600s.
The tradition of afternoon tea was first popularised – amongst the upper classes, at least – by Duchess Anna of Bedford. In the early 1800s, it was customary for people to eat only two main meals a day: breakfast in the morning and dinner in the evening. This meant there were many hours spent without eating. The Duchess is said to have found herself experiencing a “sinking feeling” in the afternoon.
No doubt this was little more than the body needing extra nutrition and energy. However, the Duchess’s response was to enjoy a pot of tea and a light snack during the afternoon. Originally, she did so in private, but she later began inviting friends to join her. Over time, it became such a popular idea that many of the upper classes adopted afternoon tea as a frequent comfort.
Nowadays, it is not as widespread as it once was, though the range of foods on offer has certainly expanded.
The Necessities of Afternoon Tea
If you are planning to set up your own afternoon tea to entertain a loved one, it’s important to know what to include. Before you start thinking about the food and drink, a proper afternoon tea will require certain pieces of equipment to get the right aesthetic.
A tiered cake stand is a must-have for afternoon tea. However, if this is unavailable, use your best plates and consider folded napkins or fancy doilies. Of course, you will also need a teapot or two, otherwise how are you going to pour your tea? A sugar bowl and a small milk jug could also add to the look.
For some extra class, throw a decorated tablecloth over your table.
Once you’ve got the look right, it’s time to think about the food and drink.
What to Drink at Afternoon Tea
As the name and tradition imply, afternoon tea is all about drinking tea. However, just because tea is the hero of the event doesn’t mean your options are limited. Depending on how many guests you have for afternoon tea, you could lay out a selection of teas, from Earl Grey to camomile, peppermint to chai. Or if it’s just you and your loved one, perhaps choose a couple of flavours and fill a teapot with each.
Sugar and milk should be easily accessible, too. If you’ve got the space, place them right next to your teapots.
It doesn’t need to be all about the tea, though. Your loved one might prefer coffee, instead. Or perhaps you both want something more exciting, such as a glass of wine – just be sure this won’t affect any medication.
This is your afternoon tea, so you make the rules.
Food for Afternoon Tea
When enjoying afternoon tea, it’s important to have a range of snacks at hand. Traditionally, the tiered cake stand is stacked with sandwiches, small cakes, and then scones. However, you can change this to whatever you please, or follow tradition but add some plates of other treats.
Here are some ideas for foods to include with your afternoon tea.
Sandwiches
You don’t need to go crazy with sandwiches. Choose some all-time favourites like egg and cress or ham and cheese. Include a small helping of salad in each sandwich for some extra nutrition. However, this could also be an opportunity to try new things. Consider smoked salmon, beef with horse radish, or even Korean-style coleslaw.
Cakes
Afternoon tea is rarely complete without some sweet treats. Traditionally, you should have a small selection of single bite cakes on your tiered stand. French Fancies, mini brownies, and cupcakes are perfect options. However, there’s nothing stopping you from making one big cake as well. You could bake a simple but delicious Victoria sponge, or maybe something more ambitious such as a Black Forest Gateau or a delectable layer cake.
Scones
The top tier of your cake stand is the perfect place for your scones. You can serve them already adorned with cream and jam, or let your guests do the work. After all, everyone has their own idea of which goes on first. You could also offer up a range of jams to try – if you’re up for it, consider making your own. And there’s nothing to stop you producing your own scones, too, for that extra homemade twist.
Biscuits
Is a cup of tea really complete without a biscuit to dunk? Though not a regular accompaniment to afternoon tea, your loved one is sure to appreciate something extra. You can purchase a pack of biscuits from your local supermarket or corner shop. Alternatively, you could bake a selection of your own. Many biscuit recipes can be completed within an hour. Why not make some shortbreads or indulge in some chocolate chip cookies?
Pastries
Another tasty option for an afternoon tea with a twist is to include some pastries. You could opt for some cream-topped treats to go with your scones or go continental with choux buns and croissants. Supermarkets offer a wide range of pastries that could be the perfect addition. If you’re feeling ambitious, though, try your hand at making some pastries for yourself. Bakewell tarts and mini apple pies are great British favourites that could be a highlight of your afternoon tea.
Savoury Treats
Your afternoon tea doesn’t need to be all about sweet treats. It could also be a great opportunity to indulge in some savoury favourites. Whether you set out a bowl of crisps or pile up some sausage rolls, these can add some filling options to your spread. Consider other popular items such as Scotch eggs and pork pies, too, and your guests are sure to be impressed.
Have Fun
One of the main advantages of laying out your own afternoon tea is that there’s no pressure to act a certain way. You’re in the comfort of your or your loved one’s home with people you know and who know you. Some people may think of afternoon tea as being stuffy and full of outdated conventions, but at the end of the day it’s an opportunity to catch up over a cup of tea and enjoy some good food.
Have a laugh with those you care about and don’t be afraid to eat your fill of food. Just leave enough for your guests. Maybe the next time you fancy a catch-up, someone else can be the host.
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