If you’re British, all of the world’s problems can be solved with a cup of tea. And even if you’re not, surmounting financial issues, wrangling with recalcitrant teens, and managing office politics always feels a bit easier to handle after “a cuppa.” One of the best parts of “taking tea” is the beautiful ceremony of the event, which is what makes hosting a tea party so wonderful!
The Origins of Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea dates back to the early 19th century. At that time, it was common for people to eat only two main meals a day—breakfast and dinner.
The custom is attributed to Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, who, in the 1840s, found herself “feeling peckish” each afternoon. The long gap between meals led her to request a small selection of tea, bread, and butter to tide her over until dinner.
This soon became a regular habit, and she began inviting friends to join her. The practice quickly caught on, especially among high society, eventually evolving into the elegant afternoon tea tradition we know today!
By the late 19th century, afternoon tea had become a fashionable social event. Women of upper-class households, dressed in their finest attire, gathered in drawing rooms to enjoy tea, delicate sandwiches, and cakes.
Over time, the tradition expanded beyond just the aristocracy, becoming a beloved custom enjoyed by all Brits.
What You’ll Need for the Perfect Tea Party
Whether your afternoon tea is a formal affair or served casually amongst the flowers in the garden, several key elements are required.
First, a lovely tea set, with delicate, wafer thin cups of fine bone china, is a necessity. Tea simply does not taste the same when drunk from a ceramic mug. (You’ve got to trust me on this.) Some hostesses use a different cup and saucer for each guest. And, a mismatched set of china can be charming. (Click to learn how to successfully mix china patterns.)
Next, no afternoon tea would be complete without cake. Investing in an elegant cake plate (or two!) is absolutely worthwhile. A simple but beautiful cake plate is extremely versatile and can be used for any occasion – from holiday extravaganzas to more casual entertaining. I am drawn to a pedestal version, or a tiered tray, which elevates the status of even a humble cake or pile of cookies. (Bonus! Lovely cake stands and tiered trays help make easy seasonal decor. Click to learn how to decorate using cake stands and tiered trays.)
Of course, the centerpiece of an afternoon spent sipping tea is… the tea itself! For afternoon tea, I find that traditional black tea is most appreciated. Yorkshire Tea is one of my faves and is available on Amazon. And, unless you plan on reading the leaves, for loose tea you’ll need a tea ball.
What’s on the Menu?
A hallmark of traditional afternoon tea service is the three-tiered tray, which elegantly presents a selection of sweet and savory treats. This setup enhances the visual appeal of the spread and ensures a structured dining experience.
Bottom Tier: Savory Selections
The lowest tier holds an assortment of savory finger foods, most commonly tea sandwiches and sometimes small pastries or quiches. These items provide a light and flavorful beginning to the meal, preparing the palate for the sweet treats that follow. When eating afternoon tea, it is customary to start with these savory items before moving on to the next tier.
Examples bottom tier favorites include:
- Cucumber Sandwiches
- Smoked Salmon Sandwiches
- Egg and Cress Sandwiches
- Coronation Chicken Sandwiches
- Mini Quiches
Middle Tier: Scones and Accompaniments
The middle tier is reserved for scones, which are an afternoon tea staple. These are typically served warm and accompanied by clotted cream and yummy fruit preserves. The proper way to eat a scone is a topic of some friendly debate. Some prefer the “Devon method” (spreading the clotted cream first, then adding jam), while others swear by the “Cornish method” (the reverse). Either way, scones should be broken apart by hand rather than cut with a knife.
Include on this tier:
- Plain Scones and/ or Fruit Scones
- Tiny Pots of Clotted Cream
- Tiny Pots of Strawberry, Triple Berry or Other Jams
Top Tier: Pastries, Cakes
The top tier features an array of elegant pastries and desserts and marks the grand finale of afternoon tea. These sweets provide a variety of flavors and textures sure to delight.
Dessert suggestions for the top tier include:
- Macarons
- Victoria Sponge Cake
- Éclairs
- Battenberg Cake (checkerboard-patterned sponge cake wrapped in marzipan)
- Mini Fruit Tarts
- Chocolate Truffles
Top Spots for Afternoon Tea Across the US
If you would rather have someone else brew your tea for you, many of the finest hotels and restaurants around the country have adopted the high tea custom, offering afternoon tea with regional flair.
In the MidAtlantic, the Willard InterContinental in Washington, DC is the premier venue for afternoon tea. Named among the “Top 10 Places to Do Afternoon Tea like a Royal” by the Travel Channel, guests are seated amidst the grandeur of the famous Peacock Alley. The traditional afternoon tea includes a selection of the fine loose leaf teas by the J’enwey Tea Company, savory finger sandwiches, decadent pastries, and of course, freshly baked scones.
If you live in the South, tea in Dallas at the Historic DeGolyer Estate, Dallas Arboretum, is an afternoon to remember! A three course menu begins with a select soup, followed by a second course of assorted tea sandwiches, and a third course of sweet treats. Also included are scones with clotted cream, jam, and seasonal tea selections.
Those on the West Coast will want to sample afternoon tea at the chic Hotel Bel-Air. Available on Friday and Saturday only, reservations are hard to come by, so call early. The Hotel provides an incredible selection of teas, savories, and sweets and taking tea is a time-honored tradition in the area.
Finally, in the North, the ultimate tea party is in Boston! At the Four Seasons your tea party is sure to be oh-so-civilized at the Four Season’s Hotel.
However you choose to take your tea, remember… milk in second and pinkies in!
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