Friendships, Home Entertaining
How to Serve Afternoon Tea: Enjoying a Luxurious Tradition
Elegant afternoon tea has been a loved and honored pastime for more than 180 years — and for good reason. With soothing tea service, intimate conversation, and both savory and sweet light bites, an afternoon tea is the perfect blend of luxury, sophistication, and satisfaction.
If you want to treat your family and friends to a charming, upscale afternoon, learn how to serve afternoon tea with expert advice from home entertaining guru, Fran Berger. She’s sharing her top tips for putting on a perfect presentation of this time-honored tradition.
The History and Tradition of Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is a symbol of sophistication and relaxation that is both a culinary tradition and a social custom. Some historians believe the roots of afternoon tea go back to the 1840s. At that time, it was normal for people to eat two meals a day, a large breakfast and a late dinner. This eating schedule didn’t sit well with Anna Russell, the Duchess of Bedford, who is said to have been hungry between meals.
To curb her hunger, the Duchess began inviting friends over for a light afternoon meal that included tea, bread, butter, and refreshments. The invitation for a simple meal turned into a new ritual of social status, and other upper-class women began hosting their own afternoon tea sessions. By the mid-to-late 19th century, afternoon tea had become a firmly established ritual in Victorian society.
To this day, afternoon tea remains a symbol of sophistication and class. It is enjoyed around the world, often as a luxurious or special treat hosted in hotels, tea rooms, and private homes.
What to Serve at Afternoon Tea
To bring the elegance and charm of an afternoon tea to your home, start by offering gourmet versions of traditional menu items like scones, finger sandwiches, pastries, cakes, and, of course, tea and a bottle of bubbly.
Tea
Tea is the foundation of afternoon tea, so make it your event’s centerpiece. Depending on the size of your gathering, choose two or three varieties to suit different tastes, and use high-quality loose-leaf tea instead of bags for a more refined flavor.
- Black Tea: A traditional choice for afternoon tea, black tea’s flavors are bold and pair well with both savory and sweet items and is often served with milk and sugar. Varieties include Earl Grey, Darjeeling, Assam, and English Breakfast.
- Green Tea: A lighter, more delicate option, green tea can have grassy or floral notes and serve as a good balance to richer flavors of food. Some examples include Sencha, Jasmine, Gunpowder, and Matcha.
- Herbal Tea: A caffeine-free option made with herbs, flowers, and spices, herbal tea provides a soothing option for those who avoid caffeine. Choose from Chamomile, Peppermint, Rooibos, and Hibiscus flavors.
- Additional Options & Speciality Blends: Tea comes in a wide variety of styles and flavors. Go beyond the ordinary and select white and oolong teas or blended flavors if you are seeking a specific taste or aroma.
Scones
Scones embody the tradition and elegance of an afternoon tea. They provide a perfect balance between sweet and savory when paired with clotted cream and jam. Offer a variety of scones to cater to different tastes.
- Classic plain or buttermilk scones are perfect for pairing with clotted cream and jam.
- Fruit scones studded with currants or cranberries add a hint of sweetness and texture.
- Flavored scones can offer variety with subtle notes of lavender, lemon zest, or a delicate glaze.
Finger Sandwiches
Finger sandwiches are another traditional and vital part of an upscale afternoon tea. They provide a delicate and savory balance to the experience, complementing the sweetness of scones and desserts while showcasing refined flavors. Finger sandwiches are typically served on crustless plain white bread sliced into elegant halves. A few examples include:
- Cucumber and cream cheese
- Smoked salmon and dill
- Egg salad with watercress
- Chicken salad with almonds
- Goat cheese and fig
- Asparagus with feta cheese
Pastries and Cakes
To provide a touch of indulgence at your afternoon tea, offer a sweet and decadent finale with an assortment of pastries and cakes. Some ideas for pastries and cakes to serve include:
- Eclairs filled with rich cream
- Macarons in an array of flavors
- Bite-sized tarts with fresh fruit or lemon curd
- Classic tea cakes such as Victoria sponge or madeleines
- Petit fours and opera cake slices
Champagne
While afternoon tea didn’t include champagne in the 1800s, it’s become a fashionable and luxurious addition to modern tea service. We recommend adding a bottle of bubbly to turn your event into an even more memorable and celebratory occasion.
Essential Components of a Perfect Afternoon Tea
To deliver an elegant and refined afternoon tea service, gather the essential glassware, serveware, and accessories. For a full tea service, we recommend the following items.
- Cup and saucer for each guest
- Serving plate and cutlery for each guest
- Teapot and serving plate for each style of tea
- Creamer and sugar bowl with serving spoons
- Tiered cake stands for finger sandwiches
- Serving platters for scones, pastries, and cakes
- Butter and jam dishes with serving spoons and knives
- Water glasses and water pitcher
- Champagne flutes
Setting the Scene for Afternoon Tea
Set the tone for an elegant afternoon tea by presenting a stunning table display. Follow Fran’s tips for decorating a beautiful tablescape and laying out your table to follow the customs of traditional tea service.
Decorate the Table
The style of your table is the first thing to let guests know what to expect from your event. Add decorative elements that elevate the atmosphere and set the mood.
- Start with a stylish, crisp tablecloth that matches your event theme or personal style.
- Frame each place setting with linen napkins and accent rings, like these classic mother-of-pearl napkin rings.
- Use place cards to guide guests to their seats, and offer elegant printed menus to list the items included in your tea service.
- Add low arrangements of fresh flowers or elegant centerpieces near the midpoint of the table.
- Incorporate open space. Remember that afternoon tea requires a lot of serveware and dishware so avoid overcrowding the table with decorative elements so guests can move and reach items comfortably during the service.
Arrange the Table
If you aren’t sure how to serve afternoon tea with the right table arrangement, follow these steps to meet standards that would even impress the Duchess of Bedford.
- Place a tea cup on a saucer in front of each guest’s seat. Point the handle to the right. Lay a teaspoon on the right side of the saucer, with the handle pointing toward the guest.
- Set a small plate in front of each guest centered just above the teacup and saucer.
- Place a small fork to the left of the dessert plate, aligned with the plate’s edge and a butter knife on the right side of the plate, with the blade facing inward.
- Set the teapot on a small tray or plate to catch drips. If serving more than one type of tea, label them with a note card.
- Set a sugar bowl and creamer near each teapot (We love this stunning white marble sugar bowl with matching creamer.)
- Place butter and jam in small, elegant dishes, each with its own serving utensil. Position these near the scones.
Related: How To Entertain Guests At Home - Tips For Hosting At Home
Afternoon Tea Etiquette
Afternoon tea is a sophisticated and refined experience. If you want to set an elevated tone for your event, present these examples of tea etiquette.
- Hold the teacup by pinching the handle with your thumb and forefinger and letting your middle finger support the bottom of the handle.
- Stir your tea by moving the spoon in a gentle back-and-forth motion, rather than circular.
- Avoid clinking the spoon against the sides of the cup.
- Avoid eating everything at once. Savor each course. Start with savory finger sandwiches. Then, move on to scones and finish with sweets and pastries.
- Afternoon tea is a social event. Ensure that everyone at the table feels included by leading a conversation that allows everyone to share and participate.
Personalizing Your Afternoon Tea Experience
Afternoon tea service is a tradition that comes with guidelines and best practices, but don’t let it stop you from infusing your personality in your event. Match your tea service to your unique aesthetic, or choose a theme that represents your personal style.
- Vintage: Embrace the charm and traditional style of afternoon tea using antique teapots, floral china, and lace tablecloths.
- Garden: Adorn the area with fresh flowers, greenery, and rustic elements. Use floral-patterned china and light, breezy fabrics for the table setting.
- Royal: Honor the English tradition with regal touches such as gold accents, crystal glassware, and candles. Encourage guests to wear formal attire, complete with fascinators or hats.
- Mad Hatter’s: Design a playful, whimsical event using mismatched teacups, vibrant colors, and themed elements like playing cards, oversized teapots, and clocks.
Final Thoughts on How to Serve an Elegant Afternoon Tea
There’s a reason afternoon tea has been a loved and time-honored tradition for almost two hundred years. It is a true treat of sophistication and luxury, relaxation and elegance. It’s the perfect gathering for friends and family to enjoy each other’s company along with delicious light bites and of course, a sparkling bottle of bubbly.
Now that you know how to serve an afternoon tea that will impress guests, find the perfect homewares and accents to style your event. Our collection includes items hand-selected by luxury lifestyle guru Fran Berger. Discover elegant table decor and styling accessories that will elevate the aesthetic and style of your luxurious afternoon tea. Shop the collection today.
RELATED ARTICLES
Wedding Gift Etiquette and Ideas for Second Marriages
Second marriages can lead to questions on wedding etiquette: what should you give? How much should you spend? And do...
Read more
14 Unforgettable Wedding Gifts for Older Couples
When someone finds love later in life, it’s time to celebrate! A wedding gift is a perfect way to honor...
Read moreCOMPLETE YOUR TABLE
SHOP FRAN BERGER LIVING
