How to Make Afternoon Tea | The Daffodil Hotel & Spa

Who doesn’t love a spot of afternoon tea? In the UK, it’s becoming popular to recreate the indulgent and fun afternoon tea spread at home.

In this blog, we’ll tell you exactly how to make it at home for yourself and your friends, as well as give some of the best afternoon tea ideas. But if you don’t fancy making one yourself, treat yourself to our luxurious afternoon tea in the Lake District!

WHAT IS AFTERNOON TEA?

Afternoon tea is a British tradition dating back to the mid-1800s. As dinner was usually served late – around 8 pm – afternoon tea became famous as a stop-gap between lunch and supper.

The delicious meal includes everything from delicate sandwiches cut into fingers, scones with jam and clotted cream to a selection of pastries and other sweet treats such as classic carrot cake and lemon drizzle cake. These delights are served on a tiered cake stand and are accompanied by a selection of fragrant teas.

While the Duchess of Bedford is said to have started the tradition of afternoon tea, it wasn’t until Queen Victoria began to have her own afternoon tea party that the idea took off throughout polite society and became a more formal occasion known as a tea reception. As many as 200 guests would participate in these receptions, which were hosted between 4 pm – 7 pm.

Today, afternoon tea has continued to be popular here in Britain as an occasional treat or to celebrate a special occasion.

FAMOUS MUST-HAVE AFTERNOON TEA PARTY FOOD AND DRINK

A traditional afternoon tea menu will generally speaking include some of the following foods:

• A selection of finger sandwiches
• Fresh scones with clotted cream and preserves
• A variety of homemade cakes and pastries
• A range of teas

SANDWICHES

The bread and butter of afternoon tea is the humble sandwich! Traditionally cut into fingers, sandwiches often have their crusts removed. Some of the most popular fillings include:

• Cucumber
• Egg mayonnaise with cress
• Smoked salmon with cream cheese
• Ham and mustard

CREAM TEA

Sometimes you might hear afternoon tea referred to as ‘cream tea’. This is usually a smaller affair or can form part of a more expansive afternoon tea. The term usually encompasses scones, clotted cream, and a selection of preserves served on a cake stand with a large pot of tea for all to indulge in.

CHAMPAGNE

Many restaurants and hotels will offer a set menu for afternoon tea which will include an optional glass of Champagne or Prosecco for an extra fee.

TEAS

Tea is an integral part of the iconic afternoon tea spread. Depending on where you visit, the range offered can be in the double digits. Some of the most popular include:

• Earl Grey – Named after the British Prime Minister, Charles Grey the 2nd Earl Grey,  this tea is the perfect blend of black teas with a hint of bergamot. A popular choice for many.
• Assam – Assam is a strong tea hailing from India that has a malty flavour and is a firm favourite with tea lovers worldwide.
• Darjeeling – Another from India, Darjeeling pops with hints of wildflowers and almonds.
• Lapsang Souchong – Smoked over pine needles, Lapsang Souchong is a smoky tea with a strong, aromatic smell.

AFTERNOON TEA MENU: YOUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION: SETTING THE SCENE

Whether you are having afternoon tea for two or a bigger affair, it’s important to consider where you and your guests will sit to enjoy the sweet treats and delicious teas.

If the weather is good, why not take your afternoon tea celebrations outside in the garden or on a terrace? If the weather takes a turn for the worse, you can always quickly pop back inside with your cake stand and tea!

Ensure you have ample table space for displaying all your treats – after all, we eat with our eyes, so you want to ensure it’s as attractive as possible. As well as this, there should be enough room for you and your guests to have the space to rest their plates and other pieces of china (if you are using these).

WHAT CROCKERY SHOULD I USE FOR AFTERNOON TEA?

Nowadays, it isn’t the faux pas it once was not to have matching plates. But if you want to push the boat out, consider using china. Just make sure that if you’re having your afternoon tea outside, you have something like a picnic basket to ensure safe transportation.

If you don’t have any china, fear not. You could always pop to a second-hand shop or an antique fair, where you may find some hidden steals.

If you don’t have china or any matching crockery, don’t worry! Mixing plates and tea cups are a colourful and fun way to mix it up.

Other bits and pieces you will need include:

• Teapot
• Milk jug
• Tea strainer
• Sugar bowl
• Plate (for lemon slices)

TEA CONSIDERATIONS

Loose tea or tea bags? The choice is yours. Many hotels and restaurants use both, and while loose tea is seen as more traditional, it’s entirely up to you which one you choose.

FOOD IDEAS

• Sandwiches comprising of any form of filling you like
• Scotch eggs, sausages rolls or mini quiches
• Savoury scones (cheese scones are proving popular)
• Mini cakes
• Muffins
• Scones complete with cream and strawberry jam, which is traditional, or raspberry jam if you want to make it a bit more modern
• A tray bake or two
• A selection of teas (or coffee)

Why not ask your guests to bring along one of their own afternoon tea recipes, such as a classic carrot cake, Victoria sponge, tarts or brownies. This will help ensure there’s an ample supply of things to indulge in.

If you wanted a more boozy afternoon tea, you could think about swapping some tea for Champagne or even cocktails which are fun to make.

TRADITIONAL AFTERNOON TEA ETIQUETTE

Traditionally, there has always been strict etiquette involving the event, from sticking firmly to afternoon tea recipes to how to drink your tea.

Here are a few more etiquette ideas to think about if you are planning on hosting a more traditional tea party. After all, it doesn’t need to be super formal, but it can be fun playing along or incorporating into a themed party.

• When you’re sitting, if you are carrying a handbag, this should be placed on your lap or over the back of your chair.
• If you drink your tea with sugar, this should be put into the teacup first before tea, and it should be finished with milk.
• Similarly, if you are drinking Earl Grey tea add a slice of lemon to the cup first. Don’t mix lemon with milk.
• Contrary to popular belief, your little finger should not be pointing up when you drink tea.
• Scones should always have cream added before the jam and not the other way around. This is seen as the ‘proper’ way to organise your scones.
• If you are serving biscuits, these should never be dunked into a cup of tea.
• Sandwiches should always be eaten first, followed by a sweet treat or two (or more) afterwards. Sandwiches must be eaten with your fingers, not with any cutlery.
• Mobile phones, glasses and wallets should be kept off the table when you have afternoon tea.

Read our guide on what to wear to afternoon tea for more ideas.

ENJOY AN AFTERNOON TEA BREAK IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

These days, afternoon tea doesn’t need to be a formal affair, and because you plan on hosting it at home, there needn’t be any rules. Except for one – remember to have fun!

If you want to treat yourself to a relaxing break in the Lake District and afternoon tea, The Daffodil Hotel & Spa is the perfect retreat. Explore our rooms & suites to book your stay in the wonderful countryside and enjoy our relaxing spa to unwind.