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Winter Afternoon Tea: Everything You Need To Know

By Faith Lingle

15th August 2023

Daffodil | Daffodil Hotel And Spa Afternoon Tea00001

Looking to warm yourself up this winter with a festive afternoon tea experience but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

In this guide, we talk you through everything you need to know about winter afternoon tea, including what you can expect, how it differs from standard afternoon tea, and how to book your winter afternoon tea with the Daffodil Hotel.

WHAT IS AFTERNOON TEA?

Afternoon tea was first introduced to Britain in the 1840s as a way for families, friends and acquaintances to gather together. This social event wasn’t popularised until Queen Victoria’s reign when she often organised ‘tea receptions’ for as many as 200 guests who could arrive and leave at any point between 4pm and 7pm.

Today, afternoon tea is more celebratory, a common event or venue for baby showers, birthdays, wedding ceremonies and anniversaries.

Afternoon tea typically includes light snacks such as sandwiches and scones with jam and clotted cream as well as an abundance of tea readily available. Oh, and not forgetting a plethora of tempting sweet treats, from delicious sponge cakes, to mini fruit tarts.

WHAT MAKES WINTER AFTERNOON TEA DIFFERENT?

Winter afternoon tea is – as you may have guessed – hosted during the winter months. If you decide to host a social gathering for winter afternoon tea, you can expect a wide array of seasonal sweet treats and festive fun.

Dining around December for Christmas tea will offer you mulled wine, mince pies, Christmas pudding and coronation turkey sandwiches. Enjoy savoury delights with a Christmas twist and have a wonderful time with family and friends.

Winter afternoon tea is not limited to the Christmas season, however. Our winter afternoon tea continues throughout the chilly months. If those January/February blues are getting to you, why not book a winter afternoon tea where you can enjoy:

Finger sandwiches with seasonal fillings
Cosy tea blends
Traditional scones with a selection of clotted cream and jam
Vanilla, dark chocolate and white chocolate treats
Cakes and sweet treats
Sometimes pastries and Champagne

Winter can be a great time for afternoon tea, particularly on snowy days when you can sit back and relax while your loose-leaf tea keeps you warm.

WHAT TO WEAR TO WINTER AFTERNOON TEA

We’ve got you covered with what to wear for standard afternoon tea, but what about in the winter?

Depending on the winter afternoon tea occasion, you may have a number of potential outfits in mind.

Smart-casual attire is generally the best option to go with if you’re struggling since you want to look polished but also wear something relaxing.

Unless you’re attending a special event, fancy attire isn’t essential, although you may wish to use the occasion to dress up a little more! For winter afternoon tea, why not dress for the season?

Jumpers, cardigans, blouses and wide-leg trousers are all great options. For those wearing dresses and skirts, consider wearing tights for comfort and style.

Shoe-wise, we perhaps wouldn’t advise sandals in the colder months! Boots are a failsafe when it comes to winter, and work well with both trouser and skirt clothing options.

When it comes to men attending afternoon tea, again, smart casual is a great choice. Perhaps include a styling jumper to account for the chills outside!

WHERE CAN YOU HAVE WINTER AFTERNOON TEA?

Tearooms, halls, hotels, manor houses and cafes are places where you’re likely to find a winter- themed afternoon tea being served.

Here at the Daffodil Hotel, we offer a high-quality dining experience, on par with London’s most popular tearooms

WHAT DOES WINTER AFTERNOON TEA AT THE DAFFODIL HOTEL INCLUDE?

Our winter afternoon tea menu includes seasonal savouries, such as roast chicken club sliders and Cumbrian sausage rolls.

For something sweet, expect a range of treats including tiramisu, sultana and orange blondies and peppermint and chocolate opera cake, to name a few!

All of our winter afternoon teas are served alongside a tea blend of your choice. We also have a festive winter warm drink menu, as well a selection of liqueurs if you fancy something stronger!