A very British tradition, to many afternoon tea represents the height of refined sophistication, but it’s a pursuit that is very rarely held at home. Here at IDEAL, we think that’s a real shame. After all, hospitality and hosting burns bright in the hearts of our national consciousness, and afternoon tea is one of the most homely, welcoming celebrations one could host.
So host we shall. Whilst enjoying an afternoon tea in one of London’s premium hotels is an undeniably great experience (who doesn’t like being waited on hand and foot, after all?), it comes at a premium price to match. The Savoy Hotel’s legendary afternoon tea and a single glass of champagne, for example, will set you back £95.
And in the current climate, who’s got that kind of money to splash?
If you’re still keen to celebrate that sense of very British sophistication, then throwing your own afternoon tea party could be just the ticket. With a bit of creativity and some savvy shopping, you can recreate the luxury experience at a fraction of the cost.
With that in mind, it’s time to throw some tea in the pot, throw some sandwiches on the table and throw your own do with our guide on how to host the IDEAL afternoon tea party, on a budget.
Your Favourite Finger Food
The great thing about hosting your own afternoon tea party is that you can choose your favourite finger food, and get as playful or creative as you want with it. Aside from the scones, which are non-negotiable in our humble opinion, you should think about building layers of intricate detail and complementary flavours.
Sandwiches of different shapes, sizes and fillings make up the backbone of the savoury section, but don’t be afraid to serve sausage rolls, quiches and smoked salmon blinis, too. Have some fun with it, opting for seasonal ingredients and shop at local markets to keep costs down while ensuring freshness.
Where cakes are concerned (and you should, of course, be concerned about cakes), why not take inspiration from the Great British Bake Off and try your hand at making something fancy like a Battenberg cake? Visually as well as edibly stunning, it’s sure to really impress your guests.
Remember to cater to all your guests, including those with dietary restrictions. For the celiacs in the crew, there’s no shame if you buy gluten free cupcakes online to ensure everyone can indulge.
And although they’re technically French, here at IDEAL we can’t resist macaroons for a vibrant, eye-catching dessert display. And don’t get us started on our love for madeleines.
Read: 5 of the best places for a truly 5 star afternoon tea in Mayfair
Essential Items
If you want your afternoon tea party to reach hotel standards (or, whisper it, exceed them) you’re going to have to invest in some essential items. Fear not, as this only needs to happen once, and once your party gets a reputation as a roaring success, you’ll get plenty of use out of your outlay. A three-level tier cake is a must, as there’s something ceremonial about this tall, proud centrepiece.
If you already own silverware, that’s great, but you don’t have to go out and spend excessive amounts on new items; just use your very best chinaware and crockery, and if you don’t own any teacups, charity shops are fantastic for old fashioned floral chinaware. Teapots and a cake slicer are other must-haves.
Don’t worry if you can’t find a full complement of items, as a mismatched style actually works really well in the domestic environment. Scour second-hand shops and online marketplaces for bargains that add a touch of vintage charm without breaking the bank.
The Decoration
The quirkier, the better we think, so don’t hold back! You’ll want to evoke the street parties of yesteryear with hanging bunting and lace doilies as placemats. Channel a Cath Kidson/paisley print style of design, with floral tablecloths or cushions to add that extra sprinkle of homely charm. DIY decorations can also add a personal touch and save money. Consider making your own bunting from fabric scraps or using wildflowers from your garden as centrepieces.
Read: 5 of the best places to enjoy the full afternoon experience in England
Theme It
If you really want to transport people to another time and place, offer escapism in the form of a theme (we all need a little of that right now, don’t you think?)
Perhaps you’re planning on making your afternoon tea party a regular thing? If so, you should change the theme with each event, it will keep things fresh and exciting (and keep people coming back for more, too!). To get the ball rolling, we’re thinking an Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatters Tea Party is about as on point as you can get.
Should you be stuck for ideas, take inspiration from the season that you’re throwing your event in. If it’s strawberry season, serve strawberry tea and make a centrepiece cake topped with fresh ones. Or why not throw a pink afternoon to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, and raise money for Breast Cancer Now.
The All Important Scones
Whether you pronounce it scone or scoooone, insist on sultanas or prefer plain, put your jam on first or open with a layer of cream, it can’t be argued that scones are the very essence of an afternoon tea party. If you don’t serve scones then we’re afraid to say that it’s just having a cuppa with friends.
Choose your pronunciation, and don’t falter. Pledge allegiance to a method and stick to it; ‘the Devonshire’ dictates that you should smother a scone in cream before adding jam, while the groupies of ‘the Cornish’ persuasion insist jam should be applied first. But most importantly, serve the very best version you can muster (or buy them in – there’s no shame in that). That said, homemade scones are not only more economical but also add a personal touch to your gathering.
The Brew
It’s taken us this long to mention the headlining act, but the clue’s in the name….it’s called a ‘tea’ party, after all. So to make sure the brew doesn’t become an afterthought, it has to be loose tea leaves. Each type of tea requires a different length of infusion time and temperature, so check carefully first. Don’t assume all teas were created equal, as a rule. Filtered water provides the finest results, and generally it’s best to only boil the kettle once for proper aeration.
Earl Grey tea, with its distinctive citrus flavour, plays a major role in the whole ceremony of British afternoon tea. However, when it comes to the tea itself, not all brands are created equal. Let us direct you to our article 6 steps to choosing the very best Earl Grey tea to help you develop a discerning palate for the stuff.
The Bubbly
These days, you can’t throw an afternoon tea party without a glass/bottle or two of prosecco. Afternoon tea is a special occasion after all and nothing says special like a glass of fizz. In the summer months, we think a pink champagne afternoon tea hosted in the garden with strawberry cupcakes is ideal.
If you’re looking to splash a little more cash and enjoy something truly unique, then think outside the crate here and go for an English sparkling wine, which has been growing in stature in the last few years. Many blind tasters now believe it to be even better than champagne.
Our favourite here at IDEAL? It’s got to be Hambledon Classic Cuvée for £30, which is a cracking English fizz if ever there was one. For a more budget-friendly option, consider a quality supermarket own-brand prosecco, which can often be found for under £10.
Read: What to look for in the best sparkling wine
The Timings
As with any party you’re hosting, don’t give yourself too much last minute work. ‘Hosting’ is not simply plonking refreshments down on the table and making yourself scarce; quite the opposite in fact; your tea and snacks need to be accompanied by good conversation and attentiveness.
Save yourself some work by making cakes in advance and stashing them in the freezer. However, scones are best served fresh out of the oven, and as they’re such an integral part of the party, you should prep them fresh.
Prep the filling for the sandwiches in advance – slice the cucumber in the morning, for instance – but don’t assemble them until just before eating, as otherwise there’s a danger of soggy bottoms. And you certainly don’t want your party to be known for that!
Planning ahead and preparing in stages can help you manage your budget more effectively, ensuring you don’t overspend at the last minute.
Now, can we expect our invite in the post? We certainly hope so.