Let’s take a look at how to create a perfect Afternoon Tea at home
How to create a perfect Afternoon Tea at home
Do you long to know how to create a perfect afternoon tea at home?
To celebrate National Afternoon Tea Week (12th – 18th August 2019), Simon Bradley, Head Chef at De Vere Cotswold Water Park – a beautiful hotel in the Cotswolds and surrounded by 152 lakes – has shared his top tips on how to enjoy the traditional British pastime at home.
Oh, it all sounds simply perfect and oh so very British.
Why not make yourself a cuppa, kick back and read these top tea tips. All sounds scrumptious to me!
The perfect blend
Without a doubt the most important element of an afternoon tea is the tea itself. A traditional English Breakfast blend is a firm favourite with guests at De Vere Cotswold Water Park however, you could tempt your guests with something a little more usual such as a power green tea, for the ultimate detox, filled with antioxidants and nutrients. Or for the more daring, try a chilli chai tea for that fiery kick. On warmer days, try brewing an iced tea using your favourite tea and add slices of citrus fruits for a refreshing twist.
Be experimental
Sandwiches and scones are the staples of a classic afternoon tea however, you may fancy giving them a twist? Try experimenting with the fillings in your sandwiches and the flavours of your cakes, for example, you could serve Earl Grey-infused tea cakes, sweet scones with lemon curd, savoury scones with cheddar cheese o or basil macarons.
Food for thought
Although you may be excited to serve your latest flavoursome concoction, make sure that you keep some of those classic ‘crowd pleasers’ on the menu, namely; egg mayonnaise sandwiches; cucumber with cream cheese and macarons; Battenberg; and éclairs.
Make sure everyone in the group is catered for, and provide more savoury foods such as scotch eggs, quiche and sausage rolls, accompanied with drinks for the non-tea drinkers such as a superfood smoothie for the ultimate health kick.
Dietary requirements now play a huge part of people’s lives with nearly ¼ of the UK now eating a plant-based diet. Include items on your cake stand such as vegan macarons or cakes/ brownies that have been made with avocado as the substitute.
Be prepared
It is hard work being the host and the chef, especially if help is limited, so keep things simple to ensure a stress-free day by preparing as much as you can before your guests arrive.
It’s true that nothing beats a warm scone with lashings of fresh strawberry jam and clotted cream, but you can bake them in advance and then warm them in the oven before serving.
Get creative
Everyone loves a scone and a finger sandwich but if you want to stand out from the crowd, you need to get creative. How about adding a theme? Or even an American twist on a traditional British afternoon tea can be fun and something different. Ditch the macarons and enjoy mini doughnuts.
Set the scene when you create a perfect Afternoon Tea at home
Afternoon tea isn’t just about delicious sandwiches and cakes, it’s about the whole dining experience from décor to vintage crockery. Rummage in the back of your cupboards and dust off your best cake stands, finest china tea set and polish your silver teapot.
Why not also head to the garden and pick some fresh flowers for a centrepiece, place tea cosies on the table, hang bunting around the room and perhaps create your own personalised menus to wow your guests?
Location, location, location
Make the most of the British summertime and take your tea outside. For the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind, explore the great outdoors and bring your afternoon tea with you on a picnic. Or dine al fresco with an afternoon tea set up in your garden so you’re never too far away from your next fresh pot of tea.
I do hope you have enjoyed this post on how to create a perfect afternoon tea at home?
Further reading
You might also like my post on edible flower desserts
