There's something wonderfully charming about afternoon tea, isn't there? Perhaps it's the little finger sandwiches with their crusts carefully removed, or the promise of a warm scone with strawberry jam and clotted cream.

Whatever the appeal, afternoon tea is a great excuse to invite a few friends over, put the kettle on, and spend the afternoon catching up. And we don't need an expensive hotel reservation or a cupboard full of fine china to enjoy it. With a little preparation, we can host a beautiful afternoon tea right at home.

Set the Table for Afternoon Tea

Part of the fun of afternoon tea is making the table look special, but there's no need to spend a fortune on it. Start with a pretty tablecloth or runner. Set out teacups, saucers, small plates, and teaspoons for each guest. Mismatched china can be every bit as charming as a matching set.

A three-tiered cake stand is great for displaying the food, with the sandwiches on the bottom, the scones in the middle, and the sweets on top. If you don't have one, a few pretty serving plates work just as well.

Fresh flowers make a simple centerpiece, while cloth napkins can add a little extra elegance. Don't forget small serving bowls for strawberry jam, clotted cream, and lemon curd, along with a milk pitcher, sugar bowl, and honey.

Once everything’s arranged, there's very little left to do except welcome your guests.

How to Make the Perfect Pot of Tea

The tea deserves a little attention, too. English Breakfast and Earl Grey are traditional choices, although it's nice to offer an herbal tea for anyone who prefers something lighter.

Loose-leaf tea makes the occasion particularly special, and preparing it is easier than we think. All that’s needed is one teaspoon of loose tea per six ounces of water. Start by warming the teapot with a little hot water, then empty it. Add the tea leaves to an infuser or strainer and pour freshly boiled water over them.

For black tea, allow the leaves to steep for about three to five minutes before removing them. Then, you can serve the tea with milk, sugar, honey, and lemon slices so everyone can prepare their cup just the way they like it. And keep some extra hot water handy for a second pot.

Make a Selection of Finger Sandwiches

No afternoon tea would be complete without those dainty little sandwiches. The trick is to keep the fillings simple and cut the sandwiches into small rectangles or triangles. 

Plan for about three or four finger sandwiches per person, depending on what else you're serving. Here are two classics to get you started.

Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 4 slices soft white bread

• 3 tablespoons softened cream cheese

• ¼ cucumber, thinly sliced

• Fresh dill, optional

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Spread the cream cheese evenly over the bread.

2. Arrange the cucumber slices on two pieces, then season lightly with salt, pepper, and dill.

3. Top with the remaining bread.

4. Remove the crusts.

5. Cut each sandwich into four fingers.

Egg Salad Tea Sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 4 slices soft white bread

• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

• 1½ tablespoons mayonnaise

• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine the eggs, mayo, mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

2. Spread the mixture over two slices of bread and top with the remaining slices.

3. Remove the crusts and cut into small fingers or triangles.

Smoked salmon with cream cheese is another option if you'd like to offer a little more variety.

Bake a Batch of Homemade Scones

Warm scones are one of the best parts of afternoon tea, especially when they’re served with generous spoonfuls of jam and clotted cream.

This simple recipe makes approximately eight small scones.

Classic Afternoon Tea Scones

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 5 tablespoons cold butter, cubed

• ⅔ cup milk, plus extra for brushing

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F while lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a bowl.

3. Rub in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Gradually add the milk, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. 

5. Add a splash more, if needed.

6. Pat the dough to about ¾ inch thick and cut into rounds.

7. Arrange on the baking sheet, brush the tops with milk, and bake for approximately 12 to 15 minutes, until risen and golden.

Serve warm with strawberry jam and clotted cream. Thick whipped cream is a convenient alternative if clotted cream isn't available.

Add a Simple Cake to the Menu

We don't need an elaborate layer cake to finish our afternoon tea spread. A classic lemon loaf is easy to prepare ahead of time and tastes great with a cup of Earl Grey.

Easy Lemon Tea Cake

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup softened butter

• ¾ cup sugar

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup milk

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8½-by-4½-inch loaf pan.

2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. 

4. Add the eggs one at a time.

5. Mix in the lemon zest and juice, then alternate, adding the dry ingredients and milk until everything’s combined.

6. Pour the mixture into the pan and bake for approximately 40 to 50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Allow the cake to cool before slicing into small portions.

For an extra treat, drizzle the cooled cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.

Put the Kettle On and Enjoy

The best thing about hosting afternoon tea is that most of the preparation can happen before anyone arrives. Bake the cake the day before, prepare the scones earlier in the afternoon, and assemble the sandwiches shortly before serving them so they stay fresh.

Once the table is set and the tea is brewing, you can settle in with your guests, rather than spending the afternoon in the kitchen.

Whether you’re using your grandmother's china or your favorite everyday teacups, it's the company that makes the occasion special. Now, who's ready for the first cup?

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