Skip to Content
Menu
  • Save
  • Pinterest
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Print

How to Throw a Proper English Tea Party

By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Created January 10, 2025
Top-down image of an afternoon tea service. Atop the table is a lavender tablecloth with platters of desserts, scones, cream puffs, fresh strawberries, lemons, and fresh flowers.

The simple elegance of a tea party can be pulled off for nearly any crowd size, time of year, or occasion. Afternoon tea is an English tradition that dates back nearly 200 years. It’s just as relevant today, whether you’re simply embracing snacking culture or celebrating our favorite period dramas. I’m looking at you, Bridgerton.  

High Tea vs Afternoon Tea 

Afternoon tea involves lighter fare served between 3pm-5pm and is seen as social hour. Traditionally, afternoon tea includes three courses of small bites: a sandwich course, scone course, and dessert all served on the iconic tiered stand. Afternoon tea typically requires slightly more formal attire of your guests, but I encourage you to go with your gut on this rule. Just be sure to inform your guests if you have a vision for the dress code.  

Traditional high tea is a more substantial and less formal meal including meat, vegetables, bread, and dessert served on plates vs tiered stands. This was typically served as a working-class meal, and less about socializing.

For the sake of this article, I’m going to focus on pulling off an afternoon tea service.  

Selecting the Menu

Obviously, tea parties must involve tea and for that we’ve created the ultimate guide for preparing and serving tea, but it doesn’t have to be the only beverage you serve. It would be perfectly appropriate if your guests are over 21 to enjoy a mimosa, a specialty batched cocktail, or nice glass of wine. 

Another thoughtful addition is ensuring you have both caffeinated and decaffeinated tea offerings for your guests.

As you think about the food menu, I love the idea of sticking with the three traditional courses, but being sort of loose with the interpretation. Not all afternoon tea parties require cucumber sandwiches on white bread with the crust cut off, though they are a crowd pleaser. 

Here are a few suggestions:

Tier 1: Sandwiches 

Tier 2: Scones 

Tier 3: Desserts 

For more dessert inspiration this recipe collection of The Best of British Baking should have you covered. 

When it comes to serving size, it’s good to assume each guest will have two small sandwiches, two small scones, and two desserts. The number of different variations on each course you make is up to you.  

Setting the Table 

The tablescape for an afternoon tea contributes just as much as the food and drink do when it comes to throwing a proper tea party. I’m a big fan of fresh florals, unscented candles, even fresh fruit as decor. The three-tiered serving stand for all of that adorable finger food is also the signature of an afternoon tea.  

Expanding on the idea of ambiance, you may want to think about the following: 

  • Linens: A tablecloth and napkins in pastel shades or floral patterns, but could go in any direction depending on the theme. Strawberry themed afternoon tea, why not?  
  • China: Use your finest china or a mismatched collection from the thrift store.
  • Silverware: Provide teaspoons for tea and forks for sandwiches and pastries, but if you want to really learn how to set a proper table, we’ve outlined that for you as well. 
  • Centerpiece: A simple yet elegant centerpiece, such as a floral arrangement or a collection of candles (go for the unscented ones). 
  • Place Cards: This one is really up to you, but for a formal setting, use place cards to guide guests to their assigned seats. 

‘Et Voilá! You’ve got yourself a proper afternoon tea party. With everything prepared ahead of time, you can relax, enjoy your guests’ company, and maybe even spill a little tea yourself. Just one final tip: having an electric kettle handy makes brewing more tea a breeze—trust me, it’s a game changer.