Us Brits love afternoon tea, so much so that this year sees Afternoon Tea Week taking place from the 8th till 14th August. Whilst there are many wonderful places in East Lothian to indulge in this favourite British pastime, why not hold your own?
We have put together our top tips on how to host an afternoon tea to dazzle and delight, Mary Berry would be impressed!
Prepare a table to wow
Throw out the paper napkins and ditch the chipped china! For a truly spectacular afternoon tea you need to set the scene.
A crisp white tablecloth and napkins set alongside some appealing plates and dishes will make your table look tip top.
Why not raid your local charity shop for some quirky and colourful pieces, they don’t even have to match. Don’t forget a tiered cake stand for a lovely centrepiece and throw in a display of some seasonal blooms.
Place cards also make an affordable and personal touch.
Drinks on arrival
Before your guests sit down, a refreshing arrival drink will get them in the mood for a fun and entertaining afternoon.
Try a Pimms or a summery champagne cocktail such as an elderflower spritz.
If you pop some ready-made drinks into jugs to serve it can add a pop of colour.
Think outside the cake box
Whilst a traditional afternoon tea is made up of sandwiches and scones, this is your chance to get creative.
Add in some individual bites such as these pretty profiteroles we found at Sainsburys or these ASDA afternoon tea mini cupcakes. Or rustle up your own easy traybake that you can cut up into bitesize pieces such as a lemon drizzle cake or an apple and cinnamon one.
No soggy sandwiches
The best way to enjoy your own afternoon tea party is to prepare. When it comes to the sandwiches you can make all the fillings that morning and then pop in the fridge, then make the sandwiches just before your guests arrive.
Easy to prepare ones are of course egg or tuna mayonnaise, coronation chicken or chicken mayo.
Again, when it comes to the bread you use, be adventurous! Choose from sourdough, soy and linseed or multigrain. And they don’t have to be finger sandwiches, use heart or flower shaped cookie cutters for something different.
