Afternoon Tea Parties

by Georgina Hefferman (Jan 24, 2013)

I think it is probably because I am English that I adore having afternoon tea. I love baking and creating a special memorable event. It doesn't have to be anything extravagant, because just some tea and cake is all it takes!

With the resurgence of all things vintage recently, however, the tea party is something that is making a comeback, especially for little girls' birthday parties. Here are my top tips for hosting the perfect afternoon tea party.

1. Decide on an appropriate location for your party. At home around a dinner table is perfect, or if it is a sunny afternoon consider a table in the garden. Make it fun and relaxing.

2. Create a fun party invitation.

Be sure to include details of where the event will be held, times, dress code, etc. It's a great idea to include a pretty tea cup made from scraps of paper as an image. Handwritten invitations, personalised to the individual are usually the best too. It gives a more intimate feel to the occasion.

3. Consider your decorations.

A clean, crisp white linen tablecloth is best, decorated with pretty vintage china, some fresh flowers, bunting and if you are outside perhaps some lace umbrellas hanging from trees. I enjoy knitting and make tea pot cosies for my tea table. I also sell them in my Etsy shop.

An absolute must is a plate stand to showcase all your wonderful baking. You can pick them up fairly cheaply from charity shops or you could even consider making your own.

4. Think about what food to serve. Traditionally tea parties start with sandwiches. I love salmon or cucumber but any kind of sandwich goes. Even peanut butter and jelly will work if that's what you enjoy! Just remember to cut the crusts off and cut the sandwiches into strips before serving. Tea parties are all about being delicate!

There should also be a savoury item or two, such as sausage rolls or a cheese pastry.

Then finally there should be a selection of cakes. Small bite-sized cakes are the best, giving each guest an individual portion. However, it is just as fun to turn tradition on its head and just go for big slabs of chocolate cake without anything else instead.

Most importantly of all, of course, is the need for tea. Lashings of it! Teapots are perfect for keeping tea warm whilst you enjoy the baked goods, but if you don't have a teapot make sure you keep your guests' cups full. For children's parties you can serve any fruit juice in cups.

5. After your tea party or afternoon tea you need to think about how you are going to scrap all the photos you took!

Remember to take close-ups of the food you eat, and the people with whom you have shared your afternoon. Pretty floral papers are perfect for vintage-themed parties and some flowery embellishments always work well too. I included a cup like the ones on my invitations and a few buttons to finish the vintage feel.