How to Host an Afternoon Tea Party at Home

How to Host an Afternoon Tea Party at Home

After experiencing afternoon tea at The Tea Trolley, you might find yourself inspired to recreate the magic at home. Whether you're planning a bridal shower, a birthday celebration, or simply a lovely afternoon with friends, hosting your own afternoon tea party is a delightful way to share this elegant tradition.

While nothing quite matches the experience of tea at a professional tearoom, you can absolutely create a charming and authentic afternoon tea at home with some planning and attention to detail. Here's your step-by-step guide.

Planning Your Tea Party: The Essentials

Before you start inviting guests, think about:

Guest List: Afternoon tea is intimate by nature — plan for 4-8 guests for the best experience. More than that can become overwhelming.

Date and Time: Traditional afternoon tea is served between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Choose a time that gives you plenty of opportunity to prepare (and clean up afterward).

Theme (Optional): While a classic Victorian tea is always lovely, you might consider a seasonal theme (spring garden party, autumn harvest), a special occasion (bridal shower, baby shower), or a color scheme that ties everything together.

Setting the Scene: Creating the Atmosphere

The setting is just as important as the food at an afternoon tea. Here's how to create the right ambiance:

The Table Setting

• Tablecloth and Linens: Use a white or pastel tablecloth and cloth napkins if possible. Iron linens make a difference!

• China and Teacups: Use your best china if you have it, or borrow mismatched vintage teacups for a charming eclectic look. Each guest needs: a teacup and saucer, a tea plate (smaller than a dinner plate), a teaspoon, and a dessert fork.

• Tiered Stands: If you don't own a tiered tea stand, you can often rent one or create tiers using cake stands and plates. You can also serve food on platters arranged at different heights.

• Flowers: A small centerpiece of fresh flowers adds the perfect finishing touch. Choose something fragrant but not overpowering — roses or peonies work beautifully.

The Space

• Lighting: Soft, natural light is ideal. If your tea is in the evening, use candles or soft lamp light rather than harsh overhead lights.

• Music: Play soft classical music or instrumental pieces in the background — keep it low enough for conversation.

• Seating: Ensure everyone has comfortable seating around a table where they can see and interact with each other.

The Tea: Selecting and Brewing

Choose 2-3 different teas to offer your guests, including at least one caffeinated option (like English Breakfast or Earl Grey) and one herbal or decaf option.

Loose-Leaf vs. [Tea Bags](/blog/loose-leaf-tea-vs-tea-bags)

If possible, use loose-leaf tea — it makes a real difference in flavor. You'll need:

• A teapot (one per type of tea you're serving)

• A tea strainer or infuser

• A tea cozy to keep pots warm (or wrap in a towel)

Brewing Tips

• Water Temperature: Boil fresh water and let it cool slightly before pouring over black tea (about 200°F). Green teas need cooler water (around 175°F).

• Steeping Time: Black teas typically need 3-5 minutes. Herbal teas can steep longer. Don't oversteep or the tea will become bitter.

• Serving: Pour through a strainer to catch any leaves. Offer milk, lemon, sugar, and honey so guests can customize to their taste.

The Food: Building Your Three-Tier Menu

The traditional three-tier structure guides your menu planning:

Bottom Tier: Savories (Plan for 3-4 per person)

Classic Tea Sandwiches:

• Cucumber and cream cheese (trim crusts, cut into triangles or fingers)

• Egg salad with chives

• Smoked salmon with cream cheese and dill

• Chicken salad

• Watercress and butter

Other Savory Options:

• Mini quiches or tartlets

• Small savory scones (cheese scones work well)

• Mini savory tarts or puff pastry bites

Tip: Make sandwiches close to serving time to keep bread fresh. Cover with a damp towel to prevent drying out.

Middle Tier: Scones (2 per person)

Classic English Scones:

*Ingredients:*

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 6 tbsp cold butter, cubed

• 3/4 cup heavy cream

• 1 egg

*Method:*

1. Mix dry ingredients. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2. Whisk cream and egg together. Stir into flour mixture until just combined (don't overmix).

3. Turn onto floured surface, knead gently 2-3 times.

4. Pat into 1-inch thick circle. Cut into rounds using a biscuit cutter.

5. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until golden.

Serve with:

• Clotted cream (or substitute with whipped cream mixed with mascarpone)

• Strawberry or raspberry preserves

Top Tier: Sweets (2-3 per person)

Choose a variety of small, elegant sweets:

• Petits fours

• Mini cupcakes or fairy cakes

• Lemon tarts or mini fruit tarts

• Shortbread cookies

• Chocolate truffles

• Mini éclairs or cream puffs

Tip: You don't have to make everything from scratch. A mix of homemade items and carefully selected store-bought treats is perfectly acceptable!

For special occasions like birthdays or bridal showers, consider adding a beautiful cake to your tea party. A decorated cake makes a stunning centerpiece and adds an extra touch of celebration to your afternoon tea.

The Day Of: Your Timeline

2 Days Before:

• Confirm guest count and any dietary restrictions

• Shop for ingredients

• Plan your tea selections

1 Day Before:

• Bake scones (they freeze well, or make early morning)

• Make any desserts that keep well

• Set the table

Morning Of:

• Prepare sandwich fillings (but don't assemble sandwiches yet)

• Bake any last-minute items

• Arrange flowers

• Prepare tea pots and strainers

1 Hour Before Guests Arrive:

• Assemble sandwiches (keep covered)

• Arrange food on tiered stands or platters

• Warm up scones if needed

• Set out all dishes and tea service items

30 Minutes Before:

• Brew your first pots of tea

• Do a final check of the table

• Light candles if using

• Turn on music

When Guests Arrive:

• Offer to take coats

• Welcome them to the table

• Pour tea and let the magic begin!

Etiquette Tips for Hosts

• Greet each guest warmly when they arrive

• Serve tea properly: Always pour tea for your guests (never let them pour their own). Offer milk, lemon, sugar, and honey.

• Explain the tiers: Guide guests on what's on each tier and the traditional order of eating (though they can eat however they like!).

• Keep pots warm: Replace teapots) with fresh hot tea as needed.

• Join the conversation: Don't spend the whole time in the kitchen — once everything is served, sit and enjoy with your guests.

Keeping It Simple: Shortcuts for Busy Hosts

If hosting a full afternoon tea feels overwhelming, here are some ways to simplify:

Time-Saving Tips:

• Use a mix of store-bought and homemade items

• Ask guests to each bring one item (potluck-style)

• Focus on one excellent tea rather than multiple options

• Serve on platters instead of tiered stands

• Skip the starter course and focus on the three tiers

Remember: The most important thing is creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Perfect food is less important than good company and a relaxed host.

Special Touches

Consider adding these thoughtful details:

• Name cards at each place setting

• Favors for guests to take home (small boxes of tea, cookies wrapped in ribbon)

• Printed menus listing the teas and foods being served

• A guest book for special occasions

Afternoon Tea vs. [High Tea](/blog/afternoon-tea-vs-high-tea) (A Quick Note)

If you're hosting at home, you might wonder: is this afternoon tea or high tea?

What we've described here is afternoon tea (the dainty, tiered-tray affair). High tea was historically a more substantial evening meal served at a high table (hence the name). If you're serving the three-tiered tray with tea sandwiches, scones, and sweets during the afternoon, you're serving afternoon tea — which is what The Tea Trolley offers!

Learning from the Experts

While hosting at home is wonderful, sometimes nothing beats experiencing afternoon tea prepared by professionals. If you're planning a special celebration or want to experience the authentic atmosphere, consider:

• Hosting your event at The Tea Trolley

• Visiting us first to get inspiration for your home tea party

• Bringing friends to experience afternoon tea together