Hosting an Afternoon Tea

Hosting an Afternoon Tea has never been easier, especially as everything you need to plan the perfect gathering is right here, all in the one place.

Whether you’re planning your very first tea party or looking to elevate your next event, this post is your ultimate guide to creating a memorable Afternoon Tea experience.

So pop the kettle on, grab your notebook (or your prettiest tea cup), and let’s get started!

Hosting an Afternoon Tea

Hosting an afternoon tea at home is a wonderful way to embrace the elegance and charm of a bygone era. Dressing up in something that makes you feel fabulous and sipping tea from delicate, pretty cups turns any afternoon into a special occasion. It’s also a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends or meet new ones in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Your tea party can be as simple or as extravagant as you like. Even a ham and cheese sandwich feels more indulgent when served on a fancy plate with the crusts cut off!

One of the best things about hosting an afternoon tea at home is how manageable it is. Most of the work can be done ahead of time—preparing the food, arranging it beautifully, and setting the table. This means no spending hours stuck in the kitchen while your guests are having all the fun.

With a little planning and preparation, you’ll be able to serve food, pass around coffee and tea, then join your guests at the table to enjoy the occasion yourself.

The best part? There’s no set end time! You and your guests can relax, laugh, and stay as long as you like. If your friends are anything like mine, that means plenty of loud and lively conversation.

In this post

• Planning the perfect Afternoon Tea
• Your Afternoon Tea table
• What do you serve for Afternoon Tea?
• Do I have to make everything?
• How much food will I need for my Afternoon Tea?
• Afternoon Tea drinks
• What can be prepared ahead of time?
• On the day: Hosting an Afternoon Tea at home timeline
• Inspiration from the experts

Planning the perfect Afternoon Tea

Hosting an Afternoon Tea can be as simple or as over the top as you like, the choice is entirely yours. So where do you start?

Do a quick assessment

Plan your event according to the season, the number of guests, how much time you can spare and the amount of space you have. If you plan to hold your Afternoon Tea outside, make sure you have a contingency plan in case it rains or it is really hot. Think about how you’d like the event to look and run on the day; you may like to start a Pinterest board of tablescapes and food so you have a reference point to return to. Also make some notes so you remember what you’d like to include or the atmosphere you’d like to achieve.

Capacity check

How many guests can your home and budget accommodate? Work this out as best you can and know the maximum number before you make your guest list and send out invitations. You may need to hire a venue instead like a local hall if the number is too large for your home, so make sure you book this option early to avoid disappointment.

Take stock

Do a quick inventory of what you have. I’ve created a handy Afternoon Tea Checklist to help you work out what you’ll need to host an afternoon tea at home, along with some optional extras. Start by assessing your tables and chairs (do I have enough? and will they fit?), and looking in your cupboards. Lay out what you have, then inspect it for condition and cleanliness. If anything needs a touch-up, like a polish or a fresh clean, take care of that early. Next, evaluate your kitchen facilities, refrigeration, storage and power. You may need to buy some stackable containers so you can maximise your fridge space.

Borrow or hire

If you don’t have enough of some items then don’t hesitate to borrow from friends, neighbours, or community groups. Social media platforms like Buy Nothing or Buy/Sell/Swap groups can also be a great resource.

Alternatively, consider hiring items. Many businesses online (Google, Facebook & Instagram) specialise in Afternoon Tea or High Tea rentals and offer packages for tableware and decor. Once you’ve finalised your guest count, contact these providers to book what you need. Be sure to review their terms and conditions—some may require a deposit. Look for a company close to you to simplify pick-up and drop-off.

Send out invitations

Hosting an afternoon tea at home means you can set the time and the duration. No feeling pressured to leave as the next sitting is due to arrive and they need the table!

Traditionally afternoon tea is held between 3pm-5 p.m, but feel free to adapt the timing to suit your schedule. You may like to start at 2pm and leave the timing open ended. That way guests won’t feel like they need to rush to ‘finish’ by a certain time. However, if you think it might be helpful (to yourself or others) then definitely add an end time. This way you can ensure you don’t end up with guests hanging around your kitchen suggesting pizza around 7pm after too many wines! Not that there’s anything wrong with a little pizza and a kitchen disco sometimes….

Invitations can be sent via email or why not put them in the post for a traditional touch? Canva has some excellent free invitation templates that can be customised for Afternoon Tea and then emailed or printed.

Choose a theme (optional)

Adding a theme can bring a cohesive and fun touch or simply ask your guests to dress for ‘Afternoon Tea’ – whatever you think they will be comfortable in and suit the day. Visit my Themed Afternoon Tea post for more than 20 themes, menu suggestions and decor ideas.

Popular themes include:

• Classic British Tea
• Vintage Glam
• Mother’s Day, Easter or Father’s Day (Whisky & Tea partner really well together!)
• Garden party e.g. Roses and Rosé
• Downtown Abbey or Bridgerton
• Seasonal such as Autumn / Fall or Summer Strawberries
• Pre-wedding, Hen’s / Bachelorette
• Baby Shower
• Melbourne Cup or Ascot or Kentucky Derby
• Special birthday or any birthday!

Your Afternoon Tea table

Hosting an Afternoon Tea at home allows you to design a tablescape exactly how you’d like it. You can be reserved or over the top – the choice is completely yours! Below are some things you might like include. Refer to the checklist for quantities.

Tableware: Use tiered stands for pastries and sandwiches, a pretty teapot, matching teacups, and saucers. Linen napkins, fine china, patterned tablecloths, runners or contrasting or textured placemats. Small entrée knives and forks (salad forks and knives in the US) are good options for small cakes and spreading jam on scones.

Glassware: Water glasses are a must as well as other glassware such as Champgane, wine or decorative cocktail glasses if you plan to serve them.

Decorations: Fresh flowers, candles, cordless mini lamps, or even small decorative details that complement the theme work really well, just make sure they don’t obscure the view of each guest.

Place cards: Add a personalised touch with small name cards for each guest, especially for more formal or themed tea gatherings or guests you’d like to sit together.

Menu cards: Displaying a menu helps guests know what they’re eating and adds to the elegance of the day. Canva has some beautiful free templates (try the wedding ones) that can be customised for afternoon tea.

Take-home treats: Prepare small favours, like a mini jar of jam or a packaged macaron so your guests leave with a little memento of the day.

Seating: Provide comfortable seating around the table for everyone to relax and enjoy the occasion. Cushions for older guests is always appreciated and can add to the decor.

What do you serve for Afternoon Tea?

Afternoon Tea traditionally consists of:

• Finger sandwiches in a number of flavours
• Sweet pastries and small cakes
• Scones with jam and cream
• Hot / cold savouries

Sandwiches

Delicate and delicous finger sandwiches like cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon, egg and cress, or ham, cheddar and mustard are always popular. Visit Sandwiches for recipes.

Savouries

As well as finger sandwiches you can also prepare a couple of hot or cold savouries to offer your guests. My Chicken Wellington Sausage Rolls recipe  or Salmon Cucumber Brioche Bites can add a fancy touch to your menu! Visit the savouries section on the homepage for recipes.

Scones

Scones are the centerpiece of a classic afternoon tea. Plan to serve them warm, with clotted cream, double cream or whipped cream, and of course jam. Strawberry is traditional, but raspberry or lemon curd are nice alternatives or why not try my Ginger Scones with lime marmalade and double cream recipe. Or simply make my traditional scones recipe. Or just buy them (I won’t tell).

Sweet Treats

Offer a selection of dainty pastries and sweets, such as macarons, mini éclairs, lemon tarts, madeleines, or petit fours. A small cake or tart can also be a lovely addition. Visit the sweet treats and cakes categories on the homepage.

Dietary needs

If you have a guest or guests with particular dietary requirements then you’re in luck! Afternoon Tea is so adaptable that everyone can enjoy the fun and not miss out on sampling delicious treats.

Make sure you check with your guests and ask them what might suit them. Most people will offer to bring something, however my gluten free/dairy free friend Mrs M suggests a fresh fruit platter with organic coconut (vegan) yoghurt like COYO to be on the safe side.

I am also a big fan of Bob’s Red Mill flour 1 for 1 which is brilliant for making any scone or cake gluten free without having to change the recipe.

Do I have to make everything?

No, unless you really want to! However taking on too much often results in wearing yourself out to the point of lying on the floor with your feet on a chair trying to relieve the excrutiating pain in your back (I speak from experience here).

My advice is to make a few things that can be prepared ahead of time and then arranged, defrosted, reheated or finished off when guests arrive. You should also feel comfortable buying a few things (scones, sweet treats, mini quiche, cake) or using some storebought components (tartlet shells, meringues, pesto etc.) if you need to as we all have busy lives and sometimes it’s acutally more economical. Finally don’t hesitate to ask others to bring something. Even if they are not great at cooking, some Brie cheese or fruit for a platter is always welcome.

Also, make at a least one dish that YOU love to eat (mine’s anything with smoked salmon) and let people help on the day. I know, I know, this is sometimes really hard to do for a myriad of reasons (they take over, they change things, they’re bossy etc. etc.) but sometimes you just have to smile and nod and if it means you get to sit down and have an extra glass of something you enjoy then let them lend a hand.

How much food will I need for my Afternoon Tea?

I’ve created an Afternoon Tea Servings Per Person Chart (below) based on the items mentioned above for a two-hour period. An Afternoon Tea usually consists of 8 to 10 pieces of food per person, and offers a balanced mix of savoury and sweet flavours. You might also like to include a larger cake on a cake stand for an extra fancy touch.

I’ve included a few different combinations depending on whether you choose to include savouries or not. This is just a guide however. When hosting an afternoon tea at home you should feel free to serve what you and your guests like in whatever combination you prefer – it’s your party after all!

Afternoon Tea Servings Per Person – Options/Combinations for 10 pieces per person

*Sandwiches	3 fingers / 3 flavours	4 fingers / 4 flavours	5 fingers / 5 flavours
Scones	1 flavour	1 flavour	2 (plain, raisin/flavoured)
Savouries	3	2	0
Sweets	3	3	3

*See my Finger Sandwiches Fillings & Quantities Chart for how much bread you will need and how many sandwiches to make depending on how many flavours you wish to serve.

Afternoon Tea Drinks

Since it’s an afternoon tea party, tea is traditionally served from a teapot—though you may also want to include coffee for guests who prefer it. Plan for 2–3 cups of tea per person over the course of the two-hour gathering.

Tea Selection: If your guests enjoy tea or are open to trying different varieties, provide a selection to suit various tastes. For guidance, check out my post on How to Make Tea. Offer essential accompaniments like a tea strainer, milk, lemon, and sugar so guests can personalise their drinks. Additionally, consider preparing a plunger or coffee pot for those who prefer coffee over tea.

Other Drinks: Be sure to have still or sparkling water available for everyone. You can also offer Champagne, sparkling wine, cocktails, rose, red or white wine, or a variety of non-alcoholic beverages. Try my Afternoon Tea Mimosas or Pimms Half & Half recipes; both can be made either with our without alcohol.

What can be prepared ahead of time?

All of my recipes include instructions on what to prepare ahead of time as well as storage suggestions. Fortunately, the key components of Afternoon Tea – Cakes and cupcakes, scones and sandwiches, and some hot savouries, are all easy to make ahead, which will definitely free you up to make or arrange other components. I want you to have the best possible time hosting your afternoon tea at home; not get stuck in the kitchen.

Cakes and cupcakes: These can be baked and frozen un-iced for up to one month then defrosted overnight. Simply fill and decorate the day before, then add any fresh flowers or final touches just before serving. Make sure you buy a cake box with a lid and / or cupcake boxes from your local bakery supply store so you can store them in your fridge.

Scones: These freeze really well, so don’t hesitate to make a few batches in the weeks leading up to your event.

Sandwiches: Make these the day before, place in a sealed container lined with baking paper then cover the top and sides with damp paper towels so they don’t dry out. Don’t forget the lid and store them in the fridge.

Hot savouries: Sausage rolls or mini quiche can both be reheated from frozen then served warm to guests once they’re seated.

On the day: Hosting Afternoon Tea at Home Timeline

Don’t stress about bringing it all together on the day, my Hosting an Afternoon Tea at Home – Timeline will help you stay on track and ensure that you have a great time! Read the post then print out the PDF version so you can refer to it whenever you need to.

Inspiration from the experts

For ideas on what’s being served at some of the most famous Afternoon Tea venues around the world, visit my Inspiration page. These venues and their menus are next level as pastry chefs show off their incredible skills and flavour combinations.

So you can get that fancy feeling for your Afternoon Tea, I have put together a number of step-by-step recipes that add an extra touch of glamour to your event. Visit the home page to see my latest five-star hotel inspired sweet treats and savouries and feel free to share your favourite venue too.

Enjoy yourself

I hope my advice helps you create your own stress-free, fun, and memorable Afternoon Tea. Whether you’re planning a quiet gathering or a lively celebration, the key is to savour the moment and enjoy the company. Remember my simple recipe for success: Good Food + Great Tea + Best Friends — with that combination, you really can’t go wrong. So put on some music, brew your favourite pot, lay out those treats, and raise a cup to the joy of good conversation and even better company.

Cheers to making every Afternoon Tea a special occasion!