Afternoon tea is one of the best Great British traditions. Usually served with your favourite blend of the finest tea, this historical practice dates back to the early 1840s.
This quintessential English practice began with Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford. She became hungry at around 4pm daily and needed something to bridge the gap before her evening meal, which was served at around 8pm. She routinely asked for a tray of tea, bread, butter, and cake to be brought to her room. Today, the contents of afternoon tea trays can vary greatly according to locality and preferences.
Afternoon tea inspiration
Dainty sandwiches cut into triangles or fingers are the cornerstone of afternoon tea, with smoked salmon, coronation chicken, and egg and cress being budget-friendly and traditional options. Sprinkle with a garnish of finely chopped herbs for a beautiful finishing touch.
Whilst not strictly traditional, brownies are certainly a crowd-pleaser. Cut brownie sheet bakes into bite size pieces and serve warm and gooey with a blob of clotted cream.
Lemon drizzle cake complements the tea and savoury items in an afternoon tea perfectly, largely due to its fresh, light, and zesty flavour.
No afternoon tea is complete without a fruit scone. Served the scone with jam and clotted cream or a generous scoop of marmalade.
Sausage rolls cut into dainty slices make for a perfect sandwich substitute for those who prefer a more filling savoury option.
Afternoon tea boxes
Afternoon tea boxes make for a wonderful treat or a gift to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. They are also well-suited to the workplace for corporate events. Companies such as https://www.afternoonteabox.com/ supply beautifully presented afternoon tea boxes and deliver them to homes and businesses nationwide. They can even write a personal message on a card on your behalf.
Afternoon tea selections can even undergo a naughty and grown-up twist by serving them alongside a glass of prosecco or a spirit-based cocktail. The humble afternoon tea ensures special occasions are kept special, so why not make or order one next time you have something to celebrate?
