Traditional Afternoon Tea

I love preparing a traditional afternoon tea when I want to slow down and enjoy a refined, relaxing experience. It’s more than just tea; it’s a beautiful spread of delicate sandwiches, warm scones, and sweet pastries served alongside a perfectly brewed pot of tea. I find it perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply creating a special moment at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I appreciate how elegant yet comforting afternoon tea feels. The balance of savory bites, soft scones, and delicate sweets makes the experience satisfying without being overwhelming.

I also enjoy how customizable it is. I can mix and match fillings, teas, and desserts depending on the season or occasion. It’s a charming way to entertain while keeping things simple and classic.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the tea:

loose leaf black tea or tea bags (such as english breakfast or earl grey)
freshly boiled water
milk
sugar or honey
lemon slices

For the finger sandwiches:

soft white or whole wheat bread, crusts removed
cucumber, thinly sliced
cream cheese
smoked salmon
egg salad
butter

For the scones:

all-purpose flour
granulated sugar
baking powder
salt
unsalted butter, cold
milk
large egg

For serving with scones:

clotted cream
strawberry jam

For sweet treats:

mini pastries or cakes
shortbread cookies
fruit tarts

Directions

1. I begin by preparing the finger sandwiches. I spread butter or cream cheese on the bread and add fillings such as cucumber slices, smoked salmon, or egg salad. I trim the edges and cut them into small rectangles or triangles.

2. For the scones, I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). I mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. I cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. I stir in milk and egg just until a soft dough forms. I gently shape it and cut into rounds.

4. I bake the scones for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden, then let them cool slightly.

5. I arrange the sandwiches, warm scones, clotted cream, jam, and sweet treats on a tiered stand or serving plates.

6. I brew the tea by steeping loose leaf tea or tea bags in freshly boiled water for 3–5 minutes.

7. I serve the tea with milk, sugar, honey, or lemon according to preference.

Servings and Timing

This spread typically serves 4–6 people.

Prep time: 45–60 minutes
Bake time (for scones): 12–15 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

I sometimes include chicken salad with mustard in the sandwich selection. For a seasonal twist, I use lemon curd instead of jam.

If I want a lighter version, I prepare mini fruit parfaits instead of heavier pastries. I also enjoy offering herbal teas alongside black tea for variety.

storage/reheating

I prepare sandwiches fresh for the best texture, but I can store them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

I store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days and reheat them briefly in the oven before serving. Sweet treats can be stored according to their specific ingredients.

FAQs

What is traditionally served at afternoon tea?

I typically serve finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, sweet pastries, and a selection of black teas.

What is the difference between afternoon tea and high tea?

Afternoon tea is a light, elegant mid-afternoon meal, while high tea is a more substantial early evening meal.

How strong should the tea be?

I steep it for 3–5 minutes depending on how bold I want the flavor. I avoid over-steeping to prevent bitterness.

Do I pour milk before or after the tea?

I usually pour tea first and then add milk to taste, though traditions vary.

Can I prepare afternoon tea in advance?

I prepare most components ahead of time but assemble and brew the tea close to serving for the freshest experience.

Conclusion

I truly enjoy hosting a traditional afternoon tea because it creates a warm, elegant atmosphere that encourages conversation and relaxation. The combination of delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones, sweet treats, and fragrant tea feels timeless and special. Whenever I want to create a charming and memorable gathering, this is the experience I love to prepare.