How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party

We’ve put together our top tips for pulling off a distinctly English themed afternoon tea party.

It’s important to start with the basics, and what better way than collecting some pretty tiered cake stands and vintage tea sets? Charity shops and second-hand markets are the perfect places to source your chinaware. Don’t forget cake slices, cutlery, napkins, dainty lace doilies and hand-crafted name place signs.

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Add extra character to your spread with antique tablecloths, meadow blooms and colourful, homemade patchwork bunting – all charming features that your guests won’t fail to appreciate. Another tip is to have your chosen music playing from good old-fashioned gramophones.

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Tea party etiquette states that the sugar and milk be set on the table, ready to pour your guests as they sit down. Try to provide a variety of teas – English Breakfast, Earl Grey, peppermint and chamomile are always crowd pleasers.

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Fizz is a must at any wedding and, without doubt, lends a luxurious feel to an afternoon tea. Champagne is always lovely but, for those on a budget, Prosecco and Cava make for wonderfully refreshing – not to mention tasty – alternatives.

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Other suitable alcoholic drink options include Bucks Fizz, Pimm’s or a Sloe Gin Royale. The perfect soft drinks to serve include iced tea, cloudy lemonade and elderflower cordial.

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Generally speaking, the food offering at a traditional afternoon tea party consists of a selection of finger sandwiches, a layer of cream cakes and scones with jam and clotted cream. For a twist, sugar flowers and fairy cakes will make lovely additions to your offering, and could always double up as delicious wedding favours.

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However, it’s more than acceptable to go completely off-piste with your choice of menu. Popular alternatives include mini pies, quiches and burgers, served with Gentleman’s Relish.

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Whatever you choose, a whimsical afternoon tea is sure to delight your guests, creating a warm atmosphere and lovely memories that they will treasure forever.