How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party
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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.
![How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party - Cake stands | CHWV How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party - Cake stands | CHWV](https://wedding-venues.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wedding-afternoon-tea-party-cake-stands.jpg)
Image courtesy of www.frostedpetticoatblog.com
![How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party - Tea cups | CHWV How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party - Tea cups | CHWV](https://wedding-venues.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wedding-afternoon-tea-party-tea-cups_0.jpg)
Image courtesy of Chris Giles Photography
![How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party - Doilies | CHWV How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party - Doilies | CHWV](https://wedding-venues.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wedding-afternoon-tea-party-tea-cups-doilies.jpg)
Image courtesy of www.intimateweddings.com
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.
![How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party - Bunting | CHWV How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party - Bunting | CHWV](https://wedding-venues.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wedding-afternoon-tea-party-bunting_0.jpg)
Image © Chris Giles Photography
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.
![How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party - Sugar | CHWV How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party - Sugar | CHWV](https://wedding-venues.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wedding-afternoon-tea-party-sugar.jpg)
Image courtesy of www.etsy.com
![How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party - Set up | CHWV How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party - Set up | CHWV](https://wedding-venues.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wedding-afternoon-tea-party-set-up.jpg)
Image courtesy of www.rachelaclingen.com
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.
![How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party - Drinks | CHWV How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party - Drinks | CHWV](https://wedding-venues.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wedding-afternoon-tea-party-drinks.jpg)
Image © Maddie Waters Photography
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.
![How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party - Drinks | CHWV How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party - Drinks | CHWV](https://wedding-venues.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wedding-afternoon-tea-party-drinks-2.jpg)
Image © Tom Archer Photography
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.
![How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party - Food | CHWV How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party - Food | CHWV](https://wedding-venues.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wedding-afternoon-tea-party-food.jpg)
Image courtesy of www.simplyscrumptiouscupcakes.co.uk
![How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party - Food | CHWV How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party - Food | CHWV](https://wedding-venues.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wedding-afternoon-tea-party-food-2.jpg)
Image © David Perkins Photography
![How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party - Cupcakes | CHWV How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party - Cupcakes | CHWV](https://wedding-venues.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wedding-afternoon-tea-party-cupcakes.jpg)
Image courtesy of www.uk.search4eat.com
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.
![How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party - Burgers | CHWV How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party - Burgers | CHWV](https://wedding-venues.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wedding-afternoon-tea-party-burgers.jpg)
Image © CP Photography
![How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party - Quiche | CHWV How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party - Quiche | CHWV](https://wedding-venues.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wedding-afternoon-tea-party-quiche.jpg)
Image © David Perkins Photography
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.
Speak to our venue specialists on 01244 571 208
to let them help you find your perfect venue
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