First things first: reservations. For your guests, that is. A traditional afternoon tea calls for a traditional invitation, so once you’ve confirmed the location (head outdoors when it’s warm out!) skip the emails and send a handwritten note to your guests instead. Slip a tea bag into the envelope for a preview – they’ll love it. Next up is your set-up…
This is where you can express your personal style, and even ignore traditional (aka floral) decor and modernise teatime by using a stylish tablecloth as a canvas for your best china and cutlery – they don’t even have to match! You’ll also need small plates for each guest, a sugar bowl, creamer, forks, tea strainers for loose-leaf teas and, of course, teapots and teacups. Up for more? Add some patterned napkins.
Traditionally, food at afternoon tea is presented on three-tiered platters. The top tier usually holds savoury finger sandwiches with fillings such as smoked salmon, egg salad or the ever-popular cucumber – trim off the crusts for authenticity. Bite-size sausage rolls and mini quiches also fit the bill. And then it’s on to the…
…sweet treats. Fresh scones and other sweet pastries like mini tarts and petit fours should fill up the rest of your stand. Don’t forget clotted cream, jam and butter to accompany those scrumptious scones. For a special treat, add delectable (and trendy) Pierre Hermé Paris macarons to the spread – at the store at The Boulevard at Studio City, they’re flown in fresh from Paris daily. Delish.
Right. So the last bit – and possibly the most important bit, is the actual tea. Offer light teas that don’t overwhelm the flavours of the food, like fragrant Orange Pekoe or the popular Darjeeling. Earl Grey offers a zing of bergamot that pairs perfectly with cakes, while refreshing green and white teas bring out the best in baked goods. Milk, lumps of sugar and lemon slices complete your tea selection.
Now you’re all set. Pinkies up!
