Newby Earl Grey
A celebrated black tea with a comforting citrus twist, Earl Grey tea is undoubtedly the nation’s favourite.
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How to Host Afternoon Tea
View Our Tea ProductsAfternoon tea is one of life’s simplest pleasures: a delicious moment to pause, savour, and share good company and sumptuous treats. At Café Du Monde, we’ve spent over 30 years supporting customers in creating exceptional tea and coffee experiences, from carefully sourced blends to the equipment that helps bring every cup to life.
Hosting your own afternoon tea at home is a wonderful way to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a slower, more comforting pace of the day. With a thoughtful menu, a welcoming table, and a few small touches, you can create something truly memorable for your guests.
In this guide, we’ll share a selection of helpful tips on how to host your afternoon tea and tips to ensure your afternoon tea feels relaxed, elegant, and absolutely delightful. Ready to begin? Let’s get the kettle on.
What is Afternoon Tea?
Afternoon tea is a cherished British tradition dating back to the early 1840s. Introduced by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, it began as a simple afternoon refreshment to bridge the long gap between lunch and dinner. Over time, it evolved into a beautifully presented ritual featuring tea, delicate sandwiches, scones, and an assortment of cakes to be shared with close friends and family.
It’s often confused with other tea-time traditions, so here’s a quick guide to the differences:
Afternoon Tea: The classic spread of finger sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, pastries, and a pot of quality tea. Enjoyed mid-afternoon.
Cream Tea: A simpler affair, usually just scones served with jam and clotted cream, accompanied by a pot of tea.
High Tea: Historically, a heartier early-evening meal enjoyed by working families, featuring bread, meats, pies, and strong tea, not the elegant tiered stand many imagine today.
Step 1 - Choose the Perfect Teas and Coffees
A memorable afternoon tea begins with a carefully chosen selection of drinks. Start with a few timeless classics such as English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Darjeeling, or a bold Assam. These black teas offer the familiar comfort that many guests expect. For variety, add a lighter green tea or a fragrant herbal infusion that is ideal for those who prefer something soothing or caffeine-free.
Quality makes all the difference, which is why we recommend using high-grade, loose leaf teas or premium pyramid bags. As the UK distributor for Newby Teas, Café Du Monde offers blends crafted with exceptional care and freshness, helping you serve tea with real depth and character.
While not massively traditional, it’s also thoughtful to provide a coffee option for guests who prefer it. A freshly brewed cafetière, espresso-based drinks, or even capsules can work well depending on your setup. Our Café Du Monde coffee range includes a selection of beans, ground coffee, and capsules suited to a variety of brewing styles.
Step 2 - Create a Delicious Afternoon Tea Menu
A thoughtful menu is at the heart of any afternoon tea. Aim for a balanced selection of sweet and savoury bites, with a few traditional favourites alongside one or two items that feel uniquely yours.
Classic finger sandwiches create the perfect starting point. Popular choices include cucumber, smoked salmon, and egg mayonnaise, all light, elegant, and easy to enjoy in just a few bites. Trim the crusts, slice into neat fingers, and serve on a tiered stand for a traditional touch. Tea pairing: Earl Grey or Darjeeling complements delicate sandwich flavours beautifully.
To accompany your selection of savouries, freshly baked scones are essential. Serve them warm with strawberry jam and clotted cream. When serving, split your scone gently by hand rather than cutting with a knife, and whether cream or jam goes first is entirely up to personal preference (and regional pride). Speaking of sweets, a selection of pastries and cakes adds a sense of celebration. Macarons, mini sponge cakes, and tartlets offer a lovely variety in flavour and texture. Just remember to keep portions small so guests can comfortably enjoy several pieces.
Step 3 - Set the Table for a Charming Afternoon Tea
If you’re considering how to host afternoon tea at home, a beautifully arranged table adds a sense of occasion to your afternoon tea. Start with a simple tablecloth or runner to create a soft backdrop, then build your setting with tiered stands, teapots, and cafetières to present your food and drinks with style. Cups, saucers, and teaspoons should be placed neatly at each setting, ensuring guests have everything they need to enjoy the experience comfortably.
When arranging your items, aim for a balance of beauty and practicality. Place savoury dishes on the lower tiers, scones in the middle, and sweets on top to help guests move naturally through the menu. Keep your teapot or cafetière within easy reach, with milk, sugar, and lemon slices arranged neatly nearby. If you’re hosting regularly or planning an afternoon tea service for guests, it may be helpful to invest in professional-grade accessories such as durable teapots, serving trays, or cafetières. These pieces not only look elegant but are designed to withstand frequent use.
Afternoon Tea Etiquette
A few simple etiquette tips can help your afternoon tea feel polished without being overly formal. Start with the traditional order of eating: begin with savoury sandwiches, move on to scones, and finish with cakes and pastries. This gentle progression keeps the palate balanced and mirrors the classic afternoon tea experience.
Napkins should be placed neatly on the lap, unfolded once from top to bottom. When you need to step away, place your napkin to the left of your plate, never on the chair.
When stirring your tea, use a quiet back-and-forth motion rather than a circular swirl. This prevents clinking and keeps the tea well mixed without disturbing anyone around you. Of course, no afternoon tea discussion is complete without the age-old question: cream or jam first? In Cornwall, jam comes first; in Devon, it’s clotted cream. There’s no right answer, only lively debate. Encourage guests to enjoy their scones whichever way feels right to them.
As for holding your teacup, keep it simple. Hold the handle between your thumb and forefinger, bringing the cup towards you rather than raising your elbow. There’s no need to lift the saucer unless you’re standing.
These small touches bring grace and ease to your gathering, helping everyone feel relaxed while still honouring the tradition of afternoon tea.
Make Your Afternoon Tea Exceptional with Café Du Monde
With the right selection of drinks, a thoughtful menu, and a beautifully set table, hosting afternoon tea becomes a truly memorable experience. At Café Du Monde, we’re here to help you elevate every cup. Our collection of Newby teas, expertly roasted coffee beans, smooth hot chocolates, flavourful syrups, and reliable cafetières offers everything you need to serve your guests with confidence.
Every product is chosen for its quality, sustainability, and consistency, reflecting over 30 years of expertise in helping homes and hospitality venues craft outstanding drinks. Whether you’re replenishing your favourites or exploring something new, our range is designed to bring both flavour and enjoyment to your afternoon tea.
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