Valentine's Day Treats To Welcome Spring

Jan 23
4 min read

What I love about the start of a new year is that everything starts to brighten up. We may not notice it straightaway but our bodies do. It's almost like coming out of hibernation. We begin to notice the bulbs emerging through the sodden leaves and the sprinklings of snow and we benefit from the extra minutes of light each day. By the time we get to the end of the month, we can congratulate ourselves on surviving another January and reward ourselves with a delicious treat for the celebrations which edge closer.

St Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is often linked to the Roman pastoral festival of Lupercalia, which celebrated health and fertility. Although we no longer sacrifice goats or dogs, the idea of celebrating our health at the end of winter's dark months is a good excuse for a tea party.

Whether you are in a romantic relationship or surrounded by loved ones, Valentine's Day is yours to celebrate. Shake off the restrictions of January and book yourself a delightful tea party with candles, petit fours, and scones piled high with clotted cream and fruit compote.

You can either order a tea box delivered to your desk at work, your cosy nest by the fire, or your elegantly laid tea table. Alternatively, you can hire us to serve you a scrumptious tea packed with delights in your very own home.

Table Settings

Table set with vintage place settings and afternoon tea on cake stands — Table set for afternoon tea

Traditionally, tea lovers use reds and pinks for Valentine's afternoon tea tables. However, I suggest using pastel tones as a homage to spring. Think about the joys of cornflower blue, baby pink, lilac, and primrose yellow. This approach makes Valentine's more of a celebration of new beginnings rather than a commercial declaration filled with hearts.

Creative Decoration Ideas

Use heart-shaped tealights in jam jars tied with pretty ribbon. You could even decorate the jars by gluing a thin layer of floral napkin around the bottom half.
Make small bouquets of winter greens from your garden, tied with ribbon or string, and display them in tiny glasses or teacups. Glass reflects candlelight beautifully on a tea table.
Layer your napkins in complementary colours as place settings underneath and beside your tea plates.
Set a shiny small knife and fork for scones and cakes on the napkins.
Fold your chintzy napkins into bows and feed them through the handles of your teacups.
Place vases of flowers or large plants in the corners of the room near the table, ensuring plenty of space for the food.

Perfect Tea Pairings

Think of your afternoon tea as a three-course meal. Remember, tea time is filling, so it can serve as a digestif between courses. Check out our blog on tea pairings with afternoon tea for more ideas.

The Savoury Course

A plate of afternoon-tea finger sandwiches made with white and brown bread and various fillings

Start with sandwiches and savoury petit fours. Many guests make the mistake of filling up on sandwiches while they are hungry, leaving no room for scones and cakes. Be aware that you can return to the first course at any time, as traditionally, all elements of afternoon tea are served simultaneously.

If you find yourself too full from sandwiches, consider having a light herbal tea, such as chamomile, during this course. If you prefer English Breakfast, enjoy it without milk. These choices will be more refreshing and relaxing for your digestion.

The Scone Course

While your guests enjoy the savoury first course, gently warm the scones in the oven (definitely not the microwave!). Prepare a more floral tea to pair with the scones, clotted cream, and jam. Darjeeling and Earl Grey complement scones beautifully, as this course is not overly sweet. Loose leaf teas are much more flavourful, enhancing the scone's taste. Use no more than half a teaspoon of tea leaves per person. If the tea is too strong, it will mask the floral flavors.

The Sweet Course

A homemade battenburg cake with yellow and pink squares and a red floral marzipan bow — Battenburg Cake

When I was about six, I stayed with my grandad in Caistor. He asked me if I wanted a 'sweet,' which I didn't realise meant dessert. My mistake! The 'sweet' course is often the one everyone is too full to enjoy. To avoid this, use your teas wisely. Even if everyone prefers English Breakfast, consider a tea-tasting game to expand your guests' palates. Provide small teacups and ask your guests to guess the flavour of each tea between courses. I recommend peppermint, fennel, or nettle tea to end the meal and accompany the sweet petit fours.

Until Next Time

Floral teacup and saucer on a white tablecloth, with spoons and blurred pink blossoms in the background — Floral tea set

It's too cold for the scone van to be out on the road, so we are focusing on private bookings through February. We will return to Ripley Farmer's Market in March, just in time for Mother's Day. If you would like to preorder cakes, send me a message using the contact form on the website. Customer favourites like Battenburg, Lemon Drizzle, and Floral Cupcakes are available for preorder. These are boxed and make lovely gifts, so do get in touch with ample time if this interests you.

Until next time, happy Valentine's Day to all! Love is love, however you choose to express it.

x Mel

Illustration of two stacked blue teacups with a pink rose and green leaves, soft pastel colors, no text. — Mel's Marvellous Cakes logo