The Perfect Garden Party: Tips for Afternoon Tea

Who to Invite?

As a lover of afternoon tea, I was particularly interested in making this experience really special. I invited a small group of friends over. Small groups mean that everyone gets a chance to chat, and the conversation doesn’t split into smaller groups. It’s also important to ensure that guests know each other or have something in common. This makes conversation fluid and relaxed. For example, inviting the vicar and an atheist may not be the best combination!

What Food is Best for Afternoon Tea?

I love making petit fours because the food is small, allowing guests to have a taste of everything. Avoid serving big cakes, even if it’s someone’s birthday. Too much sugar can be overwhelming! I made lemon and lavender possets, Battenburg, and tiny ginger bundt cakes with elderflower syrup. The posset was served in vintage port glasses, accompanied by lavender shortbread. The Battenburg was filled with vanilla buttercream and homemade raspberry jam.

Afternoon tea is more filling than you may realize. Small sandwiches cut into four squares, with the crusts removed, are perfect as a first course. Pair them with some crudités, such as vine tomatoes and cucumber rosettes. I made coronation chicken, cucumber, and cheese and pickle sandwiches, and we were almost full after eating these. Please do leave room for the second course of bite-sized scones, clotted cream, and jam!

How to Decorate Your Table?

I decorated the garden table with crisp, white tablecloths, vintage napkins, and pretty rose china. Each place setting had a vintage knife, spoon, and fork. If it’s windy, fold the napkins into bows and tuck them into the handles of your china teacups.

With so much attention paid to the table, it’s imperative that everyone dresses in beautiful, summery outfits. This adds to the overall ambiance of the gathering.

Gardens are Intimate and Peaceful

I’ve visited many hotels for afternoon tea, and while these experiences have been lovely, they often feel rushed and sometimes claustrophobic. I’m not a fan of too much noise. A trip to the Ritz in April was lovely but crowded. I found it hard to concentrate when other customers were speaking loudly, and we were tucked in a corner next to a hen party. It was not the romantic, idyllic date I had anticipated!

When visiting a popular teashop or hotel, chances are you’ll be seated very close to other people. This can lead to being more involved in their conversation than you’d like. In contrast, if you have afternoon tea baked, delivered, and set up in your garden or conservatory, you can relax and enjoy the company of the lucky people you invite. I believe this ideal is why I created Mel’s Marvellous Cakes in the first place.

Make it a Special Occasion for Afternoon Tea

Setting up a table for you and your friends, dressing up for the occasion, and enjoying delicious small treats is a fantastic way to get together and treat yourselves without spending a fortune. I loved using the garden as a backdrop for beautiful pictures of freshly baked scones, piles of clotted cream, and homemade strawberry jam. Prosecco was a lovely addition to the afternoon tea, as was a large Kilner jar of iced lemon water to counter the hot weather. You could even add Earl Grey tea cocktails and make an evening of it. For an enhanced flavor, try using loose leaf tea.

Saying all this, I still want the chance to visit lovely afternoon tea venues. However, I’m very careful about where I go and where I’m seated. My favorite experience this year has been the garden tea with my friends. The only change I would ask for is to have someone come and set it up, bake, serve, and wash up for me. Now that’s a good idea for a business!

Are you local to Woking? You can book an afternoon tea organized by Mel by emailing melaniebartlett@melsmarvellouscakes.com or go to ❤️

Additional Tips for a Memorable Afternoon Tea

Choosing the Right Tea

Selecting the right tea is crucial for a successful afternoon tea. Consider offering a variety of teas, such as classic English Breakfast, Earl Grey, and herbal options. This way, guests can choose their favorites. Remember, the tea should complement the food selections.

Creating a Cozy Atmosphere

To enhance the garden party experience, consider adding cozy elements like cushions on chairs and soft blankets for cooler weather. String lights or lanterns can create a magical ambiance as the sun sets.

Engaging Activities

Incorporate engaging activities to keep guests entertained. You could organize a small quiz about tea or even a flower arranging session. These activities can spark conversations and make the gathering more memorable.

Capture the Moments

Don’t forget to capture the moments! Designate someone to take photos throughout the event. This way, you’ll have beautiful memories to look back on. Consider creating a hashtag for social media sharing.

Conclusion

Hosting an afternoon tea in your garden can be a delightful experience. With the right planning, food, and atmosphere, you can create a memorable occasion for you and your friends. Enjoy the beauty of nature, the joy of good company, and the deliciousness of homemade treats. Cheers to a lovely afternoon tea!