With the holidays nearly upon us, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget to slow down and breathe. As a confirmed Anglophile, there’s nothing I like more than sharing an afternoon tea with friends and family. There’s something special about taking time out of our busy schedules to relax, catch up, and enjoy delicious bites of food.

While many hotels and restaurants offer beautiful teas, hosting a tea at home can also be a lovely experience. I’ve hosted teas for birthdays and bridal showers, but some of the best ones have been the “just-because” get-togethers to celebrate friends and friendships.

Setting the scene

Find a special place to hold your tea whether it’s in your dining room, living room, or garden. Wherever you select, be sure it’s comfortable for your guests. Set the table with beautiful dishes (they don’t have to match), a flower arrangement or two, and make sure there is plenty of space for food (that’s the other reason we’re here, right?)

Planning your menu

In addition to a selection of teas, a typical afternoon tea will have sandwiches, scones, and sweets. Just because you’re hosting, it doesn’t mean you have to prepare everything yourself. Find simple recipes you can make ahead (see suggestions below) and then supplement with items from a local bakery or deli.

Sandwiches

Afternoon teas start with something savory, usually in the form of finger sandwiches that can be eaten in one or two bites. These sandwiches can be made the night before and, if stored properly, will not dry out or get soggy.

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Scones & Jam

Scones are best served warm from the oven. Serve with whipped butter, clotted cream (if you can find it), and pots of jam. Here are a couple of options for homemade jam but store-bought is just fine.

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Sweets

A sweet ending is a must whether in the form of a cake or small pastries. I often purchase items from a local bakery but if I bake sweets myself, I keep it simple.