A tea party offers a charming way to gather with friends and enjoy delicious treats in the afternoon. From finger sandwiches to scones and petit fours, these delightful recipes create a memorable experience that balances savory and sweet options on your table.
You’ll find that hosting a tea party doesn’t have to be complicated. Many recipes can be prepared ahead of time.
Traditional British afternoon tea typically includes three courses – sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, and sweet pastries or cakes. These classic offerings can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences and the season, making your tea gathering both elegant and approachable.
1. Kashmiri Kahwa
Kashmiri Kahwa is a fragrant green tea from the Himalayan valley of Kashmir. This soul-warming drink combines green tea with whole spices, saffron, and nuts for a delightful flavor experience.
To make this tea, you’ll need Kashmiri green tea leaves, saffron strands, cardamom, and chopped almonds or walnuts. The spices infuse the tea with a mild, aromatic taste that’s perfect for afternoon tea parties.
This warming beverage makes an excellent centerpiece for your tea gathering. Serve it alongside sweet treats like glazed almond mini cakes or cherry-pistachio tea cakes for a truly authentic experience.
2. Glazed Almond Mini Cakes
These elegant mini cakes are perfect for your next tea party. Made with simple ingredients like flour, eggs, and almond extract, they offer a delightful balance of flavors.
The mini cakes are brushed with a sweet almond syrup that adds moisture and enhances the almond flavor. A layer of seedless raspberry jam provides a tangy contrast to the sweet cake.
You can dress these up with a smooth glaze and even add edible gold luster dust for a touch of elegance. Their small size makes them ideal for serving alongside tea, giving your guests a perfect two-bite treat.
These mini cakes store well, so you can prepare them a day ahead of your tea party.
3. Cherry-Pistachio Tea Cakes
These delightful treats balance the nutty flavor of pistachios with sweet cherries, creating a perfect pairing for your afternoon tea. The recipe features ground pistachios mixed with flour, baking powder, and salt.
You’ll need about 1/2 cup of pistachios, 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and 2/3 cup of confectioners’ sugar. Eggs help bind the ingredients together, while the cherries add a fruity contrast.
These tea cakes come together quickly, making them an easy addition to your tea party menu. Once baked, dust them with extra confectioners’ sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.
4. Luscious Blueberry Jam
Blueberry jam is a perfect addition to any tea party spread. This beautiful dark purple spread offers a sweet seasonal flavor that pairs wonderfully with scones, tea cakes, and other pastries.
You can make this jam without pectin, using just ripe blueberries at the height of their season. The natural sweetness of the berries means you’ll need less sugar than other jam recipes.
For a unique twist, try adding a splash of Merlot tea to your blueberry jam. This creates a sophisticated flavor that elevates a simple peanut butter sandwich or works beautifully with buttery scones.
Serve your homemade blueberry jam in small decorative jars for an elegant presentation at your next tea gathering.
5. Savory Cucumber Sandwiches
Cucumber sandwiches are a classic tea party staple that bring refreshing flavors to your spread. You can make these elegant finger sandwiches with just a few simple ingredients.
Start with soft white bread and remove the crusts for that traditional look. Spread a mixture of softened cream cheese seasoned with herbs like dill, chives, or mint.
Layer thin cucumber slices on top of the cream cheese. For best results, pat the cucumber slices dry with paper towels to prevent soggy sandwiches.
Cut these delightful treats into triangles or small squares. They’re perfect for serving alongside hot tea and provide a savory balance to sweeter offerings on your tea party menu.
6. Traditional Scones
Traditional scones are the heart of any proper tea party. These buttery, slightly sweet biscuits originated in the United Kingdom and are now enjoyed worldwide.
To make perfect scones, use cold butter and handle the dough as little as possible. This creates the flaky texture that makes scones so delightful.
Serve your scones with clotted cream and jam for an authentic experience. In Devon, the cream goes first, while in Cornwall, it’s jam first – you can choose your preference!
For the best results, eat scones while they’re still warm from the oven. You can add raisins or currants to the basic recipe for a classic variation.
7. Homemade Lemon Curd
Lemon curd is a perfect addition to any tea party. This bright, tangy spread adds a touch of elegance to scones, toast, or pastries.
Making your own lemon curd is surprisingly simple. You only need five basic ingredients: lemons, sugar, eggs, butter, and a pinch of salt.
The result is a silky smooth, sweet-tart spread that’s far better than store-bought versions. The fresh lemon flavor really shines through.
For the best texture, remember to strain your curd after cooking. This removes any bits of cooked egg and ensures a perfectly smooth consistency.
Store your homemade lemon curd in the refrigerator where it will keep well for up to two weeks.
8. Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Biscuits
Hazelnut chocolate chip biscuits are a perfect addition to any tea party. These treats combine the rich flavor of hazelnuts with sweet chocolate chips for a delightful taste experience.
You can make these biscuits by mixing flour, sugar, and baking powder with chopped hazelnuts and chocolate chips. The result is a biscuit that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside.
For extra flavor, consider adding a touch of hazelnut spread to the dough. This creates a more intense nutty taste that pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea.
These biscuits can be made ahead of time, making them convenient for party planning. They’ll stay fresh for several days when stored in an airtight container.
9. Radish and Lemon Butter Sandwiches
These delicate tea sandwiches combine the crispness of thinly sliced radishes with zesty lemon butter. They’re perfect for any tea party and take less than 10 minutes to prepare.
To make them, spread softened butter mixed with lemon zest and juice on white sandwich bread. Add a single layer of very thinly sliced radishes and top with another slice of bread if making closed sandwiches.
For a more elegant presentation, try open-faced versions garnished with lemon curls or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. You can also remove the crusts and cut into small triangles or rectangles.
These sandwiches offer a refreshing balance of peppery radish flavor and bright citrus notes.
10. Egg Salad Sandwiches
Egg salad sandwiches are a classic tea party treat that’s easy to make yet elegant to serve. You’ll need hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and simple seasonings.
For a basic recipe, mash hard-cooked eggs and mix with mayonnaise, a touch of plain yogurt, and Dijon mustard. Add finely chopped celery and red onion for crunch.
Fresh chives make a wonderful addition to your egg salad. Their mild onion flavor complements the eggs perfectly.
Serve your egg salad on thinly sliced white or brown bread with the crusts removed. Cut into triangles or rectangles for that traditional tea sandwich appearance.
11. Rose Raspberry Macarons
Rose Raspberry Macarons are delicate French cookies that add elegance to any tea party. These beautiful treats combine the floral notes of rose with tangy raspberry for a sophisticated flavor pairing.
You can make these macarons with a rose-flavored shell and fill them with raspberry filling. A popular version uses white chocolate ganache infused with rose and a raspberry confit center.
The recipe requires basic ingredients like almond flour, powdered sugar, and egg whites for the shells. For the filling, you’ll need fresh raspberries, white chocolate, and rose water or extract.
These macarons can be shaped traditionally or as fun eclairs for variety at your tea table.
12. Mini Quiche
Mini quiches are perfect bite-sized treats for your tea party. They feature a buttery, flaky crust filled with a simple egg mixture that you can customize with various flavors.
You can make mini quiches with classic combinations like leek and blue cheese or try something unique like smoked trout. Vegetarian options such as roasted chicory and squash with cheese sauce are also delicious choices.
The best part about mini quiches is that you can prepare one basic batter and create different toppings to please all your guests. These savory bites pair wonderfully with tea and can be made ahead of time.
13. Chocolate Covered Fruit
Chocolate covered fruit makes a perfect addition to any tea party. The combination of sweet chocolate and fresh fruit creates a delightful contrast that guests will love.
Strawberries are the classic choice, dipped in white, milk, or dark chocolate for a simple yet elegant treat. You can even create adorable strawberry tea cups by hollowing out large berries and dipping the rims in chocolate.
Other fruits that pair well with chocolate include bananas, orange segments, and raspberries. For a fancier presentation, try arranging your chocolate-dipped fruits on tiered plates or serving them alongside a chocolate fondue.
This dessert requires minimal preparation but delivers maximum impact at your tea gathering.
14. Lemon-Curd Phyllo Tartlets
Lemon-curd phyllo tartlets are perfect bite-sized treats for your tea party. These sweet and tart desserts combine flaky phyllo shells with bright lemon curd filling.
You can save time by using store-bought mini phyllo shells and prepared lemon curd. Simply fill the pre-baked shells with the lemon curd and top with fresh berries for color and extra flavor.
These tartlets are ideal for spring gatherings and Mother’s Day celebrations. The contrast between the crisp shells and smooth, zesty filling makes them a standout addition to your tea party spread.
To make them even more special, add a small mint leaf or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.
15. Rhubarb-Buckwheat Scones
These spring-inspired scones combine tart rhubarb with earthy buckwheat flour for a delightful teatime treat. The unique flavor pairing creates scones that are both rustic and sophisticated.
To make them, you’ll toss fresh rhubarb with sugar and let it sit to release its juices. Meanwhile, you can mix cream and egg together for the wet ingredients.
The recipe typically includes lemon zest and nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile. These scones make a perfect addition to your afternoon tea spread, especially during spring when rhubarb is in season.
Try serving them with strawberry butter for an extra special touch that complements the tartness of the rhubarb.
16. Vanilla Scones
Vanilla scones are a classic treat for any tea party. They offer a delicate sweetness that pairs perfectly with tea.
To make vanilla scones, you’ll need flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, vanilla extract, and cream. The key is using real vanilla beans or high-quality extract for the best flavor.
Mix your dry ingredients first, then cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the vanilla and cream to form a soft dough.
Shape the dough into a circle and cut into wedges before baking. Serve warm with clotted cream and jam for an authentic tea experience.
17. Crumpets with Clotted Cream
Crumpets are a delicious English teatime treat with a distinctive texture. Authentic crumpets are made with yeast, not just baking soda.
To serve crumpets properly, first toast them until golden and warm. While still hot, spread a generous layer of rich clotted cream on top.
You can finish with a dollop of your favorite jam for added sweetness. This combination creates a perfect balance of textures – the crisp exterior and soft, airy interior of the crumpet with the luxurious clotted cream.
Pair your crumpets with a cup of Earl Grey tea for a traditional English afternoon tea experience.
18. Fresh-Fruit Tart
A fresh-fruit tart is the perfect colorful addition to your tea party spread. The buttery, crisp crust holds a creamy filling that provides the perfect canvas for seasonal fruits.
You can prepare the tart shell ahead of time and assemble just before your guests arrive.
For the filling, use a smooth custard or cream cheese mixture flavored with vanilla.
Arrange a mix of berries, kiwi slices, mandarin segments, or any fruits you prefer in a decorative pattern on top. Finish with a light glaze of warmed apricot jam for a professional shine.
This stunning dessert will impress your guests while being surprisingly simple to make.
19. Dill and Goat Cheese Spread
This tangy spread combines creamy goat cheese with fresh dill for a delightful tea sandwich filling. The pairing creates a perfect balance of rich creaminess and bright herb flavor.
To make this spread, mix soft goat cheese with cream cheese for a smoother texture. Add finely chopped fresh dill, a touch of lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
You can serve this versatile spread on cucumber slices for a breadless option or between slices of your favorite bread. It works beautifully on cinnamon-raisin bread for a sweet-savory combination.
For extra flavor, consider adding chopped chives or parsley to the mix. This spread can be made ahead and refrigerated until your tea party.
20. Mini Confetti Cakes
Mini confetti cakes add a colorful touch to any tea party. These small treats are filled with fun sprinkles that create a festive appearance when sliced.
You can save time by using a boxed cake mix as your base. This gives you more opportunity to focus on the decorative elements.
These cakes pair perfectly with tea and can be topped with buttercream, glaze, or raspberry jam for extra flavor. Their small size makes them ideal for serving alongside other teatime treats.
Your guests will be delighted by these bite-sized desserts that bring a playful element to your tea party spread.
21. Honeybee Cupcakes
Honeybee cupcakes are a delightful treat perfect for garden parties and baby showers. These adorable desserts feature honey in both the cake and buttercream frosting, giving them a sweet, natural flavor.
The cupcake batter has a lovely honey-yellow color and creates a moist, tender cake. You can fill them with white chocolate honey ganache for an extra special touch.
Top your cupcakes with vanilla or honey buttercream frosting and decorate them with bee-themed designs. Small fondant bees, yellow and black stripes, or honeycomb patterns work wonderfully.
Your guests will be buzzing with excitement when these cute treats hit the table. They’re a perfect way to celebrate warm weather gatherings.
Understanding Tea Party Culture
Tea parties have a rich heritage that blends social customs with culinary delight. They’ve evolved from formal Victorian gatherings to modern celebrations that can be both elegant and casual.
Historical Background
Tea parties began in England during the 1840s when Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, started serving tea and snacks in the late afternoon. This tradition filled the long gap between lunch and dinner, which was typically served around 8 PM.
The custom quickly spread throughout England’s upper class. Queen Victoria embraced afternoon tea, making it a fashionable social event. Tea parties became an opportunity for people to showcase their finest china, silver, and linens.
In America, tea parties took on different meanings. The Boston Tea Party of 1773 was a political protest, but by the 19th century, Americans had adopted the British custom of afternoon tea as a social occasion.
Today’s tea parties blend traditional elements with modern touches. You’ll find them at bridal showers, children’s parties, and as special mother-daughter events.
Etiquette and Traditions
Traditional tea party etiquette includes several customs that add charm to the experience. When pouring tea, you should add milk after the tea for fine china (to prevent cracking) and before tea for everyday cups.
Food is typically served in three courses:
- First: Savory finger sandwiches with cucumber, egg salad, or smoked salmon
- Second: Scones with clotted cream and jam
- Third: Sweet treats like petit fours, shortbread, and small cakes
Proper teacup handling includes holding the cup, not the bowl, with your index finger and thumb. Your pinkie should rest naturally against the cup, not stick out dramatically as often depicted.
Modern tea parties allow for flexibility in these rules. You can create themed parties or casual gatherings while still honoring the spirit of this delightful tradition.
Key Ingredients for a Memorable Tea Party
A successful tea party depends on thoughtful selections that please your guests and create a delightful atmosphere. The right combination of teas and treats will ensure your gathering stands out.
Choosing the Right Tea
Start with a variety of teas to accommodate different tastes. Include at least one black tea option like Earl Grey or English Breakfast, which pairs well with most foods.
Green tea offers a lighter alternative with health benefits. Consider jasmine or gunpowder green tea for their distinctive flavors.
Herbal options are perfect for guests who avoid caffeine. Chamomile, peppermint, and fruit-based tisanes add color and aroma to your selection.
Serve tea in a proper teapot and warm the pot before adding tea leaves. Use fresh, filtered water heated to the appropriate temperature for each tea type:
- Black tea: 200-212°F
- Green tea: 170-180°F
- Herbal tea: 205-212°F
Complementary Snacks and Sweets
Balance your tea offerings with a mix of savory and sweet treats.
Finger sandwiches are traditional and practical. You can try cucumber with cream cheese, smoked salmon with dill, or egg salad on soft bread with crusts removed.
Scones serve as the centerpiece of any proper tea party. Offer them with clotted cream and jam for an authentic experience.
Mini quiches, blini topped with crème fraîche, or savory tarts provide satisfying alternatives.
For sweets, include petits fours, shortbread cookies, or mini pastries. These small bites let guests sample various flavors without feeling overwhelmed.
Arrange foods on tiered serving plates with savory items on the bottom, scones in the middle, and sweets on top.
This traditional presentation adds elegance to your table and helps guests navigate their options.
