Afternoon Tea at Home: How to Host the Perfect Spread

Afternoon tea at home feels special for a fraction of the price of a hotel.

It works for birthdays, Mother's Day, baby showers and hen parties. Going out instead? See afternoon tea in London: Afternoon tea in london

Finger sandwiches

  • Cucumber and cream cheese
  • Egg mayonnaise and cress
  • Smoked salmon
  • Coronation chicken
  • Ham and mustard
  • Cut the crusts off and slice into fingers

Scones

  • Plain and fruit scones
  • Clotted cream and strawberry jam
  • Cream first (Devon) or jam first (Cornwall): let guests choose

Cakes and sweet treats

  • Victoria sponge squares
  • Macarons
  • Lemon drizzle
  • Mini éclairs
  • Millionaire's shortbread
  • Fruit tartlets

Laying the stand

  • Bottom tier: sandwiches
  • Middle tier: scones
  • Top tier: cakes

Key things to remember

  • Use your best teapot and mismatched vintage china.
  • Add fizz for a celebration.

Frequently asked questions

What goes on an afternoon tea?

Finger sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, and small cakes.

How much do you need per person?

Roughly 4 sandwich fingers, 1–2 scones and 2–3 small cakes each.

What is a good example of afternoon tea at home?

"Cucumber and cream cheese" is one of 18 examples on this page. Pick the one closest to the tone you want, then add a specific detail of your own - a shared memory, a date, a name - so it reads as yours rather than copied.

Can I copy these messages word for word?

Yes. Everything on this page is free to copy, print and read out - no permission or credit needed. Changing one detail so it fits the person is all we would suggest.

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