Over 50 Easy Tea Party Recipes + Guide to Hosting a Proper Tea Party

Over 50 Easy Tea Party Recipes + Guide to Hosting a Proper Tea Party
 

Although my entire my family was born in California, we have British heritage and growing up we went to England fairly frequently. One of my favorite British traditions is afternoon tea time. This long standing tradition has also become an American favorite and is the perfect party theme for gatherings with family and friends.

In this guide I will give you brief background to British afternoon tea, provide over 50 easy tea party food and drink recipes, tea party hosting tips and finally a helpful shopping guide to plan your own tea party soirée.

 
Over 50 Easy Tea Party Recipes + Guide to Hosting a Proper Tea Party
Over 50 Easy Tea Party Recipes + Guide to Hosting a Proper Tea Party
 

A Brief History on British Afternoon Tea Time

The ceremony and serving of afternoon tea is a quintessentially British tradition. The 7th Duchess of Bedford, Anna, is credited with starting the tradition in the early 1800s. The Duchess was hungry and had a "sinking sensation" by late afternoon due to the custom of serving dinner between 8 and 9 p.m. She would order tea, bread and butter, and cakes to be delivered to her room to satisfy her hunger. Later, she would ask others to join her at her house, and the light tea became a routine.

The Duchess continued the custom on returning to London and soon the trend quickly spread throughout England. Tea invitations were given to relatives and friends, along with the time the tea would be served. Sometimes there was entertainment, but most of the time, it was all about discussion and mindless gossip over tea and cakes. Tea consumption gradually expanded from the home to the rest of society. Tea Parties became commonplace, and Tea Rooms and Tea Gardens popped up all over the place.

The 'At Home' trend diminished throughout the Edwardian era as people's desire to travel grew. Tea was now offered at 4 o'clock in the new tea lounges of luxury hotels like the Ritz and high-end stores like Fortnum & Mason and was frequently accompanied by groovy tunes and even a little dancing.

 
Over 50 Easy Tea Party Recipes + Guide to Hosting a Proper Tea Party
 

What’s the Difference Between High Tea vs. Afternoon Tea?

When people enjoy a well-planned tea party, laughter and chat flow naturally around the table. If you're planning on organizing a tea party, make sure you know whether you'll be having an afternoon tea or a high tea. Even though these names are sometimes used interchangeably, they are different.

Afternoon tea, which gets served in the middle of the afternoon, is known for its delicious scones, tea sandwiches, and pastries. On the other hand, high tea is served in the evening hours and comprises quite more substantial fare such as meat, fish, egg dishes, and loaves of bread and sweets. Consider it a light meal with a cup of tea.

Afternoon tea, sometimes known as "low tea," is typically consumed at a low table, such as a coffee table in a living room, in front of a warm fire. (Of course, it can be served at a table as well.) High tea takes its name from the fact that it is usually served at the end of the workday at a high plateau, such as a dining table or a high counter. Whether you offer a more opulent tea or prepare a heartier dinner, both are delightful ways to enjoy tea and amuse your guests.

 
Over 50 Easy Tea Party Recipes + Guide to Hosting a Proper Tea Party
 

Which Kinds of Events or Occasions Are Best for Tea Parties?

When you’re thinking about hosting an event with a tea party theme, you want to consider the fact that your guests will be expecting elegance, sophistication and a touch of old-world charm.

 

Tea Parties are Perfect for:

  • Birthday Parties

  • Bridal Showers

  • Mother’s Day

  • Bachelorette Parties

  • Weddings

  • Baby Showers

  • Anniversaries

  • Graduations

  • Galentine’s Day Party

 
Over 50 Easy Tea Party Recipes + Guide to Hosting a Proper Tea Party
 

Manners And Etiquette For Tea Parties

Should you blow on your tea to cool it? Do you like your scones dipped in your tea? Gasp! Follow these basic etiquette practices to ensure elegance and refinement at your tea party.

When it comes to tea etiquette, this involves not sipping your drink too noisily or speaking with your mouth full. The idea of tea may be intimidating due to its formal appearance but once you understand the basics of tea etiquette, it's a very relaxing and enjoyable experience.

FYI - These tips will come in handy if you’re ever invited to afternoon tea at the palace with the Queen of England.

 

According to British Tradition, Tea Party Guests Should Follow the Below Etiquette Guidelines:

  • Dress properly in modest, feminine and floral inspired styles. There’s literally a dress and skirt style known as “tea length” which has recently become very popular.

  • Keep your mobile phones away from the table and engage in conversation.

  • Always hold the teacup by the handle.

  • Never drink your tea with a teaspoon in it.

  • Do not put a teaspoon in your mouth.

  • Never blow the tea to cool it down.

  • Don't slurp tea into your mouth.

  • Use sugar and milk just for black tea.

  • There’s a particular order to which you’re supposed to eat at a proper tea party. First savory tea sandwiches first, secondly scones and finally sweets last.

  • The proper way to eat a scone is by breaking it into little pieces first.

  • Never dip your scone in tea.

  • Never lick your fingers.

  • Place your napkin folded on your lap.

 
Over 50 Easy Tea Party Recipes + Guide to Hosting a Proper Tea Party
Over 50 Easy Tea Party Recipes + Guide to Hosting a Proper Tea Party
 

What supplies do you need for tea parties?

It may appear intimidating to plan a tea party food at first, but it's frankly rather simple. Your afternoon tea menu might be as simple as tea and cream scones or as ambitious as different varieties of teas, scones, finger sandwiches and other culinary delights. In any case, these helpful recommendations will ensure that you select the ideal blend of food and drink for your next afternoon tea.

Also, keep scrolling to see over 50 easy tea party recipes at the bottom of this blog post!

 
Over 50 Easy Tea Party Recipes + Guide to Hosting a Proper Tea Party
 

What kind of tea should you serve at tea parties?

In keeping with the British-style tea party, the most traditional English teas are Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Yorkshire Tea, PG Tips and Lady Grey Tea. These are all black teas served with cream and sugar.

You can also choose to serve green teas and herbal teas to give your guests more variety to choose from. You can make big tea pots of the most popular teas and then supply tea bags for the additional varieties.

 

Tea Condiments, Creamers and Sweeteners

Give your guests the options to put dairy creamer (whole milk or half and half), non-dairy creamer (nut milk), sugar, honey or lemon slices in their tea.

 
Over 50 Easy Tea Party Recipes + Guide to Hosting a Proper Tea Party
 

Savory Finger sandwiches & Other Light eats

Finger sandwiches are mostly served at full tea, primarily a richer style of afternoon tea with a food menu. In an afternoon tea finger sandwich you will usually find egg salad, tea sandwiches, cucumber tea sandwiches, smoked salmon finger sandwiches, roast beef finger sandwiches, ham finger sandwiches and chicken salad finger sandwiches.

In addition to finger sandwiches, some tea party menus include savory scones, soups, quiches, or lighter savory appetizers such as roasted nuts or cheese and crackers.

 

What Toppings Should You Serve with Scones?

Scones are one of the most commonly served pastries at tea parties. They might be sweet or spicy, complicated or simplistic. Every taste is catered to from buttermilk scones, spicy cheese mustard scones to sweet cinnamon scones.

The most appropriate toppings for scones include Devonshire cream (also known as clotted cream), fruit jam and lemon curd.

 

What Kind of Sweets Should You Serve at a Tea Party?

Aside from delicious scones, other desserts are frequently provided with a full or light tea. Different kinds of sponge cakes, tarts, Meringue cookies, cupcakes, and trifles are popular sweets for tea parties.

See my English Trifle Recipe here!

 
Over 50 Easy Tea Party Recipes + Guide to Hosting a Proper Tea Party
Over 50 Easy Tea Party Recipes + Guide to Hosting a Proper Tea Party
 

Caffeine-Free Tea Party Drinks for Kids

If you’re hosting children at your tea party, you obviously don’t want to serve them caffeinated tea. They also may not like the bitter taste of tea. Good child-friendly alternatives to tea are juice, chocolate or strawberry milk, whole milk, soda pop or lemonade.

 

What Alcohol Can You Serve at a Tea Party?

At the opposite end of the spectrum, if serving tea is too humdrum for your mature guests, then yes you can incorporate alcohol too. Perfect boozy tea party beverages include tea cocktails, champagne or mimosas.

 
Over 50 Easy Tea Party Recipes + Guide to Hosting a Proper Tea Party
 

What is the proper place setting for a tea party?

A tea party's place setting is far more formal than for a typical meal. Typically a tablecloth is laid and your guests' plates are placed. Your guests will then be given a small cup of their favorite type of tea along with a matching saucer and teaspoon.

The tea cups for tea parties are more ornate and delicate than those used in everyday life. In addition, a teapot and a creamer or sugar bowl are included in the table setting.

Being that tea cup sets and tea pots are the most quintessential part of a tea party, shopping for these may be your biggest financial investment when planning your party. Some of my favorite online places to shop for tea cups and tea pots are Etsy, Wayfair, and Williams Sonoma.

 

Where Can I Buy Authentic British Foods for a Tea Party?

Cost Plus World Market is my go-to online place to buy authentic British brands condiments and teas that aren’t available in stores in the United States.

In their England food shop they have:

 
Over 50 Easy Tea Party Recipes + Guide to Hosting a Proper Tea Party
 

Centerpiece Ideas for a Tea Party

Tea parties are centered around beautifully placed and decorated tables. While the tea cups with matching saucer plates and tea pots are the main focus of the table setting, you still want to have additional decorative elements to bring the scene to life.

 

Create Beautiful Tea Party Tablescapes with These Embellishments:

 

Tea Party Theme Ideas

Although an English tea party is considered a party theme already, you can go a step further with more focused and detailed sub-themes to bring out even more whimsy and charm for your guests.

 
Over 50 Easy Tea Party Recipes + Guide to Hosting a Proper Tea Party
Over 50 Easy Tea Party Recipes + Guide to Hosting a Proper Tea Party

 

 

Top 50 Easy Finger Food Recipes for Tea Parties

Take the stress out of cooking and planning with these easy yet still very delicious recipes. These are all tea party approved and will compliment your elegant theme.


 

Sweet and Savory Scone Recipes for Your Tea Party

 
Afternoon Tea Scones

Afternoon Tea Scones

These classic tea scones are buttery, flaky and bursting with flavor. What would a proper British afternoon tea be without these delectable scones? Christina also has helpful tips on how to make the perfect scone at home. Recipe by Christina’s Cucina.

 
Really Cheesy Cheese Scones With Plain Flour

Really Cheesy Cheese Scones With Plain Flour

Delicious cheese scones filled with lots of cheese and flavored with chives. This recipe is so easy to make and is the perfect addition to your tea party. Recipe by My Morning Mocha.

 
Heart Shaped Chocolate Chunks Scones

Heart Shaped Chocolate Chunks Scones

Scones with chocolate chips that melt in your mouth! With a deliciously crackly and crumbled crust, these are delicate and just sweetened enough. Most of all, they're quite easy to make - no chopping butter required and they're ready to bake in just 10 minutes. A pro baker tip is to spend a little more on quality baking chocolate chips or bar - they can make or break your scones. Recipe by Amanda Wilens.

 
Glazed Strawberry Rhubarb Scones

Glazed Strawberry Rhubarb Scones

Strawberry and rhubarb are a wonderful combination and these scones are great for brunch, snacking or desserts! These strawberry rhubarb scones are creamy, delicious, crispy, lemon-glazed and bursting at the seams with fruit! This recipe guarantees that each scone has its own strawberry-rhubarb patch in the center, yet it takes less than an hour to prepare! Alternative berries to strawberries could be blueberries, blackberries or raspberries. Recipe by She Keeps a Lovely Home.

 
Blueberry White Chocolate Scones

Blueberry White Chocolate Scones

These delicious blueberry white chocolate scones are perfect for brunch or afternoon tea. Perfectly light and soft scones coated with a lemon glaze and stuffed with white chocolate chips and fresh blueberries. These cakey scones pair perfectly with a cup of hot tea with cream. Recipe by Kelly Neil.

 
Easy Glazed Fresh Orange Scones

Easy Glazed Fresh Orange Scones

Orange Scones are delightful, zesty and soft with a lovely orange glaze on top. These scones are fluffy on the inside with a caramelized exterior border! Everyone will go crazy over these at a tea party or brunch. Thanks to vanilla and cardamom spice touches, these scones are full of bold flavors and can be baked in about 30 minutes with little effort. Recipe by Pinch Me I’m Eating.

 
Glazed Vanilla Bean Scones

Glazed Vanilla Bean Scones

Tender and fluffy vanilla bean scones with vanilla glaze. The post contains instructions on how to make full sized scones and petite scones. Recipe by Barefoot in the Pines.

 
Blackberry Scones

Blackberry Scones

Jam-packed with luscious blackberries, delicate, creamy, mildly sweet Blackberry Scones are a must-try. Fresh blackberries are used in this recipe, giving it a somewhat sweet, tangy and buttery flavor that melts on your tongue. These floral, American-style scones are ideal for a tea party treat or to have on hand for the week. Recipe by Amanda’s Cookin’.

 
Lemon Poppy Seed Scones

Lemon Poppy Seed Scones

Zesty and fluffy scones that are both melt in your mouth and refreshing. These cream scones are peppered with poppy seeds and loaded with lemon. Recipe by Barefoot in the Pines.

 

Seckel Pear & Pistachio Scones

These wonderful whole grain and gluten-free, vegan scones can accommodate for special diet needs. Seckel pear and pistachio scones go well with a hot cup tea, they're delicious triangles of delight! Always lavish and opulent, this is the perfect brunch or tea-time delight. Recipe by Strength and Sunshine.

 
Savory Scones with Gruyere and Chives

Savory Scones with Gruyere and Chives

Sweet scones are good but have you ever tried scones with Gruyere and Chives? Yum! It’s a bit more rare to see savory scone recipes but once you’ve tried them, you’ll be coming back for more. With this recipe you can expect a desired flaky texture, crunchy edges and a buttery soft center. You can also add too or replace the types of cheeses and spices. Make the original recipe once and then get creative on your own. Recipe by Pinch and Swirl.

 
Peach Scones with Brown Butter Glaze

Peach Scones with Brown Butter Glaze

Summer's abundant stone fruits are highlighted in these brown butter peach scones. The scones with brown butter frosting have a great crunchy crust! Top these fresh peach scones with nutty brown butter glaze and it will make your tea party amazing for sure! Recipe by The Pypers Kitchen.

 
White Chocolate Rosemary Scones with Pear Curd

White Chocolate Rosemary Scones with Pear Curd

Try these White Chocolate Rosemary Scones with Pear Curd at your next tea party. They are a lovely combination of savory rosemary and sweet white chocolate and pear curd. Recipe by The Copper Table.

 

Lemon Blueberry Scones with a Lemony Cream Cheese Glaze

These blueberry scones are moist on the inside, crumbly on the outside and absolutely perfect! Even if you're not a scone person, you'll love these lemon and blueberry scones. Recipe by Hilda’s Kitchen Blog.

 
Chocolate Chip Cream Scones

Chocolate Chip Cream Scones

For those who love classic chocolate chip cookies, add a tea party twist by adding chocolate chips to your scones. Recipe by Scotch & Scones.

 
Easy Date Scones

Easy Date Scones

Easy Date Scones - moist, fluffy date scones. No need to rub the butter into the flour, just a quick mix and they're done! Also egg free! Recipe by Chef Not required.

 
Lavender White Chocolate Scones

Lavender White Chocolate Scones

These soft, buttery lavender scones with white chocolate are the ideal to pair with tea time. And the lavender flavor makes them especially one-of-a-kind. These can be frozen and baked later, making them an excellent choice for last minute events. Recipe by Amanda Wilens.

 
Blueberry Scones

Blueberry Scones

These better-than-the-bakery blueberry scones are overflowing with succulent blueberries. They're creamy and luscious with crisp, crumbly rims and soft fluffy centers. The right final touches are crunchy coarse sugar and creamy vanilla frosting! Blueberry scones are ideal for your morning and most suitable for your afternoon tea! Recipe by Spend with Pennies.

 
Air Fryer Scones

Air Fryer Scones

Air fryers are the newest trend in fast and easy cooking. These airy and pleasing scones are created with only six ingredients and take a total of 17 minutes to make (including prep time!). This recipe has been adapted for an air fryer and can be easily altered for different flavors. Recipe by Recipe This.


 

Recipes for Gluten-Free and Vegan Scones

 
Vegan and Gluten-Free Walnut Oat Scones

Vegan and Gluten-Free Walnut Oat Scones

These walnut oat scones are perfect for anyone needing a gluten-free and vegan food option at your event. Apart from their delicious taste, they are extremely healthy too. The best part about these walnut oat scones is that they can get ready within 10 mins. The oats in this product are cost-effective, naturally gluten-free and packed with many vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them perfect for your health conscious tea party guests. Recipe by Plant Based on a Budget.

 
Vegan Plant Based Vanilla Scones

Vegan Vanilla Scones

These delicious plant based and vegan scones are easy to make and you can even add blueberries if desired. They're dairy-free and eggless, and they come altogether swiftly and taste wonderful! The scones are vanilla-flavored, but lemon zest and coconut flakes can be added for flavor and texture. Recipe by Plant Based on a Budget.

 
Gluten-Free Blueberry Scones

Gluten-Free Blueberry Scones

Creamy, buttery, and brimming with blueberries and lemon zest, these gluten-free blueberry scones are effortless to make. The ideal crumbly borders, sweet brown tops and delicate centers distinguish these gluten-free scones. This recipe is quite easy to complete, and the scones turn out with the right shape, color, and flavor balance. In my perspective scones are a hybrid between muffins and biscuits - to get the perfect texture they'll need the appropriate combination of ingredients. Recipe by The Food Blog.

 
Vegan Berry Lemon Scones

Vegan Berry Lemon Scones

With a burst of blueberries and a hint of lemon, these delicate and soft scones can make your tea party the most enjoyable! The optional lemon glaze elevates these scones to new heights. This recipe is jam-packed with blueberries and topped with a tangy lemon glaze. These crumbly lemon blueberry scones are ideal for breakfast, tea gatherings, wedding showers, different tea celebrations and so much more! Recipe by Plant Based on a Budget.

 
Gluten Free Scones

Gluten-Free Scones

This is the tastiest gluten-free scone recipe out there. The recipe made as listed is a base dough that you can customize any way you want. Alternate flavor ideas include cherry scones, ginger scones, blueberry scones, cinnamon, chocolate chip scones or even white chocolate scones. The best part about these ingredients is that they can be prepared with simple equipment. Recipe by What the Fork.

 
Mini Gluten-Free Orange and Chocolate Chip Scones

Mini Gluten-Free Orange and Chocolate Chip Scones

These divinely scrumptious, nutritious almond flour scones are super straightforward and easy enough to make. It doesn't take very long either! Just 30 minutes and your scones are ready! They are keto-friendly, gluten-free and dairy-free, great for guests with special dietary needs. Recipe by Garlic, Salt and Lime.


 

Recipes for Homemade Curds and Clotted Cream

 
Homemade Clotted Cream

Homemade Clotted Cream

Clotted Cream is a delectable, creamy compliment to a batch of British scones. You don't have to travel to England to enjoy clotted cream because it's so painless to make at home! It's a rich, milky white spread with a melted cream cheese texture. It's just a tad sweet, but mostly it's just extremely velvety. Recipe by Scotch and Scones.

 
Fresh Cranberry Orange Curd

Fresh Cranberry Orange Curd

Add a new twist to the classic curd with sweet and tangy flavors. This cranberry-orange curd is easy to make and it also goes well with tea scones. After mixing in the food processor, pour the cranberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve if you want a finer texture. Fruit curds have the perfect combination of richness, delicacy, and zest. Recipe by The Foodie Affair.

 

Easy Homemade Lemon Curd with Egg Yolks

Buying lemon curd at the supermarket is not even close to the quality of homemade lemon curd. This zesty, creamy, and delicious lemon curd is made from scratch. It simply takes four ingredients and ten mins to prepare on the burner! If you have leftovers after your tea party, lemon curd is fantastic in waffles, pancakes, angel food cake, quick biscuits, pound cake, and a variety of other baked goods. Recipe by Scotch and Scones.


 

Tea Sandwich Recipes for Your Tea Party

 
Easy Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

Easy Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

Adorable cucumber sandwiches that are so easy to make! Plus, get tips on how to make these ahead of time. Recipe by Oh How Civilized.

 
Cheese Savory Recipe for Afternoon Tea Sandwiches

Cheese Savory Recipe for Afternoon Tea Sandwiches

This cheese savory recipe makes a fantastic filling for afternoon tea sandwiches. A step up from basic cheese, this cheese savory sandwich is easy to make and full of flavor. Recipe by Little Sugar Snaps.

 
Mini Open-Faced Cucumber Sandwiches

Mini Open-Faced Cucumber Sandwiches

These mini cucumber open-faced sandwiches are a modern spin on the classic tea sandwich. They look outstanding on the plate and trust me, they will disappear before your eyes. Just four ingredients and your exemplary finger snack are ready! They are simple and at the same time mouthwatering and yummy. Recipe by Amanda’s Cookin’.

 
Cucumber Sandwiches with Freshly Chopped Dill

Cucumber Sandwiches with Freshly Chopped Dill

Cucumber tea sandwiches are a lighter breakfast, brunch or afternoon snack that is simple, quick and delightful. They're also great for tea party get-togethers! You can easily and quickly make a big batch of these fresh bites and arrange beautifully to serve on a tray. The cream cheese and fresh dill really bring out the flavor of the cucumber - yum! Recipe by 30 Minutes Meals.

 
Tea Sandwiches with Cream Cheese and Cucumber Spread

Tea Sandwiches with Cream Cheese and Cucumber Spread

These Cucumber Sandwiches are quick and easy to make. They are perfect for tea parties and any day afternoon snacking. Cucumber and cream cheese goes well together creating a light and refreshing snack. Recipe by Low Carb Yum.

 
Cucumber Sandwiches with Fresh Dill and Chives

Cucumber Sandwiches with Fresh Dill and Chives

This snappy cucumber sandwich dish is wonderful for a light tea party morsel for your guests. It's simple to create and versatile in adding your favorite ingredients such as tomatoes, cheese and spices. The creamy spread is made with cream cheese and fresh herbs. The special elements in this recipe are the fresh dill and chives. Recipe by Spend with Pennies.

 
Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches

Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches

A mouthwatering selection of traditional English tea sandwiches that make your heart sing. In this blog post she has a variety of tea sandwich recipes including basic egg, smoked salmon, cucumber and chicken with cranberry sauce! Recipes by What a Girl Eats.


 

Savory Finger Foods for Tea Parties

 
Cranberry Cream Cheese Toasts

Cranberry Cream Cheese Toasts

These cranberry cream cheese toasts combine fresh fruit, honey and herbs for a fun mini toast. Super easy to make, flavorful and perfect for a tea party! Recipe by Through the Fibro Fog.

 
Spinach Cheese Squares

Spinach Cheese Squares

This spinach cheese squares recipe is quick to make, uses easy-to-find ingredients, freezes well and is excellent for having to serve at parties and holidays! These scrumptious spinach cheese squares are a perfect savory finger foods for a first course at a tea party. Recipe by Best Appetizers.

 
Smoked Salmon Canapes with Cucumber

Smoked Salmon Canapes with Cucumber

Don't be fooled by the fancy description, this appetizer recipe is a breeze to make in large batches which makes it ideal finger food for a tea party! With only 26 calories per bite, these cucumber bites are an unknowingly healthy appetizer. This item is surely going to impress and satisfy hungry guests. Recipe by Homebody Eats.


 

Small Tarts and Desserts for Tea Parties

 
Lemon Curd Tartlets

Lemon Curd Tartlets

Mini lemon tarts with delicious shortbread crusts and simple lemon curd filling are delectable spring and summer sweets! These lemon tartlets are very scrumptious. They're perfect for springtime, thanks to their crisp, buttery crust and smooth, creamy, zesty lemon curd inside! Recipe by A Baking Journey.

 
Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Cake

Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Cake

Thanks to the olive oil, this Glazed Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Cake is delicious, fluffy, zesty and delectable. This cake dish is ideal for Early spring gatherings such as tea parties! This dessert can be baked from scratch in less than 60 minutes. Recipe by The Heirloom Pantry.

 
Honey Cakes

Honey Cakes

Honey Cakes are a delectable and inherently sweetened delicacy. It's sweet, citrusy and flower-patterned. This Honey Cakes recipe is relatively straightforward to make, even if it glimpses to be more advanced. Recipe by Amanda Wilens.

 
Mrs. Rabbit’s Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Mrs. Rabbit’s Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Each bun is decorated with a classic cross and flavored with brown sugar, cherries or currants, butter and vanilla. This favorite Easter meal is finished with a delightful orange frosting! Hot Cross Buns are wheat bread made during the Easter season but also go well with a tea party. These loaded buns are studded with raisins (or currants), candied mixed peel and seasoned with crushed cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper. Recipe by Christina’s Cucina.

 
French Apple Cake

French Apple Cake

This French apple cake is the epitome of elegance with bits of sweet apples nestled in a delicate and creamy rum cake. Because of the apples in the cake mix, this apple cake is light and fresh yet has a rich and creamy structure. This dish only requires a few simple ingredients and no special equipment. When apples are plentiful in the fall, this is the ideal dish to bake. Recipe by Lemon Blossoms.

 
Mini Cream Horns

Mini Cream Horns

Cream horns are a very easy and use store bought puff pastry. These pastries can be filled with a variety of fillings. Recipe by Marcellina in Cucina.

 
Jam Tarts Tea Time

Fruit Jam Tea Tarts

Jam tarts taste great with a cup of tea or as part of an Afternoon Tea tray alongside a variety of sweets. A Jam Tart is made with a piece of dough and a dab of jam. You may make them large to share or tiny for each individual guest. They're great with a dollop of whipped cream or clotted cream and a dusting of finely diced nuts. Recipe by What a Girl Eats.

 
Strawberry Rhubarb Tartlets

Strawberry Rhubarb Tartlets

Sweet strawberries, acidic rhubarb and buttery crisp pastry are a match made in heaven. Strawberries and rhubarb complement each other perfectly, making the ideal tart filling. For a time saver and simplicity, the tarts can be made with store-bought crust or pre-made tart shells. Recipe by Keep Calm and Eat Ice Cream.

 
Classic English Shortbread Fingers

Classic English Shortbread Fingers

An impressive display of simplicity, shortbread is a combination of butter, sugar and flour that adds to so much more. These buttery, crunchy, and absolutely delicious classic shortbread cookies will elevate your cookie platter to new heights! It's a simple delicacy to share with your guests. Recipe by What a Girl Eats.

 
Strawberry and Mint Fruit Salad

Strawberry & Mint Fruit Salad

It's no secret that almost everyone loves dessert. Here's a dessert concept that's light, quick and easy to make! This strawberry and mint fruit salad recipe makes for a pretty display, it’s healthy and it would be a great dessert choice for a refined tea party. Recipe by Go Healthy with Bea.


 

Recipes Using Tea Flavors

 
How to Make a London Fog

How to Make a London Fog

The London Fog is an excellent tea party drink! It consists of a mixture of Early Grey tea, vanilla and frothy milk. Recipe by In the Kitch.

 
Earl Grey Ice Cream

Earl Grey Ice Cream

Earl grey ice cream is velvety, rich, and gently sweet with just the proper amount of earl grey flavor which makes it almost heavenly. This earl grey ice cream is incredibly delicious and aromatic, much like a nice cup of freshly made tea. It's ideal for your next tea party or simply because! Recipe by Keep Calm and Eat Ice Cream.

 
Earl Grey Yogurt Cake with Blackberry Glaze

Earl Grey Yogurt Cake with Blackberry Glaze

Earl Grey yogurt cake is a single-layer cake that's great for a tea party gathering. The cake is finished with a colorful blackberry glaze. Enjoy the citrusy, floral flavor of Earl Grey tea infused into a light cake. Recipe by Kelly Neil.

 
Earl Grey Scones

Earl Grey Scones

With these lemon-glazed Earl Grey Scones, you can enjoy your tea in a whole new way. Earl Grey’s flavor compliments lemon, so a lemony glaze completes the tea-infused baked goods so well. They are also an immaculate addition to tea parties, breakfast, or brunch! Recipe by The Food Blog.


 

Shop for Tea Party Essentials:

Vintage Tea Cup and Saucer Sets

On Etsy you can find vintage and antique sellers who have authentic tea cups sets available for sale. They have gorgeous feminine patterns with gold details.

Vintage Tea Cup Candles

Make sure you don’t send your guests home empty handed! These tea cup candles are made from real fine china and make for excellent party favors. They can also double as gorgeous centerpieces!

Take sweetening your tea to a whole new level with sugar doilies! These delicate tea toppers adds a serious wow factor to your tea party.


 

 

 

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Over 50 Easy Tea Party Recipes + Guide to Hosting a Proper Tea Party