My journey with afternoon tea began quite unexpectedly. I was visiting a friend in England, and she insisted we experience a traditional afternoon tea at a charming local tearoom.
As someone who typically enjoys coffee on the go, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The atmosphere was cozy, the tea was exquisite, but what truly captivated me were the savory bites.
Each morsel was a burst of flavor, perfectly complementing the tea. Inspired by that experience, I decided to recreate the magic back home.
Over the years, I’ve hosted numerous tea parties, experimenting with many recipes. Today, I’m thrilled to share some of my favorites with you.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 15 easy tea party menu ideas.
1. Cucumber Sandwiches
A quintessential afternoon tea staple, cucumber sandwiches offer a refreshing and elegant start to your menu.
Thinly sliced cucumbers with a touch of creamy spread tucked between soft white bread create a light and delightful bite. Delicate finger sandwiches are perfect for one-handed enjoyment and elegant mingling.
2. Miniature Quiches
These bite-sized wonders burst with savory flavors. Flaky pastry shells cradle a variety of delicious fillings, like creamy spinach and feta or sausage and peppers.
Miniature quiches offer a satisfying and visually appealing option for your afternoon tea spread.
3. Sausage Rolls
Sausage rolls are a crowd-pleasing savory treat. Flaky pastry encases a flavorful sausage filling, creating a warm and satisfying bite.
Easy to prepare and perfect for eating on the go, sausage rolls are a delightful addition to your afternoon tea menu.
4. Deviled Eggs
A timeless and versatile appetizer, deviled eggs are a welcome addition to your afternoon tea spread.
Hard-boiled eggs are filled with a creamy and flavorful mixture, often featuring mustard, mayonnaise, and herbs. Garnish with paprika or chives for an extra touch of elegance.
5. Smoked Salmon Pinwheels
Smoked salmon pinwheels offer a sophisticated and flavorful option. Creamy cheese spread is layered onto a sheet of puff pastry, and then topped with thinly sliced smoked salmon.
Rolled up and sliced, these pinwheels are a delightful bite-sized indulgence.
6.Mini Spanakopita Triangles
These miniature triangles pack a flavorful punch. Layers of flaky phyllo dough house a delicious spinach and feta cheese filling. Baked to golden perfection, these bite-sized delights offer a taste of Greece perfect for afternoon tea.
7. Crostini with Various Toppings
Crostini offers a versatile and customizable option for your afternoon tea spread. Toasted baguette slices become a canvas for endless flavor combinations.
Consider classic bruschetta with tomatoes and basil, creamy goat cheese with figs, or smoked salmon with a touch of cream cheese and dill.
8. Mini Skewers with Appetizer Combinations
Mini skewers add a playful and interactive element to your afternoon tea menu. Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves for a refreshing Caprese combination.
Alternatively, skewer grilled vegetables with a balsamic glaze for a savory treat.
9. Scones with Jam and Clotted Cream
Scones with jam and clotted cream are a quintessential afternoon tea experience. These crumbly pastries are traditionally served warm and enjoyed with a dollop of clotted cream and your favorite jam.
Choose from classic flavors like strawberry or raspberry, or explore more adventurous options like lemon curd or fig.
10. Cupcakes
Cupcakes offer a delightful and customizable sweet treat for your afternoon tea. These miniature cakes come in a vast array of flavors and frostings, allowing you to cater to diverse preferences.
Decorate them with sprinkles, edible flowers, or chocolate shavings for an extra touch of whimsy.
11. Fruit Tarts
Fruit tarts offer a vibrant and refreshing addition to your afternoon tea spread. Flaky pastry shells are filled with a variety of fresh seasonal fruits, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
A touch of glaze adds a touch of sweetness and shine.
12. Macarons
Macarons are delicate French cookies that are known for their vibrant colors and exquisite flavors.
These delightful treats come in a wide variety of fillings, ranging from classic vanilla and chocolate to more adventurous options like rosewater or pistachio.
13. Chocolate Truffles
Chocolate truffles offer a rich and decadent treat for your afternoon tea.
Made with smooth chocolate ganache and coated in cocoa powder or sprinkles, these bite-sized indulgences are perfect for chocolate lovers. Choose from dark, milk, or white chocolate to cater to different preferences.
14. Mini Eclairs
Mini eclairs bring a touch of French flair to your afternoon tea spread. Delicate pastry shells are filled with rich pastry cream and topped with a decadent chocolate glaze.
These bite-sized treats offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.
15. Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread cookies offer a classic and satisfying conclusion to your afternoon tea. Made with simple ingredients like butter, flour, and sugar, these crumbly cookies boast a rich buttery flavor.
Enjoy them plain or dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.