Throw an afternoon tea at short notice with these clever hacks that don’t skimp on the wow-factor.

Image: Luke Arthur Wells 

The May bank holiday is on a Friday this year as part of celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day. While we may not be able to get out and about to celebrate, we can make a special event at home with a charming afternoon tea.

Whether you’re only a basic baker, or aren’t quite the Ritz when it comes to your afternoon tea-appropriate tableware, we’ve got some quick and easy ideas to throw a fabulous event for your family.

No serving stand? No problem

A tiered cake stand may be perfect for the authentic afternoon tea experience, but it’s not something that will be used often and it will eat up valuable kitchen cupboard space. If you can’t get hold of one for your afternoon tea, we love this idea from interior stylist Luke Arthur Wells. Try stacking bowls upside down with plates in between to create a tiered tower.

Cheese scones fit for a queen

Image: Matilda Bourne 

Think you can’t beat a good cheese scone? Well food photographer and stylist Matilda Bourne has taken her scone game to the next level with these cheesey crowns.

“Bake the scones as normal,” she tells us. “When they’re cool, scatter a bit of grated cheddar in a frying pan on a medium heat and melt. When the oil in the cheese starts to sizzle, place the scone into the melted cheese top down, then slowly lift it upwards. The cheese will stick to the top of the scone and crisp up to form a cheesey crown!”

Up your sandwich game

Image: Clarence Court 

If you’re pressed for time, there’s nothing wrong with a sandwich filler on white bread, but why not cut your crust off to create classic finger sandwiches? Otherwise, think about easy ways to elevate traditional flavours. This egg and cress sandwich from Clarence Court uses sourdough bread and rapeseed mayonnaise.

Get creative with table linen

Image: Furniture Choice 

Bored of the same old table linen? Time to get creative during lockdown! We love this shibori tutorial from Furniture Choice to create pretty indigo tie-dye napkins – give it a try with this step-by-step guide.

Dress up store bought cakes

Image: Oliver Bonas 

The idea of freshly baking cakes for yoru afternoon tea may be attractive, but let’s face it, it’s also a lot of work. Budget-friendly storebought cakes might not impress by themselves, but they make a great base for creating more fanciful afternoon tea treats. Grab some whipping cream, fresh fruit and chocolate to grate and you can make any standard tart looklike its been made fresh in a patisserie that very morning.

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