6 afternoon tea essentials for al-fresco dining
Celebrate Afternoon Tea Week this 11 August – 17 August and serve al-fresco afternoon tea in style.
We’ve gathered some stunning essentials which are perfect for garden gatherings, or indoor hosting when the British summer isn’t delivering!
Feel inspired and ready to enjoy this British classic immediately after reading.
When is afternoon tea week?
Afternoon tea week this year falls between 11 August – 17 August.
It’s a week to look out for as all your favourite venues will be offering big discounts on their afternoon tea, as well as big events to mark the traditional feast.
Definitely make a point of enjoying an afternoon tea – at home or at a restaurant this week so you can spread the love with your friends and family.
What is afternoon tea?
Afternoon tea can be as simple as a good pot of tea and a selection of scones, but if you want to go the whole hog: think mini finger sandwiches, cakes, homemade scones with lashings of clotted cream and pots of jam.
Endless refills of tea, and if you’re feeling so inclined – a glass of Champagne or prosecco doesn’t go a miss either.
The most iconic afternoon tea in Britain probably belongs to The Ritz, but there are plenty of gorgeous venues across the country that offer a spectacular service, in almost any theme you can imagine.
Afternoon tea week essentials
We have plenty of new tableware ideas to share with you that are perfect for serving up scones, cakes and sandwiches galore.
Read on for the best buys to make your outdoor gathering one fit for royalty…
Bee ochre tablecloth
Bring spring and summer vibes to your table immediately with this sunshine yellow tablecloth.
It’s designed in Yorkshire and we love the buzzing bee motif pattern across the cloth.
Browse the site for napkins, plates, cushions and more in the same pattern.
- Bee Ochre table cloth, £38 from Walton & Co – buy here
Ready made afternoon tea at home
What would afternoon tea be without delicious scones packed with clotted cream and jam?
This delicious kit for two takes the effort out of the occasion by serving up sets of savoury scones in basil, sea salt and cheddar, or tomato and cheddar, plus sweet scones in both plain and fruit variations.
Also, in your kit you’ll receive chutneys, cracker bites and vintage cheddar, plus two recipe cards so you can add extra should you wish. What a lovely way to spend an afternoon!
- The Cherry Tree Luxury Afternoon Tea Gift Box for to, £42.50 – buy here
Cake stand
Cakes, sandwiches and scones will taste all the better being presented on this gorgeous stand.
The classic gold metal will go with almost any tableware scheme, and it’s both affordable and easy to assemble, ticking all of our boxes.
- Metal cake stand, £18 from H&M Home – buy here
Candlestick holders
Set the mood of your table with these stunning pink candlesticks.
The pastel shades are perfect for springtime but will equally look great all year round, both at al-fresco gatherings and as part of a statement dinner table for all occasions.
Daphne candlesticks set of 3, £39 from The Present House – buy here
Fairies in the garden tea party
Perfect for the summer holidays, this tea party set has everything you need to enjoy a special afternoon tea with your little ones.
It also comes with a carry case so you can take it on the go – wherever you’re adventuring!
Just add the edibles and you’re ready to go.
- Tea party set fairies in the garden, £24.95 from Rex London – buy here
Serving platter
Display your cake beautifully on this gorgeous serving platter.
It’s elegant and will go with all your other schemes beautifully, as it’s glass.
Perfect for serving up a Victoria Sponge or any other cake you desire.
- Maxi Patisserie Footed Service Plate, £18.99 from Wayfair – buy here
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