Serve al-fresco afternoon tea in style with these stunning essentials which are perfect for garden gatherings.

This post contains affiliate links, of which we earn a commission.

Image: The Cherry Tree

Not only are the recent garden gatherings giving us a taste for the freedom we’ve all been missing, but they’ve also given us a fresh appreciation for afternoon tea. The quintessentially British favourite has proved popular with all ages for our garden reunions likely due to the success of Netflix’s The Crown and Bridgerton. While our afternoon tea recipes are clearly going down a treat, the lifting of lockdown might also require a refresh of our tableware as we welcome people other than our own household into our midst.

Don’t worry though, 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 her royal highness herself!

Bee Ochre tablecloth, £35, Walton & Co

Image: Walton & Co

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.

Time for tea teapot and 2 mugs set, £55, Eleanor Bowmer

Image: Eleanor Bowmer

We are obsessed with the bold prints and bright colours in this stunning tea set! It serves up serious positive vibes and is bound to be a hit with your guests.

Luxury afternoon tea gift box, £35, Cherry Tree Preserves

Image: Cherry Tree Preserves

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!

Loop rattan placemat, £12.50 each, Setting Pretty

Image: Setting Pretty

Presentation means everything when it comes to afternoon tea, and these mats really fit the occasion. The encircling loop design reminds us of beautiful flower heads and we love the luxe Wild Child napkins if you’d like to go the extra mile.

Metal cake stand, £17.99, H&M Home

Image: H&M Home

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!

Set of three Daphne candlesticks, from £52, The Present House

Image: The Present House

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.

Stoneware jug, £24.99, H&M Home

Image: H&M Home

This al-fresco table set up is beautiful and perfect for this time of year. We love the gorgeous napkins and napkin rings, and the beautiful flower bouquet provides a stunning centrepiece. The jug is ideal for storing milk, water, or even as an extra vase on the table if you have more flowers to show off.

Share your afternoon tea al-fresco set ups with us! Tweet us @goodhomesmag or post a comment on our Facebook page. 

RELATED ARTICLES:

10 best buys for this weekend

5 quintessentially British afternoon tea recipes

John Lewis and Waitrose launch new tableware collection