A Guide To Afternoon Tea

Today is National Tea Day. Why not celebrate by having afternoon tea?

However, you do not need to wait for National Tea Day to have afternoon tea. You can have an afternoon tea party for yourself and loved ones, an afternoon tea-themed party, afternoon tea for your birthday or other special occasions, or afternoon tea just because.

Setting up afternoon tea is not complicated at all.
Here are the essentials that you will need for your table.

Tea (black tea, green tea, or herbal tea) – go for loose-leaf tea, if you can. Otherwise, you can use tea bags instead.

Sugar cubes or granulated sugar. Be sure to keep the sugar in a pretty sugar bowl like any one of these.

Milk or cream

Lemon slices

Finger sandwiches (such as cucumber or smoked salmon)

Scones (plain or fruit, with clotted cream and jam)

Cakes or pastries (such as petit fours or macarons)

A tiered serving tray or cake stand

Tea set: teapot, tea cups, saucers, and teaspoons

Napkins

Optional: champagne or sparkling wine for a champagne afternoon tea.