Afternoon Tea Tips For Celebrating The King's Birthday

Read Time: 6 minutes

King Charles’ official birthday is celebrated on the third Saturday of June and this year this falls on Saturday 15th June!

How do we celebrate?

On 15th June in London, there will be the King’s Birthday Parade, also known as the ceremony of ‘Trooping the Colour’.

Perhaps you’ll be there to watch it live or maybe you’ll catch it later on TV!

What is ‘Trooping the Colour’?

It’s a tradition that dates back to the reign of King Charles II (1660-1685) when it was first performed and in 1748 it was decided that this parade would be performed to mark the Sovereign’s official birthday. 

It became an annual event in 1760 when King George III became King and since 1959, it has typically been held on a Saturday in June, regardless of the monarch’s actual birthday.

Historically, the colours (flags) of a battalion were carried, or trooped, down the ranks so that they could be seen and recognised by the soldiers on the battlefield. Now this custom is ceremonially performed as part of the King’s Birthday Parade.

And now?

More than 1400 soldiers, 200 horses and hundreds of musicians are involved in this wonderful display of pageantry which starts at Buckingham Palace and travels down the Mall to Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall, where King Charles will inspect the soldiers and lead them back to Buckingham Palace.

The event ends with a spectacular fly-past by the Royal Airforce – watched by the Royal family from Buckingham Palace balcony. In 2006, this flypast ended with an appearance of the Red Arrows who often practice in the skies above our British Hamper Company HQ!

How to celebrate this amazing event

Whether you’re in London lining The Mall with the excited crowds (or lucky enough to have seats?!) or at home in comfort, watching this historic event is a truly memorable experience!

You can’t help but feel a thrill and want to be part of it - so what better way than celebrating with what we’re really good at - Afternoon Tea, of course!

Deeply rooted in British culture, afternoon tea is a treat beloved by many!

Need some inspiration?

Let us help!

Afternoon Tea Tips

One of the great things about afternoon tea is that you can have it inside or outside.

If outside (we’re assuming you’ve checked the weather!):

• Let your guests know in advance so they can prepare.
• Decide whether you want to host in the garden or a chosen park/field/river bank/beach.
• Decide whether you’re using a table and chairs or a picnic rug.
• Plan for shade if it’s sunny (or shelter if it showers!). Consider using a small gazebo, perhaps.

Presentation: 

• It’s not every day you host an afternoon tea so consider adding a few decorations! Bunting, balloons, flowers; it all adds to a celebratory atmosphere. 
• Having the right equipment will help make it feel extra special – think tablecloth, napkins, cake stand, serving platters, teapot, crockery of your choice, small knives and forks, flutes and a wine-cooler (if serving alcohol).

General tips: 

• When inviting people, don’t forget to ask about any food allergies/intolerances/dietary requirements.

• Consider and plan your menu.

• Wondering how much to prepare? A rough guide is 4 sandwiches, 2 scones and 2 cakes per person.

Fun Facts:

• Serving champagne with afternoon tea makes it a ‘Royal Afternoon Tea’!
• Like your sandwiches with the crusts cut off? Long ago they were removed for hygiene purposes as the bread would’ve been sitting on the counter exposed to the air.
• The modern sandwich is named after the 4th Earl of Sandwich (1718 - 1792) who was so very fond of meat in between 2 of slices of bread that people started calling this simple meal  ‘sandwich’.

Menu Suggestions for an Afternoon Tea

Sandwiches:

Finger ones without crusts look the best, delicate and moreish!

Cucumber – an afternoon tea favourite!

Use fresh springy bread, white or brown. Peel the cucumber and slice thinly. Salt lightly and place in a colander to drain. Pat dry.

Lightly butter the bread and cut off the crusts. Place the cucumber slices between 2 bread slices (adding chopped mint is an option) and cut into fingers.

Cheese – the humble grated cheddar cheese sandwich is loved by many.

If you want to fancy it up a bit you can mix grated cheddar and Red Leicester together with finely chopped red pepper and spring onion combined in a mayonnaise/paprika/ Dijon mustard combo. Delicious!

Egg mayo – some say the Queen of sandwiches. 

Soft white bread is preferred. Mix chopped hard boiled eggs with mayonnaise (home-made is best, if time allows!), add a little chopped chive and salt and pepper.

Smoked salmon - on white or rye bread.

With or without cream cheese. Keep it simple and just add a little salt and a little black pepper!

Roast veg – great for vegetarians/vegans. 

Roasted red peppers and courgettes in oil, salt and pepper. Use hummus instead of butter. Heavenly!

Coronation chicken – yes it goes well in a sandwich! 

Add a little watercress.

Scones – afternoon tea wouldn’t be complete without scones!

Home-made or shop-bought they’re just delicious.

Plain, fruit or cheese. Simply with butter or with jam and clotted cream (not the cheese ones though!). Divine.

Cakes – who doesn’t like a piece of cake?

Victoria sponge, carrot cake, lemon drizzle and Battenburg go particularly well with afternoon tea.

Pastries – Nice and savoury.

Choose from sausage rolls and scotch eggs (vegan versions are available), cheese scones, mini quiches or mini pork pies.

Drinks – Darjeeling and Earl Grey tea go down well and are associated with afternoon tea but breakfast tea is also popular.

There’s so much choice out there! Herbal teas are also crowd-pleasers as they’re light and refreshing.

Not everyone likes tea so have coffee ready too.

For a celebratory/luxurious touch you can offer Champagne or Prosecco.

Don’t forget to offer soft drinks – elderflower, cordial, sparkling water, fruit juices, etc.

Afternoon tea is a luxury and has an almost decadent feel about it!

It’s perfect for all occasions and ages and you can have it at any time of the day (although maybe not for breakfast!). It’s not difficult to host, you just need to plan ahead and do your shopping.

Short of time? We have a range of Afternoon Tea Hampers to help you out!

Our hampers are beautifully packed with delectable sweet and savoury treats, with or without alcohol - just right for an afternoon celebration (add that champagne and have yourself a Royal Afternoon Tea for the King’s Birthday!).

Enjoy!