Did you know it’s Afternoon Tea Week in the UK is celebrated during the second week of August every year?
So give yourselves a chance to slow down, unwind and celebrate this great British tradition!
The tradition of Afternoon Tea Week, which goes back almost 200 years, has grown in popularity over the last few years and now appeals to all ages.
Why Celebrate Afternoon Tea Week?
Summer is the season for happy, relaxed entertaining and afternoon tea, deliciously light and simple, is the perfect way to bring people together.
Whether it’s for catching up with friends, celebrating a birthday, marking an anniversary, hosting a baby shower or just relaxing in the garden, afternoon tea can be enjoyed at home, in tea rooms, in cafes and al fresco anywhere!
One of the wonderful things about afternoon tea is that it’s so versatile. It can be taken outside or inside and can be enjoyed at any hour! Yep, we’ve enjoyed full ‘afternoon’ tea in the morning.
Celebrate with an Afternoon Tea Hamper
Here at The British Hamper Company, we consider ourselves experts on our much-loved tradition of Afternoon Tea.
If you’re after a British Afternoon Tea gift then take a look at our wide collection of luxury afternoon tea hampers, designed to suit every taste and budget.
We’re proud members of the Guild of Fine Food so we are committed to high quality. A huge range of our produce has won Great Taste Awards, such as our three-star winning Zesty Lemon Curd!
Carefully curated by us, our afternoon tea hampers are filled with award-winning delicious food and drink from our talented and passionate artisan producers across Britain and from renowned international vineyards.
We also have a range of afternoon tea hampers for those with special dietary requirements. So if you’re looking for a gluten free afternoon tea hampers, vegetarian, vegan or reduced sugar hampers, you don’t miss out.
How to Host an Afternoon Tea at Home
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What to include in a homemade afternoon tea
Once you’ve set a date, decide what’s going to be on the menu, checking with your friends any allergies or intolerances they might have.
The beauty of afternoon tea is that the menu is flexible. You can enjoy an afternoon tea of scones and clotted cream, of cake and biscuits or one that includes sandwiches and even scotch eggs! There’s no right or wrong; the choice of food is up to you.
Afterall, it’s really about sharing and spending time together.
A few suggestions for the menu (make adjustments for any allergies or intolerances):
- Sandwiches – traditional fillings of cucumber, salmon and cream cheese, egg mayo and cress or ham and mustard. Crusts off and cut into fingers or triangles, for pure indulgence!
- Cakes - fruit, Victoria sponge or carrot.
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Scones and jam (with or without cream) – isn’t it all part of the occasion, arguing over which goes on first, the jam or the cream?
Well, let us tell you! It’s the Cornish way to start with jam, and the Devonshire way to start with cream. They’re both correct so do what you prefer!
- Biscuits – anything delicate and buttery. Shortbread’s a good choice but anything that complements tea, that doesn’t overpower tea’s wonderful flavour or leave you too full up.
- Sweet pastries – dainty eclairs, macarons. Macarons are brilliant at adding refinement to the occasion with their crisp, light texture and beautiful colours.
- Savoury pastries - sausage rolls, pork pies, or even Scotch eggs - for lovely meaty savouriness.
- Teas – Breakfast tea or Earl Grey are the traditional ones but perhaps you’d like fruit/herbal teas.
Breakfast tea, a blend of black teas, is rich and full of flavour, pairs well with milk and is perfect for afternoon tea.
Earl Grey has fragrant, delicate citrusy flavour and is often taken plain or with a little milk. It goes very well with light, buttery foods, so ideal for afternoon tea.
- Coffee – of course, not everyone’s a tea lover and is perfectly acceptable to offer it at afternoon tea. It is excellently paired with cream-filled pastries and many cakes.
- Soft drinks – light cordials or squashes. We suggest Elderflower as it’s a lovely alternative to alcoholic drinks and its delicate flavour is not overpowering. Serve chilled, still or sparkling, with ice and a slice of lemon or cucumber.
- Prosecco – the bubbles and lightness of this well-loved fizz is suited to the delicateness of afternoon tea.
- Champagne – adds not only fun to the occasion but luxury and a little decadence! Perfect for celebratory afternoon teas.
2. Create a warm, relaxed vibe
A welcoming vibe is important, helping to make your guests feel comfortable and relaxed. Think about decorations, perhaps themed bunting or banners if it’s a celebration. Candles and flowers also help to create a cosy atmosphere.
- Furniture: think about seating; whether you’re sitting on sofas, garden chairs or on the floor, prioritise comfort, providing cushions and blankets where necessary.
- Music: decide on your background music- mellow or lively. Get your playlist ready.
- Table decorations:
- A theme: are you having a theme for your afternoon tea (birthday, baby shower etc)?
Then you’ll want to decorate and use equipment accordingly. For example, you might want to host a ‘genteel’ afternoon tea using bone china, cake stands and dainty cake forks.
Theme or no theme, it’s surprising how even the simplest of table decorations helps in creating an inviting space; a simple bunch of flowers in the centre of the table can work wonders.
Candles always create a warm glow/another dimension.
Don’t forget tablecloths and napkins; they add something special, whether they’re smart white, checked or themed.
But just remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s about spending quality time with your friends and family!
If you don't have time to bake, order an afternoon tea hamper!
Our recommendations for the perfect afternoon tea, from our wide range:
Afternoon Tea Hamper – one of our bestsellers, this charming hamper is filled with award-winning artisan treats for an enjoyable afternoon tea.
Ideal for birthdays or thank-yous, this hamper includes hand-baked, melt-in-your-mouth rich buttery shortbread, beautifully rich fruitcake, and crisp yet chewy Stem Ginger cookies made in small batches in Suffolk. Hand-crafted tangy lemon curd, unbelievably fruity raspberry jam from Essex and two flavoursome teas complete this delightful hamper.
Beautifully packed and presented within a smart keepsake gift box and delivered with your own message.
Luxury Afternoon Tea Hamper - an afternoon tea hamper with a celebratory feel!
Great taste award-winning food paired with renowned, elegant, award-winning Ruggeri Prosecco from northeastern Italy offer a memorable afternoon tea experience.
Hand-baked cheddar biscuits, rich buttery shortbread and sublime Sea Salt Caramel Chocolates are just a few of the delicious treats in this generous hamper.
From our Luxury Champagne Hamper range: The Picnic Celebration Hamper - ideal for marking special occasions, this hamper is filled with exceptional British artisan produce and wine.
Enjoy an afternoon of delicate Rose wine from award-winning Chapel Down in Kent, traditionally smoked salmon from Grimsby, Lincolnshire Poacher cheese, Chocolate dipped almonds and much more.
Prepare for a wonderful tasting experience.
How are afternoon tea hampers delivered?
All our luxury hampers are meticulously packed and beautifully presented in one of our bespoke gift boxes or traditional wicker baskets and include your own message.
We use reliable and fast couriers to deliver to the UK and over 50 countries worldwide, straight to your door.
We offer Next Day UK afternoon tea delivery and well as international gift delivery.
We provide a track and trace service for all our hampers.
Our customer support is second to none.
Long live Afternoon Tea!
It’s not only an indulgent pleasure, it’s an occasion and an experience to be shared.
Join us in celebrating Afternoon Tea Week.