How to make afternoon tea fit for a King

A few simply sensational ideas to make your very own Coronation celebration afternoon tea at home a truly royal experience.

Afternoon tea has long been a great British tradition that’s usually just something to be indulged in when family or friends drop by. But as we’re sure you’ll agree, the unique occasion of the King’s Coronation in May calls for something rather more grand than the usual afternoon tea of biscuits and a slice of shop bought cake.  

This is one time when you really should be putting the flags out, dressing up for the occasion and making the extra effort. And at Cottage Delight we have everything you need to serve up an afternoon tea to remember.

What time is afternoon tea?

Afternoon tea usually takes place around 4 pm and dates back to 1840. The credit goes to Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, who would feel peckish in the late afternoon since her household served dinner fashionably late at eight o’clock. She started requesting a tray of tea, bread, butter, and cake to be brought to her room during this time. Soon enough, she started inviting friends to join her, and it turned into a trendy social event.

What to serve at afternoon tea.

When planning what to serve at afternoon tea, there are a few key items you’ll want to include.

Traditional afternoon tea typically consists of a selection of tea sandwiches, such as cucumber and cream cheese or egg and cress, as well as scones with clotted cream and jam. Miniature cakes and pastries, such as Victoria sponge cake, lemon tarts, and éclairs, are also popular choices.

For a savoury option, quiches or sausage rolls can be a great addition. When selecting teas, consider offering a variety of blends, such as Earl Grey or Darjeeling, as well as herbal options like chamomile or peppermint.

By incorporating these classic treats and teas, you’ll be sure to create a delightful and memorable afternoon tea experience for your guests.

Afternoon tea ideas to delight.

As the great tradition of afternoon tea has evolved, new twists have been added by those with more adventurous tastes, and nowhere more so than here at Cottage Delight, where we’ve brought together some irresistible suggestions for your Coronation afternoon tea.

Mini Celebration Sponge Cakes.

Our super cute Mini Celebration Sponge Cakes, filled to bursting with rich double cream and our Original Strawberry Whole Fruit Jam, are crowned with an icing sugar dusting and just right for a celebration day.

Mini Sausage Rolls.

Our very own twist on a classic sausage roll, these Mini Sausage Rolls may be mini in size, but when glazed liberally with our magically moreish Sweet Garlic Pickle they pack a mighty taste punch.

Clotted Cream and Strawberry Flavoured Scones.

With a name like this you just know they’re going to be fantastic! Our Clotted Cream and Strawberry Flavoured Scones recipe is made with diced strawberries and our own Classic Clotted Cream, these quick and easy super scones are delicious incorporated with jam and cream.

Sticky Orange Marmalade Loaf Cake.

‘Cake’ really doesn’t do justice to this sticky-sweet treat that’s sure to steal the show at your afternoon tea, all thanks to the tantalizing texture of our Classic Orange Thin Cut Marmalade. Our Sensationally Sticky Orange Marmalade Loaf Cake is sure to be a showstopper at your afternoon tea.

Sensational sandwiches.

The best celebration afternoon teas aren’t just about cakes, scones and fancies. Even simple cheeses and meats are instantly transformed into sensational sandwiches with a regal helping of one of our award winning chutneys or a dash of mustard.    

Ingredients for 12 finger sandwiches:

Cheese & Chutney

• 2 slices brown bread

• 1 tablespoon Caramelised Red Onion Chutney

• 2 slices cheddar cheese

Ham & Mustard

• 2 slices white bread

• 1 tablespoon Acacia Honey & Mustard Dressing

• 2 slices ham

Thai Salmon & Cream Cheese

• 2 slices white bread

• 1 tablespoon cream cheese

• 2 slices smoked salmon

• 1 tablespoon of Thai Sweet Chilli Sauce

• fresh dill

Cucumber with Basil Pesto

• 2 slices granary bread

• 1 tablespoon butter

• ¼ cucumber, peeled, cut into slices

• 1 tablespoon Basil Pesto Dressing

• salt

• pepper

Preparation:

1. Assemble each sandwich and cut off the crusts.
2. Lay out on a plate and leave to chill in the fridge until ready to serve and enjoy!

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Such a historic event is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself and spend time with friends and family. We think it rightly deserves an afternoon tea that lives up to the occasion, so it’s definitely worth going the extra mile.

Looking for a fun activity to celebrate with the kids? Why not download our print ready colouring sheets? – Colouring Sheets – The Kings Coronation | Cottage Delight

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