Afternoon Tea. I'm not talking about friends sharing mugs of tea, on the back porch on a lazy Sunday afternoon (which is wonderful). I'm talking about the timeless ritual of Afternoon Tea, with capital letters. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, welcoming a baby into the world, wishing a bride-to-be a happy life, or simply sharing companionship, a teaparty is perfect.
Party planning is the happy combination of common sense and creativity. Is the forecast for sunshine, or will the outdoor bridal shower be a sopping, sobbing mess? A buffet table is best for larger gatherings, however, for a small, intimate gathering, set the dining table with your best china, crystal and silverware. If you don't have matching teacups, create a bohemian, hippie or Mad Hatter's Teaparty look. A floral centrepiece, whether in crystal or a mason jar, is a colourful (and sometimes fragrant) way to bring the decorating theme together. Music welcomes guests, and keeps them company all through the afternoon. Choose jazz, classical, or spa music, as long as it is light. Whether simple and pretty, or lavishly beautiful, Afternoon Tea is a feast for all the senses.
Like the conversation, the food is light, joyful and ever changing. Afternoon Tea isn't just for teetotalers, so begin with a glass of Champagne, Kir, sparkling wine, or punch. Serve tea, either from a large, single pot, or provide a variety of individual teabags for each guest. Early Grey and Jasmine are favourite teas. With loose tea being widely available, it is possible to serve your own signature blend of tea.
Three tiered tea trays are the Eiffel Towers of the gastronomic world. There's such anticipation, slowly savouring all three courses on a three tiered serving tray, starting at the base of the tray, with warm scones, served with thick, clotted cream and strawberry, or raspberry jam. Scones are usually plain, however, I love adding crushed lavender, or raisins and grated lemon. I have also enjoyed Cheddar cheese and herb scones.
Sandwiches are essential - as important as the tea itself. They're found at the centre of the tiered tray. They come in a variety of shapes - pinwheel, rectangular, double decker, and heartshaped - always with the crusts removed. The fillings are amazing: fresh, chilled poached salmon and parsley mayonnaise, on French bread; spicy curried chicken with plump raisins, onion, and fresh cilantro, served on raisin bread; tomato slices with burrata cheese, and fresh basil, on Italian or sourdough bread; smoked salmon with fresh dill, lemon and cream cheese, served on dense, dark rye bread; devilled eggs with smokey bacon, and green onion, on dense multi-grain bread; smoked ham with chopped, grilled pineapple, and cream cheese...
Variety is one of the defining elements of Afternoon Tea. The dessert layer, on the top tier of the serving tray, often features miniature tarts, cakes, petit fours, macarons, cream puffs, and squares, so that guests may enjoy a little of everything! Visit a bakery to pick up mini lemon tarts, strawberry-rhubarb tarts, cherry cheesecake, chocolate mousse cakes, raspberry macarons, cointreau flavoured cream puffs, Nanaimo bars and lemon squares.
If you prefer to bake something, a multi-layered chocolate cake with whipped cream and raspberries is always welcome! While I usually add vanilla to whipped cream, I have used a few drops of rosewater, and decorated the cake with whipped cream and rose petals.
If all of this is overwhelming, have Afternoon Tea in a hotel restaurant. Whatever you choose to do, enjoy your guests, the conversation, the great food, and cup after cup of delicious tea.
