With us spending much more time in our gardens this Summer, Afternoon Tea has never been so popular so how do you make yours a little different? Make your afternoon tea memorable with one of these fresh themes, giving a new take on the classic British Institution…
1. A Tea for ALL the Family
Get the kids (or Grandkids) involved with your next afternoon tea by introducing a few little touches that are bound to keep the little ones smiling. Creative sandwiches always go down well with youngsters, cookie and sandwich cutters can be used to create fun shapes out of your sandwiches – and you can add character details with fruit and vegetables like we’ve done in the pic below.
Theme your Family Afternoon Tea with inspiration from children’s favourite books – think Paddington Bear peanut butter sandwiches, The Tiger that Came to Tea place settings or a Harry Potter theme, complete with Hogwarts-Style long table!
Perfect takeaway treat – try our Candy Kittens Peach Fizz Sweet Jars, pretties up any garden party table and totally Vegan & Gluten free.
2. Bake Off Theme
An instant conversation starter, why not host your own Great British Bake Off Afternoon Tea – where guests all bring a cake or bread they’ve baked? A great way to share recipes and ideas! Make it as varied as possible by offering the option of sweet or savoury baking, to avoid duplication and decorate with bunting and union Jacks!
We’ve got you covered for baking essentials as well as some special jams & preserves!
3. Don’t forget Gluten Free
Since 2015, Gluten Free product sales have increased by 47% – more and more people are watching how much gluten they eat. If you have someone with special dietary requirements at your next Afternoon Tea – how about trying vegetable and meat kebabs. Most teas are gluten-free along with fruit juices and flavoured water. Still want scones, check out Ceoliac UK’s GF scone recipe and try with Hawkshead Relish’s Lemon Curd, totally delicious and free from Gluten!
Buy Hawkshead Relish Lemon curd at Dunsters Farm Shop along with all your Afternoon Tea faves!
4. Candlelit Afternoon Tea
Who says Afternoon Tea has to be in the Afternoon? Mix it up a little and bring a little twilight to yours! A perfect alternative to a takeaway treat, set up your garden for Summer treats under the stars with all your sumptuous cake favourites. Add water and tea lights to china cups, to make some special floating candles or use those candlesticks that never get used!
Focus on cheese, crackers and wine in the evening to go alongside your Cream tea and scones. Take a look at our fantastic selection of local cheeses, a range you won’t find at the supermarket!
Why not add Cartwright & Butler’s Tomato & Olive Bread Thins, a perfect accompaniment that’s big on flavour with a divine crunch.
5. Big on Taste but low on Calories?!
Finally, for those who wish to join the Afternoon Tea Festivies but are watching their wasteline, there are plenty of options that can make your Afternoon Tea healthier. Instead of carb-heavy finger sarnies opt for open sandwiches, piled high with tuna and tomato or Egg & light mayonnaise – cutting your carbohydrates in half by simply using half of your barmcake. Try a crustless quiche recipe or cucumber rolls for some simple swaps.
All the above products are available from Dunsters Farm, as well as these amazing brands below. If you’re interested in buying any of the products for your catering business, get in touch for prices.
- Greenhalgh’s Craft Bakery – Pies, Sausage Rolls and Cakes
- Hawkshead Relish – Jams, curds & preserves
- Thatchers Bakery – Perfect scones, breads, rolls and loaves
- Cartwright & Butler – Quintessentially British savoury biscuits, thins and shortbreads
