How to Host the Perfect Afternoon Tea at Home
Words by Bridie Newman
There are few traditions more quintessentially British than afternoon tea – except, perhaps, tea at The Georgian, where we’ve perfected the ritual for more than 100 years. A wonderful way to celebrate special occasions like birthdays and baby showers, it's a custom many practice at home, too.
But wait – should scones be eaten before or after sandwiches? Should you have pinkies in or out? To celebrate the grand reopening of The Georgian (fun fact: it originally opened in 1911 as London’s largest restaurant), we asked our afternoon tea experts to share their Harrods guide to teatime etiquette. Now, whoever you have coming for tea (tiger, king, mother-in-law), you can host in total confidence.
Choosing the Best Teaware for the Occasion
An excuse to dress up and indulge, afternoon tea is a lavish affair deserving of equally lavish teaware set. For a proper fine-bone china or handcrafted porcelain tea set, we favour heritage brands such as Wedgwood, Royal Copenhagen and Halcyon Days. For a full afternoon tea service, you’ll need a teapot, teacups and saucers, plus a cake stand, strainer, milk jug, sugar bowl, serving plates, an extra teapot of water (for those who prefer weak tea), cutlery and napkins. High tea, being more of a supper, will require extra serveware, while for cream tea – a lighter affair where scones take centre stage – you can forgo the cake stand and platters. Now for the style; will you go for traditional or contemporary?
Traditional
Contemporary
Serving up an Impressive Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea should include a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and mini patisserie or cakes – eaten in that order – and all available from The Food Halls. If your plan is to artfully arrange them on a cake stand, put savouries at the bottom, and remember that apart from spreading clotted cream and jam, cutlery isn’t needed. Serve with an endless supply of loose-leaf tea, and if you’re feeling extra indulgent, with Champagne. Or simplify hosting teatime with a hamper filled with everything from tea to jam and biscuits.
Replicate The Georgian experience at home with the No.18 Georgian Blend and the 175th Anniversary-Edition Future Blend. And remember: tea before milk, always. Pour closely to the cup to avoid splashing, then add milk to each one individually and hand them out, rather than pouring in bulk.
Where to Enjoy Afternoon Tea at Harrods
The Georgian
Step into a world of culinary artistry at this storied restaurant, where a glamorous afternoon tea awaits. Delight in confit duck sandwiches, pistachio religieuse and exclusive tea blends served with theatrical surprises, all set to the elegant backdrop of live piano.
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Moët & Chandon Champagne Bar
Decadence awaits with The Moët Moment. Think crab and avocado éclairs, Carlingford oysters and a Moët Caramel, accompanied by a radiant glass of the maison’s Brut Impérial.
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The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe
Forget breakfast – this is afternoon tea at Tiffany’s, in true Holly Golightly style. That means a traditional tiered selection of dainty finger sandwiches, patisserie and scones, each as pretty as a Tiffany’s window display and served on fine-china in chic Tiffany blue and white.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Answered by The Georgian
Traditionally, four o’clock is the ideal time for afternoon tea – a perfect pause between lunch and dinner. But in our book, any time is tea time.
Milk can be added to black tea according to preference, but shouldn’t be added to green tea, oolong or herbal infusions.
In the past, milk was added first to protect the crockery from cracking, but this is no longer necessary. We always recommend pouring the tea first.
Stir clockwise starting from 6 o’clock to 12 o’clock, moving your spoon back and forth, without touching the edges of the cup to avoid the clinking sound. Leave the saucer on the table when sipping your tea.
Your teacup handle should be parallel to you, facing 3 o’clock (9 o’clock if you’re left-handed). Pinch the loop of the handle with your index finger and thumb, supporting the bottom with your middle finger. Pinkies in, always.
Despite popular belief, scones should not be cut in half. Instead, place the scone on a plate and break it into bite-sized chunks, applying jam and clotted cream as you go.
When it comes to scones, it really depends on your preference and whether you prefer the Cornish way (cream first, then jam) or the Devon way (jam first, then cream).
Place the napkin on the left side of the place when leaving the table. This is an indicator to the host that you wish to be invited back.
The Harrods Guide to Tea
Pop the kettle on – from the different types of tea to how to brew the perfect cuppa, our experts give you the spill on how best to enjoy our world-renowned tea.
