Afternoon tea

Or Angel cake

Home-made scones with side dishes of butter, jam and cream in pretty dishes (let them add their butter, jam, clotted cream themselves) choice of 2-3 sandwiches (cucumber went down very well at my afternoon tea) and Mr Kilping fondant fancies (I'd given up after baking scones and making sandwiches)

All served from a 3-tier plate with handle for passing around and Bone China teacups and plates.

Very small, crust less sandwiches, small scones , split and spread with jam, cream and berries, perhaps shortbread and a sponge cake - plain, coffee or chocolate. Most leftovers can be frozen. Shortbread keeps well in a tin.

I Recently held a tea party for older people (for my dear aunt and her friends) I worked very hard and they all were very appreciative BUT lots of people had health issues such as diabetes and food intolerance so lots of food went to waste before I called my grandkids in to help. So whatever you decided maybe check first that there are no off limit foods. Good luck hope it goes well

Cream tea, scone, jam, cream and nice pot of tea. Always hear the ladies order this in the tea shops.

When I had friends to tea my Mum used to bake a sponge mixture in a Swiss roll tin, ice it then cut the edges off and cut it into small pieces. She put a glacé cherry and pieces of Angelica on top and we used to love it. Sometimes she woud sprinkle coconut on top of the icing before it set. Usually the icing was white but sometimes she coloured it pink. You could also use a small cutter and make mini Victoria sponges.

All that talk of afternoon teas is making me hungry. Pass the cake tin! (haven't got one really got no will power)

I hope none of your guests are gluten intolerant. I am really envious of people who can enjoy afternoon tea.

My daughter treated me to afternoon tea in a newly opened Cafe - it was very nice but nothing that I couldn't do myself at home - we had crustless sandwiches - a cream cheese version plus egg mayonnaise plus smoked salmon with cucumber. There were four little cakes -two chocolate based and two plain sponge with jam and cream filling, and two cherry scones with jam and cream served separately. Finally, on the tiny top plate, there was a selection of mint biscuits. My 1930's cookery book I inherited from my late mum in law talks about doing an afternoon tea and recommends hiring in a day servant to serve guests - but it too has a selection of crustless sandwiches along with a non crumbly cake that can be easily portioned.

Cucumber sandwiches with a side salad (not too much) and scones with jam/strawberries cream or shop bought soft sponge cream cakes...mmmm..yum...what time do you want me round!

Just a slight dampener. If any of your friends are diabetic, afternoon tea is one of the worst things for them. The amount of carbohydrate is the problem.
I hope none are and you have a super time

A quick trip to M&S food...problem solved, they have everything.

Scones, separate butter, jam, cream, and a fruitcake u made a few days before. I'd have a plain biscuit too.

Seriously endorse the SMALL scones. Find today's magnums a real turn off. I would also inject some plain filled brioche into the sandwich selection. Adds to attraction and variety. SMALL macaroons also add colour and pleasure. I would certainly offer a starter glass of Prosecco depending on my knowledge of my guests.

What a lovely idea! Agree with everyone - possibly nice Victoria sponge, cheese sandwiches?

No idea what I'd make and cakes aren't my strong point, but if any of you ever want someone to test any of your offerings I'd be completely up for it.

Sounds lovely Watermeadow - enjoy. I agree with commenst above - make small scones as the large ones are so filling.

Smoked salmon sandwiches as well as traditional cucumber ones. Chocolate brownies and home-made shortbread. Scones, for me, are too filling nowadays but that's just me! Fruit loaf, thinly sliced and lightly buttered would be my alternative. Choice between Earl Grey or Ceylon tea.

To be honest some of the best teas I've had over the years have been the iconic Cornish or Devon variety.
Just really good quality scones, offered with good unsalted butter, clotted cream and a homemade or high quality jam. Then endless pots of tea....in a pot with proper cups and saucers.

Oh, and of course the tea, English breakfast for me and I'd chill a nice bottle of processco!

I'd make two or three different types of sandwiches, scones, jam, and clotted cream, and I'd make a Victoria Sandwich. I would probably put out celery sticks, and maybe a bowl of cherry tomatoes too.

You have forgotten to invite us..............

Oops sandwiches not sandwhiches.

No cucumber sandwhiches! Call your self British? You should be truly ashamed of yourselves.
What has become of our country!

Thankyou all. I've decided to do sandwiches, egg mayo and cress, cream cheese and cucumber (I'm veggie), scones, fruit tartlets and chocolate brownies. All very small. I think Victoria sandwich is the most boring of cakes though all my older friends seem to like very plain stuff.