Afternoon tea originally started as a means to satiate the mid-afternoon snack craving of the Duchess of Bedford in the 1800s. Once she started abiding in afternoon tea with friends, it soon became a trend that became a sign of prestige and class (since tea was an expensive commodity during this time.)

As tea became more reasonably priced, the trend began to grow and eventually became an occasion that has transcended both time and cultures. It is a fun way to gather and engage with friends while enjoying a wide variety of tea and foods. We’ve included some simple recipes and pairings below so you can enjoy a “no fuss” afternoon with friends and family!

3 Finger Sandwich Recipes, Makes 12 Servings:

Pair these savory sandwiches with: Organic Jasmine Tea 

Open-Faced Smoked Salmon Sandwiches:

1. 1 package smoked salmon
2. ½ cucumber
3. 2 oz cream cheese
4. lemon zest
5. dill chopped
6. 1 pinch salt
7. 6 slices 7-grain bread
8. Mix cream cheese, lemon zest, dill, and salt, and spread the mixture on 7-grain bread. Layer cucumbers with smoked salmon on top. Remove crusts cut in half into rectangles. Add a dollop of the cream cheese mixture on top and garnish with a sprig of dill.

1. Classic Egg Salad Sandwich:
2. 4 eggs hard-boiled
3. 2 tablespoons of softened butter 
4. 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
5. 1 pinch paprika
6. 6 slices white bread
7. Dice hard-boiled eggs in a bowl. Combine butter, mayonnaise, and paprika with eggs. Spread the egg salad onto a slice of white bread and top with another slice of bread. Remove crusts and cut in half into rectangles.

1. Cranberry Chicken Salad Sandwich:
2. 2 cups of shredded chicken breast (use a rotisserie chicken for easy prep!)
3. 1/2 cup fresh (or thawed) cranberries
4. 1/4 tsp of fresh thyme
5. 2 tbs of mayonnaise
6. 1 tsp dijon mustard
7. 1/4 tsp fresh black pepper
8. In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with chopped cranberries, thyme, mayonnaise, dijon, and black pepper. Spread the mixture onto a slice of potato bread and top with another slice of bread. Remove crusts and cut in half into rectangles.

Our Go-To Dessert Recipes 

Sally’s Baking Addiction Master Scone Recipes

Pair these scones with: Earl Grey with Lavender

Whether your preference is savory or sweet (or both!), learn from Sally how to make all types of different scones along with a simple foundational scone recipe!

Italian Sponge Cake (Pan Di Spagna) from Elena at As Easy as Apple Pie

Pair this sponge cake with: White Calypso Tea

We love this sponge cake because it is both spectacular and simple! Get the recipe at Elena’s blog.