is a British tradition that typically involves a light meal of tea, sandwiches, scones, and sweets served in the mid-afternoon. The tradition dates back to the 19th century when Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, began to take tea and a light snack in the afternoon to stave off hunger before the evening meal.

Afternoon tea typically includes a pot of tea, served with milk and sugar, as well as a selection of finger sandwiches, such as cucumber and cream cheese, egg and cress, and smoked salmon. Scones with clotted cream and jam are also a traditional part of the meal, as are small cakes, pastries, and biscuits.

Afternoon tea can be enjoyed at home or in a tea room or hotel. It is often seen as a luxurious treat and is a popular activity for special occasions such as birthdays, baby showers, and hen parties.

Tips for hosting a successful afternoon tea at home:

1. Plan ahead: Decide on a date and time for your tea party and send out invitations well in advance. Plan your menu, including tea, sandwiches, scones, and sweets, and purchase or make everything you need in advance.
2. Set the scene: Create a beautiful and inviting space for your tea party. Choose a tablecloth, napkins, and tableware that complement your theme or color scheme. Add fresh flowers, candles, or other decorative touches to create a welcoming atmosphere.
3. Brew the perfect pot of tea: Use loose leaf tea and a tea strainer or infuser to brew a pot of tea that is both flavorful and fragrant. Choose a variety of teas to suit the tastes of your guests, and provide milk, sugar, lemon, and honey as accompaniments.
4. Prepare the food: Prepare a selection of sandwiches, scones, and sweets. Cut the sandwiches into small, bite-sized pieces, and arrange them on a platter. Serve the scones with clotted cream and jam, and arrange the sweets on a separate platter.
5. Serve your guests: Offer your guests a choice of tea, and serve the food on tiered cake stands or platters. Provide small plates, teaspoons, and napkins, and refill the tea pot as necessary.
6. Enjoy the conversation: Afternoon tea is as much about the conversation as it is about the food and drink. Encourage your guests to relax and enjoy the experience, and join in the conversation yourself.
7. Thank your guests: After the tea party, thank your guests for coming and send them home with a small party favor, such as a bag of tea or a mini jar of jam.

Whatever you like remember these are fundamental for a traditional Afternoon Tea:

1. Tea: Of course, the most important thing is the tea itself. Make sure you have a selection of high-quality loose leaf teas on hand, and be sure to brew it properly for the best flavor.
2. Sandwiches: Finger sandwiches are a classic part of the afternoon tea tradition. Offer a variety of fillings such as cucumber and cream cheese, egg and cress, and smoked salmon.
3. Scones: Scones are another must-have for afternoon tea. Serve them with clotted cream and jam, and be sure to have enough for everyone.
4. Sweet treats: Offer a selection of sweet treats such as mini cakes, pastries, and biscuits. These can be homemade or store-bought, but they should be arranged beautifully on a platter or tiered cake stand.
5. Tea service: Be sure to have a teapot, tea cups and saucers, teaspoons, and a strainer or infuser on hand for brewing and serving the tea.
6. Decorations: Add some decorative touches to create a festive atmosphere. Fresh flowers, candles, and pretty tableware can all help set the mood.

By including these key elements, you can create an authentic and memorable afternoon tea experience for your guests.

While there are many additional items you could include in an afternoon tea, it’s important not to go overboard and overwhelm your guests with too much food or too many options. Here are a few ideas for additional items that you can include without going too far:

1. Fruit: A simple fruit salad or a bowl of fresh berries can provide a refreshing and healthy addition to the tea party.
2. Shortbread: A few pieces of buttery shortbread can add a touch of sweetness without being too heavy.
3. Macarons: Colorful and delicate, macarons are a popular addition to afternoon tea and can be a great way to add some variety to your sweet selection.
4. Cheese: A small cheese board with a few different types of cheese and some crackers or bread can provide a savory option for guests who want something other than sweet treats.
5. Champagne or sparkling wine: If you want to add a touch of luxury to your tea party, consider serving a bottle of champagne or sparkling wine alongside the tea.

Remember, the focus of afternoon tea should be on the tea itself and the opportunity to enjoy the company of friends and family in a relaxed and elegant setting. By keeping things simple and not going too far with the food or decorations, you can create a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone.