Tea with mum
With Mothering Sunday just around the corner many of us are pondering as to what to do to treat that special lady in our lives. If you’re thinking about working food into this special day, then how about putting on your own afternoon tea? We’ve got some great suggestions that can help you throw a tea party fit for not only Alice in Wonderland but one Her Royal Highness would be privileged to attend.
The finest china?
Worried about sourcing good china? Well, put those fears aside and head down to your local charity shop to pick up some vintage cups and saucers to wow your mother. These days mismatched crockery is all the rage and it definitely can add that village garden party feel to your afternoon tea. You can pick up all sorts of bits and pieces for relatively little by popping into a few different charity shops – and the beauty of this is that it doesn’t matter if it doesn’t match in the slightest!
Two tiers or three?
No matter how many tiers you opt for, a cake stand is a must! Keep an eye out again in the charity shops or look online as there are plenty available and prices can be very reasonable, so you’re sure to find something to suit your budget. If you’re feeling adventurous (and have been collecting mismatched china) then you may fancy doing one for yourself. The centre fixings can be picked up easily online and you’ll need the right drill bit, a drill and some precision to hit that centre perfectly. Alternatively, find some old glasses and get some strong glue. If you want some inspiration, then this is a great blog with lots of ideas to help you create something really lovely.
Is the scene set?
There’s nothing like a little theatre to make it even more special. So, roll out those tablecloths, hang some bunting and if you’re feeling creative maybe create some rustic place names for your special guest. Gingham, spots, stripes and floral patterns all have that vintage / tea party feeling about them. If you don’t have or can’t source any tablecloths, then pick up some fabric from a local haberdashery store. White tablecloths also work well if you’re opting for a more ‘Ritz’ approach to your afternoon tea.
What’s in your spread?
There aren’t any rules when it comes to the food, but most afternoon tea comprises of a selection of sandwiches, scones with cream and jam and of course some delightful cakes. All washed down with plenty of tea (and a glass of fizz if you want it to be truly special). If you’re not a scone fan or want an alternative to sandwiches, then teacakes or English muffins are a good alternative. Cakes can be as simple or as spectacular as you want. Flapjacks, cupcakes and traybakes are always winners, as is a lovely Victoria sponge or chocolate cake. Take a look at our recipe for Boozy Chocolate Cake below. Macarons add colour and mini tarts always look pretty. If you want to add another dimension, then mini desserts can be real showstoppers. Try cheesecakes in shot glasses finished with an edible flower or mini Eton mess served in a vintage tea cup.
With all this in mind, your tea party should be everything you want for a great Mother’s Day surprise. And, don’t forget, if you’re a mum too and would like someone else to do all the hard work for you, then here at Parties to Go afternoon tea is one of our favourites! We’d be happy to plan, sort and serve it to you and your guests at any time of the year. Just get in touch and we’ll make sure your afternoon tea event is as special as it should be.
Boozy Chocolate Cake
Makes 12 servings (or less if you like big slices like us!)
340g self-raising flour
340g sugar
340g unsalted butter
6 eggs
600ml double cream
Brandy as per your taste! (we put a good glug in!)
150g milk chocolate
Whisk the sugar and butter together.
Add the flour and the eggs and whisk together.
Grease a 9-inch cake tin and line with greaseproof paper.
Pour the cake mix into the tin and cook at 180˚C (fan assisted oven) for about 35-40 minutes.
Keep an eye on the cake and as it turns golden, if it looks firm, remove it from the oven and test with a skewer. If it comes out clean remove the cake from the oven and leave to cool for 5 minutes before turning out on to a metal rack and cooling completely.
Melt the chocolate over a pan of boiling water.
Whisk the cream until thick and add the melted chocolate and the brandy.
Coat the outside of the cake with the chocolate mixture.
Enjoy!
