. time for afternoon tea . { twelve treats for a perfect teatime } .

did i mention it's Afternoon Tea Week this week ? yes, all week, the perfect excuse to indulge in dainty finger sandwiches, pots of freshly brewed tea, &, freshly baked scones topped with jam and cream, & perfect petit fours . if you have room for all that . i'm not sure i've successfully finished an afternoon tea yet . they deceive you with their daintiness, their one bite delicacy . you take your time, and savour each mouthful, & then you reach that final tier of cake & pastry loveliness . & . realise you can't eat another mouthful ! { if anyone has the answer to this, please, please, do tell ! }

did you know that we have Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, to thank for the wonderful thing that is Afternoon Tea . her mid afternoon lull was solved by asking for tea and a light snack to be served in her room . to which she asked friends to join her . & . so the practice of Afternoon Tea began . it's popularity seems to keep on growing, adopted by hotels, bakeries & tearooms alike . some serving a very traditional version . others taking a more unconventional approach putting modern & themed twists on each tier of treats . and whilst it may seem like the ultimate tea party for grownups, it's also a wonderful thing to introduce children to . there already being a sense of occasion and whimsy about the whole affair that appeals to young & old alike . i think there are few things in life that are so universally appreciated . { including Afternoon Teas for the gentlemen in your life too } .  

so . lets start at that bottom tier shall we . plates ready to choose your first tea sandwich ?

. 1 . 2 . 3 .

{ lets start . with . tea sandwiches }

. 4 . 5 . 6 .

{ cream before jam . or . jam before cream }

?

. 7 . 8 . 9 .

{ fairy cakes . fondant fancies . french macarons }

. 10 .

{ the Mad Hatter's Tea Party . at . The Sanderson London }

. 11 .

{ Charlie & The Chocolate Factory . at . One Aldwych }

. 12 .

{ Afternoon Tea Bus Tour . on . B-Bakery Bus }

how will you celebrate Afternoon Tea Week

?

. if you are still looking for more inspiration . take a peek at my Pinterest board .

. have a hAppy dAy .