Love cream teas but feeling left out by the lack of vegan-friendly options? Here’s how to make your own Afternoon Tea at home that is completely vegan (but everyone will enjoy)!
Setting up the perfect afternoon tea table at home:
- Start with a clean and clear room with a freshly laid white table cloth. Decorate the table with a small vase of fresh flowers and an assortment of pretty plates, teacups, saucers and napkins.
Use a glass or jar to hold an assortment of cutlery. - Use a three-tier cake stand to display the three “courses” – Finger sandwiches, scones and mini desserts.
Not only does it look beautiful but it allows people to easily pick and choose without over-crowding the table.
To ensure the food stays fresh, keep the food covered in cling film until it’s time to eat. - Serve a small jug of milk, a sugar bowl, a jug of water and glasses and any other extras you think your guest(s) might need or like.
- Add some quiet background music – classical music is perfect.
- Dress the part. Your poshest outfit or prettiest dress to afternoon tea but do what makes you and your guest(s) feel comfortable!
I’m not a tea drinker but I am sometimes partial to a herbal or fruit tea so I served some peppermint tea for myself and Earl Grey with lemon for the tea-drinkers.
If every one wants a different sort of tea, you could serve them individual teapots with the tea of their choice so they can top up as they please.
Afternoon Tea Menu
See my recipes & tips on making delicate and delicious vegan tea sandwiches, including cucumber, roasted pepper & pesto and caramelised onion & hummus fillings. Plus more filling ideas!
The perfect British scones topped with your choice of jams, an amazing coconut “clotted cream” and fresh strawberries.
And lastly, for some miniature dessert inspiration – 10 recipes to try!
The picture above shows a very simple dessert I put together for Summer Fruits Vol-au-vents.
To make, simply use some vegan-friendly puff pastry to make vol-au-vents (or use ready made if you can find them) and fill with some vegan custard cream (recipe), topping with some gently cooked summer fruit berries.
This would be the perfect treat for your mum this Mother’s day! Would you give this a try at home?
SharLise says
Although I’m Canadian, my grandparents were English and my mom raised us on English food.
They have all sadly passed away and now that I’m vegan and craving all those British ways and treats I’m grateful to find your recipes. It’s as though I’ve reclaimed the happiness of those customs and familiar flavours and textures.
Thank you so much.❤️
Aimee says
Aw, that’s lovely – I’m so glad you can recreate those memories for yourself again!
Pongodhall says
Vegan teas and gf too are a joy.
I do boxes of grated raw veg. And some different mixes ie Indian pickle &yoghurt, beans & sundried tomatoes, cheese, carrot, cucumber& seaweed I love colour & flavour.
The little slimming (and won’t we need it) cakes are just right.
Your scones are lovely and give me plenty of tea and I’m away!
Dawn says
What about the quintessential cucumber sandwich marinated in an infused vinegar? I’m also thinking avocado, lemon & black pepper? I’m planning a Christmas afternoon tea & was wondering on Herby nut loaf with cranberry
Linda says
I love this idea x I really miss afternoon tea since becoming vegan I have only had it once since and it was mediocre to say the least……I like carrots in a sandwich too so maybe a carrot and raisin salad sandwich would be good to try..
Liz Goode says
Aimee,
<3 A HUGE 'thumbs up' on your vegan afternoon tea information!
Catherine Evans says
I’m writing from the UK where we do afternoon tea all the time! But this afternoon we were entertaining friends who are vegan so your recipes were really useful. My friends were delighted to be served afternoon tea which was vegan and delicious! Thank you.
MR Organic says
We love your blog. Such a nice post and we just wish to have the same afternoon time.
btw. this tablet set is so beautiful
Have a nice day :)
Ana says
Yayy!! I’ve loved tea parties my whole life since my great aunt loves to host them and has given me a few of her really beautiful tea sets (I’m also an avid tea drinker) but it hasn’t been the same since I went vegan a few years ago. Now I’m in a new relationship and had the idea to plan a tea party picnic date for this summer because they also love tea parties, and this is really helpful and I feel like it can work out!!!
Feela says
Adorable! Can’t wait to follow your instructions and to try your recipes! <3
Aimee says
Enjoy, Feela! <3
Zoe says
What a lovely post! Even as an American, I love a proper tea time. I’m going to share this with my followers on Twitter! @Vegan_Supply
Aimee says
Thank you so much, Zoe! :-)
Diane Bassett says
Greetings from Palos Verdes Estates, California! You have created a beautiful and accessible tutorial here for the perfect vegan tea party. Can’t wait to try this. Thank you!
Angela says
thank you for this. I think I’d forgotten about the table and room setting being as important as the food because I have to try to sort out gluten free and vegan foods for me and my family it sort of gets left behind but you have inspired me. I think my very tall and hungry grandsons might look askance at the tiny sandwiches so maybe I’ll have a girly tea party just for once
Sharon @ Bit of the Good Stuff says
Thank you so much for this post series Aimee. I can’t wait to organise my first ever vegan afternoon tea! xx
Aimee says
Thank you for sharing, Sharon! And I cannot wait to see how you serve yours :D
Monica says
What a gorgeous setting for tea! I’m not vegan but everything looks utterly delicious and the table is eye-candy in itself.
Cathleen @ A Taste Of Madness says
Gorgeous spread! I had a mini panic attack when I read the last sentence: I thought I forgot Mother’s Day! Lucky for me, it’s on a different day in Canada!
Aimee says
Haha ohhh no sorry for scaring you! Yes, it seems to be on a different date everywhere. I often get confused when seeing Mother’s Day stuff appear on Pinterest in the middle of Summer. Anyway, thanks for stopping by Cathleen!
Kelly says
Everything looks absolutely beautiful, Aimee! I wish I could come to your place for afternoon tea :) You captured the full tea experience perfectly!
Aimee says
Aw, thanks so much Kelly! :-)
Amy Alt says
Love that tea pot! It’s such a shame that I am not at home this weekend because I think making your mum an afternoon tea is such a sweet idea. Must remember it for next year :)
Aimee says
My mum loved it (but so did I!) x
ayesha says
Pls dont wait for next year :)
Hazel says
Wow what a beautifully set table. The tea & food looks lovely. I would come to tea time at your place any day. LOL.
Aimee says
Haha thanks Hazel! :-)