Nine elegant recipes for hosting afternoon tea

Tea cups - floral arrangement

From tea party etiquette to brewing the perfect cuppa, these tips from British pros will ensure you’re doing tea time right.

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Smoked salmon tea sandwich

Decadent finger food layered with healthy watercress, smoked salmon and zesty artichoke spread. Get the recipe.

Mini cubano sandwiches

These bite-sized sandwiches are a lovely addition to your sandwich tray - the melty cheese, pickles, Dijon and peameal bacon make each mouthful a delight. Get the recipe.

Photo, Michael Graydon. 

White chocolate scones

It's not tea-time without scones. Break them apart with your hands, and slather on a rich layer of clotted cream or creme fraiche, and homemade jam. Get the recipe.

Strawberry scones

Prefer fruit scones? Try these strawberry treats, with compote or fresh butter. Get the recipe.

Photo, Roberto Caruso.

Lemon-coconut shortbread squares

To complete a proper tea tray is a tier (or plate) loaded with squares, cakes and pastries. Try our classic lemon square, it can do no wrong. Get the recipe.

Plum pithiviers

If you're feeling fancy, try these plum puff pastries, filled with frangipane (almond filling), and wow your guests. Get the recipe.

Photo, Jonathan Gregson.

Rhubarb-buttermilk tea cake

Slices of tea cake will also suit an elegant afternoon tea; this recipe is a kitchen favourite we can't get enough of. Get the recipe.

Photo, Roberto Caruso.

Ballymaloe almond tarts with raspberries

Going for as many elegant finger-foods as you can? These mini almond tarts, topped with a dollop of cream are tea-time perfection. Get the recipe.

Photo, Sian Richards.

Jumbleberry tarts

Fresh berry tartlets you can pop in your mouth (no messy pie slices here) and enjoy with a sip of hot tea. Get the recipe.

Photo, Roberto Caruso.

All eyes are angled across the pond, awaiting the arrival of Prince George's new sibling. But while we wait (the Duchess of Cambridge's due date is widely thought to be this Saturday), we decided to enjoy a spot of tea, scones, sandwiches and cakes.

In our collection above, choose from an array of tea-time favourites, from smoked salmon sandwiches, to white chocolate scones with créme fraîche and raspberry-almond tartlets, and follow these tips for brewing the perfect pot of tea.

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