Lavender Afternoon Tea Board (No-Bake Tea Party)
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No oven required. Set out a few scones and cookies, brew a pot of lavender tea and turn an ordinary afternoon into an occasion. This board is perfect for bridal showers, Mother's Day or a porch visit with a neighbor.
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Why this pairing works
A tea board works when it offers a little of everything: something buttery, something bright and something sweet to stir in. The honey sticks do double duty as sweetener and party favor.
Serves 4 to 6 Prep 15 min Cook 5 min
Ingredients
- 4 Lavender Scone (Blueberry), Classic or bakery scones, halved
- 6 Lavender Cookie (Shortbread), or any shortbread cookies
- 2 Tbsp Lavender Loose Leaf Tea, or 4 Earl Grey tea bags plus 2 tsp Culinary Lavender Buds
- 8 Lavender Honey Sticks (Lavender), mix flavors like Lemon and Clover
- 1/2 cup clotted cream or whipped butter
- 1/2 cup berry jam
- 1 cup fresh fruit, grapes, berries or sliced pears
Directions
- Bring 4 cups of water just to a boil, then let it rest 1 minute (about 200°F).
- Steep the tea for 5 minutes, using about 1 1/2 tsp per 8 oz cup, then strain into a warmed teapot.
- Arrange the scones and cookies on a board with small bowls of cream, jam and fruit tucked between them.
- Stand the honey sticks in a small glass so guests can snip one open and stir it into their cup.
Serve it with: Lavender Wildflower Honey
What goes on an afternoon tea board?
Traditional afternoon tea has three parts: savory bites, scones with cream and jam, and small sweets. A board makes it casual.
- Savory: cucumber tea sandwiches, egg salad on small rolls or cheese and crackers.
- Scones: halved and served with clotted cream or whipped butter and jam.
- Sweets: shortbread, jam thumbprints, lemon bars or macarons.
- Fresh: grapes, berries and sliced pears to brighten the board.
- To stir: honey sticks, lavender rock candy, lemon slices and a small pitcher of milk.
How do you brew lavender tea?
Use about 1 1/2 teaspoons of tea per 8-ounce cup and water just off the boil, about 200°F. Steep 5 minutes, then strain. Longer steeping makes lavender bitter; for a stronger pot, add more tea rather than more time. With Earl Grey and culinary buds, steep 4 to 5 minutes together.
How much food do you need per guest?
Plan on 1 scone, 2 or 3 small sandwiches, 2 or 3 sweets and about 2 cups of tea per guest. This board serves 4 to 6; double it for a shower or larger gathering.
Make it your own
- For a kids' version, swap the tea for Lavender Pink Lemonade and add rock candy stirrers.
- Make it a Mother's Day or bridal shower table with fresh flowers and small name cards.
- Add a whipped honey lavender ricotta dip with crackers.
- Give each guest a honey stick tied with ribbon as a favor.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between afternoon tea and high tea?
Afternoon tea is a light, elegant mid-afternoon spread of sandwiches, scones and sweets. High tea was traditionally a heartier evening meal with hot dishes.
Can I use clotted cream substitutes?
Yes. Whip 1/2 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons mascarpone or sour cream to soft peaks for a quick stand-in.
How far ahead can I set it up?
Arrange baked goods up to 2 hours ahead, covered. Add fruit, cream and jam just before guests arrive, and brew the tea last.
Made it? Rate this recipe below and tell us what you served on your board.
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