Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea Recipes and Ideas
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With the new Downton Abbey movie debut, what better way to celebrate than with a timeless Afternoon Tea? Inspired by the Crawleys' elegance and English traditions, this guide shares recipes, etiquette, and hosting ideas so you can enjoy a Downton-worthy teatime at home.
Post Overview
Afternoon Tea is more than a menu - it's a ritual. From delicate sandwiches to freshly baked scones and cakes, this post will guide you through everything you need to create a quintessential teatime experience, fit for Downton Abbey.
Why Afternoon Tea?
Few customs are more iconic of England than Afternoon Tea. Popularized in the 19th century by Anna, Duchess of Bedford, the tradition is woven throughout the world of Downton Abbey. From the drawing room to the servants' hall, tea offered a daily pause for refreshment, conversation, and often, a little drama.
The new movie once again shines a light on the rituals that defined the era - silver trays, fine china, and the graceful pace of life that a tea service brings.
Downton Abbey Traditions & Etiquette
Hosting your own Downton-inspired Afternoon Tea means paying attention to a few classic details:
- The Setting: Afternoon Tea was typically served in the drawing room on low tables with china, silver, and tiered stands.
- The Menu: Always three parts - tea savories (including finger sandwiches), scones with clotted cream and jam, and sweets (like these tea party desserts and afternoon tea cakes).
- The Etiquette: Napkins on laps, milk added after tea (unless your china is delicate), and of course - no pinky lifting.
🫖 Fun fact: In the Edwardian era, Afternoon Tea was considered an essential bridge between luncheon and the more formal evening meal.
Recipes Fit for the Crawleys
Here are some of my favorite recipes to bring an authentic Downton Abbey tea table to life.
Scones
Tea Sandwiches
Sweets & Cakes
1
Lemon Lavender Scones
Experience the heavenly combination of lemon and lavender in these moist and flavorful scones. They're perfect for spring brunch or teatime.
Lemon Lavender Scones
2
English Scones Recipe
These light and fluffy English Scones are easy to make and perfect for afternoon tea or even breakfast. Serve with clotted cream, jam, or lemon curd. Beautifully simple, and delicious!
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3
Royal Currant Scones Recipe
A Royal Currant Scones Recipe, from the archives of Queen Elizabeth, to serve with afternoon tea, or anytime you're craving an authentic British style scone.
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4
Traditional Irish Scones
This traditional Irish Scones recipe is a light and delicious scone made with Irish butter and buttermilk. Lightly sweet with a moist, tender texture. Perfect for afternoon tea.
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5
Raspberry Scones with Lemon Butter Glaze
These Raspberry Scones with Lemon Butter Glaze are a flaky and tender summer scone recipe you'll love. Packed with raspberries, these easy-to-make scones are perfect for the season.
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6
Homemade Clotted Cream
This easy homemade clotted cream recipe takes just 5 minutes and 3 ingredients-a quick, creamy substitute for traditional clotted cream, perfect with scones and afternoon tea.
Homemade Clotted Cream Recipe
7
Coronation Beef Tea Sandwiches
The famous recipe for "Poulet Reine Elizabeth," otherwise known as Coronation Chicken, was created in 1953 to be served at the coronation luncheon of Queen Elizabeth II.
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8
Ham Salad Tea Sandwiches
A simple ham salad makes delicious and pretty savory options for afternoon tea when topping cucumber or cracker slices. Ready in 10 minutes.
Ham Salad Tea Sandwich Recipe
9
Cucumber Tea Sandwiches Recipe
Cucumber Tea Sandwiches are a traditional finger sandwich for afternoon tea, brunches, showers, or gatherings of many kinds. These cucumber sandwiches are easy to make and delightful for your next tea party.
Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
10
Radish and Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
Elevate your tea party with delicious Radish and Cucumber Tea Sandwiches. Crisp radish flavors and curried butter create a unique twist on this classic finger sandwich.
Radish and Cucumber Tea Sandwiches Recipe
11
Salmon Salad Tea Sandwiches
Salmon Salad Tea Sandwiches are a delightful combination of delicate flavors and textures to elevate any tea party, brunch, or light dinner.
Salmon Salad Tea Sandwich Recipe
12
Strawberry Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches
Strawberry Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches with Creamy Lemon Dressing are a deliciously fresh and slightly sweet take on traditional chicken salad finger sandwiches. They're easy to make, delicious, and bright with the brilliant colors of summer.
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13
Deliciously Easy Asparagus Mini Cheese Tarts
These Asparagus and Cheese Mini Tarts are an easy, favorite treat for afternoon tea, brunch, or any time asparagus is in season. A simple tart that's minutes in the making.
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14
Easy Mini Quiche Recipe
Homemade Mini Quiche is so incredibly easy to make, you'll find yourself skipping the freezer section of your market. Delicious party food, teatime snack (or coffee break too), this recipe shows you how simple it is to make 3 different mini quiche varieties in one mini muffin tin.
Mini Quiche Recipe
15
Summer Savory Tarts Recipe
Delicious and easy Summer Savory Tarts made with puff pastry and fresh vegetables. Perfect for summer entertaining or afternoon tea.
Easy Savory Tarts Recipe
16
Easy Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe
This easy Lemon Drizzle Cake is a beautiful recipe, perfect for days when you're craving a decadently tender dessert with abundant lemon flavoring. Or when you're looking for a traditional tea cake you know everyone will love.
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17
Victoria Sponge Cake: A Teatime Classic
This Victoria Sponge Cake is an afternoon teacake recipe, favored by Queen Elizabeth, with a long British royal heritage. An easy-to-make, simple two-layer cake that's lightly sweet, soft, and perfect!
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18
Simple Anytime Almond Cake
This simple Almond Cake is really an Almond Anytime Cake. It's an easy-to-make, incredibly moist, and delicious buttery snack cake perfect for, snacking, of course, but also for teatime, breakfast, with coffee, or for midnight cravings.
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19
Lavender Earl Grey Tea Cakes
Treat yourself to Lavender Earl Grey Tea Cakes that combine floral and citrus notes in a soft, tender mini bundt cake dessert you'll love!
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20
Mini Bakewell Tarts Recipe
These Mini Bakewell Tarts are a delightful twist on the classic British dessert, made with buttery shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, and almond frangipane filling. Perfect for afternoon tea or anytime you want a charming, bite-sized treat.
Mini Bakewell Tart Recipe
21
www.sainsburysmagazine.co.uk
Classic Chelsea buns recipe
"Commemorated by authors such as Charles Dickens and Lewis Carroll, this traditional currant bun was created around 1700, at the Chelsea Bun House. They were so popular that there was once a near-riot over supply!"
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22
Strawberry Rose Tarts Recipe
These elegant Strawberry Tarts, with a delicious shortbread crust and creamy mascarpone pastry cream, are topped with a beautiful strawberry rose.
Strawberry Rose Tarts
23
www.kitchenfrau.com
Bakewell Tart
"This classic British Bakewell Tart is wonderful for any special occasion, whether it's Easter, Mother's Day, high tea, or just for an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea."
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24
Simple Lemon Curd Tart Recipe
This French Lemon Curd Tart is inspired by Tarte au Citron, or French Lemon Tart. It's a creamy, slightly tangy lemon custard filling baked in a crisp, buttery shortbread crust. It's incredibly simple to make, and utterly delicious!
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25
Strawberry Macarons Recipe
Learn how to make easy strawberry macarons - irresistibly light, chewy, and delicious! And perfect for teatime or gifting!
Macarons Recipe
26
bakerbynature.com
Classic French Madeleines Recipe
"These soft sea shell shaped cookie cakes care so good with a cup of tea!"
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27
Buckingham Palace Shortbread Cookies
Buckingham Palace Shortbread Cookies are a recipe from pastry chef John Higgins that's perfect for the holidays or afternoon tea.
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28
Shortbread Tea Cookies with Lemon Curd
Shortbread Tea Cookies with Lemon Curd, topped with fresh blueberries, are tiny bites of perfection. Petit and perfectly sized for afternoon tea, they are melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
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29
Original Girl Scout Cookies Recipe
A buttery, crisp sugar cookie from the original 1922 Girl Scout recipe. Easy to make, perfect for stamping or cutting into shapes for any occasion.
1920's Era Girl Scout Cookies Recipe
30
Simple Lemon Curd Recipe
This easy Lemon Curd recipe is a velvety soft, utterly delicious 4 ingredient lemony spread that is exceptionally easy to make at home, on the stovetop, in 10 minutes. A perfect blending of sweet and tangy goodness. It tastes like springtime in every bite.
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31
Small Batch Refrigerator Strawberry Jam
This delicious recipe for Small Batch Refrigerator Strawberry Jam is the perfect recipe if you're craving homemade strawberry jam but you don't have time to make a full batch of canned jam. Keep this simple quick jam in the fridge, perfect for slathering onto scones, hot toast, or for filling a simple Victoria Sandwich cake.
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How to Brew Tea the Proper Way
In true Downton fashion, tea is never rushed. Use this simple guide to steep a perfect pot:
- Warm the teapot with hot water.
- Add 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per cup + one for the pot.
- Pour in freshly boiled (not reboiled) water.
- Steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on the tea.
- Strain and serve in china cups with milk, sugar, or lemon.
Don't miss our full Quick Guide to Brewing a Proper Cup of Tea.
Cookbooks & Inspiration
- Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea Cookbook - filled with recipes inspired by the series.
- Fine teas from Harney & Sons or Fortnum & Mason - perfect for a Crawley-worthy cup.
- A silver or porcelain tea set adds the finishing touch.
Plan Your Own Downton Abbey Tea Party
Recreate the magic of Downton in your own home with this simple checklist:
- A tiered stand or serving trays
- Two or three types of sandwiches (here are some make ahead tea sandwich recipes and pro tips)
- Freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam
- Teacake or a selection of sweets
- Loose-leaf black tea, properly brewed
- Fresh flowers and linens for the table
Afternoon Tea
- Lemon Madeleines Recipe
- February Afternoon Tea: A Valentine's Day Celebration
- Easy Make Ahead Tea Sandwiches
- Classic British Bread and Butter Pudding (A Royal Favorite)
See more Afternoon Tea →
Tea Party Themes
- Christmas Afternoon Tea Recipes
- Easy Easter Tea Party Recipes and Ideas
- Easy Irish Afternoon Tea
- Presidential Inaugural Tea: Recipes and Traditions from the White House
See more Tea Party Themes →
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