October Afternoon Tea Recipes and Ideas
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October casts a golden light upon the tea table, a season when afternoons seem made for lingering. The brilliance of turning leaves, the comforting scent of warm spices, inspire both our teacups and tiered stands. An October Afternoon Tea feels both restorative and celebratory - a simple way to pause, enjoy, and delight in the pleasures of the season.
This menu, with its savory bites, tender scones, and sweets filled with seasonal ingredients, like pumpkin and apple, captures the warmth of autumn and the harvest season in every course.
A Note From the Host
October is a month of cozy gatherings, when golden leaves swirl outside and the first true chill invites us indoors. It's the perfect season for an afternoon tea layered with warming spices, seasonal fruits, and comforting bakes. Think apples, pumpkins, pears, and rich maple flavors - each lending itself beautifully to teatime.
This loop menu brings together savory, sweet, and spiced selections for a table that feels both festive and comforting. Whether you're hosting a weekend tea for friends or a simple family gathering, October is a lovely excuse to linger at the table a little longer.
What to Serve for an October Afternoon Tea
Below, you will find recipe links and a sample menu for a fall-themed afternoon tea. While I've listed several ideas for three tea courses (savory, scone, and sweets), pair the menu down or add to it depending on your invited guests.
A good rule of thumb for simple tea time is offering one type of scone, three savory options, and three sweet offerings, which will fill most tiered stands.
Savories Course
Start with savory bites that balance the sweetness to come and reflect the harvest season.
Finger Sandwiches:
- Cucumber Tea Sandwiches with Herbed Cream Cheese
- Apple and Turkey Tea Sandwiches layered on thin bread (easy DIY pairing).
Mini Quiches & Tarts:
- Mini Quiche in Muffin Cups
- Simple Vegetable Tart (works with leeks, onions, or fall vegetables).
- Smoked Salmon Quiche
Savory Recipes
Scones Course
Warm scones are the centerpiece of any tea. For October, serve a mix of classic and seasonal flavors.
Scone Course Recipes
Sweets Course
Finish your October tea with sweets inspired by orchard fruits and warming spices.
- Pumpkin Bundt Cake: A seasonal statement dessert perfect for October.
- Maple Banana Muffins: Small, tender bites that taste like dessert with tea.
- Mini Apple Tarts: Seasonal and easy to make.
- Maple Leaf Spiced Sugar Cookies: A fun, decorative, and easy-to-make treat for the tiered tray.
The Order of Tea Service
A traditional tea is served in courses:
- British style: Savories first, followed by scones, then sweets.
- North American tea rooms: Scones may be served first so they can be enjoyed warm, followed by savories, then sweets.
The important thing is variety - in flavors, textures, and presentation.
Hosting Tips for an Easy but Elegant October Tea
- Keep it simple: One or two dishes per course is more than enough.
- Brew well: Fresh water, one teaspoon per cup, steeped according to tea type. See our easy tea brewing guide.
- Offer variety: A bold black tea, such as Assam or Earl Grey, alongside a chai or cinnamon herbal infusion feels seasonal.
- Prep ahead: Many sweets and savories can be made earlier in the day, leaving you time to enjoy your guests.
October Tabletop Inspiration
Dress your table in October's warm hues and textures.
- Seasonal touches: Mini pumpkins, bowls of apples, autumn leaves in small vases.
- Linens: Plaids, russets, or deep golds.
- Florals: Dahlias, mums, or marigolds for easy elegance.
- Atmosphere: As evenings arrive earlier, lanterns or candles bring a golden glow.
Settings for an October tea table can be as simple as a collection of seasonal fruit, like pears, apples, mini pumpkins, and fall leaves. Or as spectacular as this fall centerpiece filled with nature's bounty.
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Foundations of Afternoon Tea
- Easy Make Ahead Tea Sandwiches
- 20 Teacake Recipes for Afternoon Tea
- How to Brew Irish Breakfast Tea
- Queen Elizabeth Afternoon Tea Recipes
Afternoon Tea Ideas
- Queen Elizabeth Afternoon Tea Recipes
- Taking Afternoon Tea Like the British
- How to Brew Earl Grey Tea
- Favorite 3 Tier Stand for Afternoon Tea
- Shop Teatime Favorites
- Lemon Madeleines Recipe
- February Afternoon Tea: A Valentine's Day Celebration
- Classic British Bread and Butter Pudding (A Royal Favorite)
- January Afternoon Tea: A Cozy Winter Table
Seasons of Afternoon Tea
- Easy Harvest Afternoon Tea
- An Autumn Afternoon Tea: Celebrating a Glorious Season
- An Easy Scottish Afternoon Tea to Remember
- Hosting a Christmas Afternoon Tea
- A Winter Afternoon Tea for Chilly, Snowy Days
- Valentine's Day Afternoon Tea
- Easy Irish Afternoon Tea
- Spring Afternoon Tea: Easy Recipes and Ideas
- A Mother's Day Tea Party
- Easy Summer Afternoon Tea Recipes and Ideas
- Christmas Afternoon Tea Recipes
- Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea Recipes and Ideas
- Easy Easter Tea Party Recipes and Ideas
- Easy Irish Afternoon Tea
Teatime Inspiration
For more teatime inspiration, explore our Afternoon Tea recipes, and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for weekly favorites and seasonal ideas, or follow us on Pinterest, Instagram, or Substack.
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