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Welcome to the February edition of our Afternoon Tea by Month series. Each month, we gather around the table to celebrate the unique rhythms and flavors of the season. February invites us to lean into the warmth of connection-whether through heart-shaped treats, delicate rose-scented teas, or a simple candlelit moment shared with those we love.
A Valentine's Day Afternoon Tea is a lovely way to gather friends, young love, or lasting relationships. Celebrate the holiday with those you love over fragrant cups of tea and simple finger foods.
We've gathered beautiful yet simple table setting ideas and easy, delicious recipes. The following simple, festive recipes and table settings can help you create and host your own Valentine's Day Afternoon Tea.
February tea can be as simple or as celebratory as you wish. When planning, start by considering color, mood, and the feeling you'd like your table to evoke.
What comes to mind when you think of Valentine's Day? Are they roses? If so, in what color? Do you favor pastels or ruby reds?
It helps to take color hints from your serveware. Is there a particular china you want to use? What colors can you find in their patterns?
I love to serve Valentine's Day tea, or any spring tea, using Royal Albert, Lady Carlyle. The colors are perfect for me, and the china is delicate and beautiful.
And then finger foods, which teatime treats do you want to serve? Which ones seem most appropriate for a Valentine's celebration? (Hint: following are several dozen recipes to inspire you).
Those questions are the starting place for all tea parties and afternoon teas I love to host.
Planning Your Perfect Afternoon Tea
Whether you are hosting a romantic February tea or a bright spring gathering, the fundamentals of a beautiful table remain the same. If you are new to hosting or simply looking for a refresher on the basics, be sure to visit our foundational guide, How to Serve an Easy Afternoon Tea. It covers everything from setting the table and choosing linens to timing your courses for a stress-free afternoon.
Valentine's Day Afternoon Tea Menu
You've heard of mood boards. In essence, this is a mood board for teatime. Begin to think about all of the things you love about Valentine's Day.
Is it hearts and flowers, Victorian Valentine's Day cards, sweet treats, mini chocolates? What about candy and finger foods?
As you create a mental image (or vision board), I'm positive you'll create a memorable Valentine's Day tea party that is uniquely your own.
Creating a Tea Party Guest List
Once that image is in your mind, create a guest list (even if it's for another person) and consider what they like. What do they talk about, what are they drawn to, their hobbies, the tea they love to sip?
Finally, take it one step further and determine the desired mood. Do you want your tea party to reflect a certain era, like Victorian? Or do you prefer modern and simple, perhaps casual and fun?
Then it's about gathering tea and recipe ideas and inviting special guests to your tea.
Tea Pairings for February
February afternoon tea pairs beautifully with teas that feel soft, fragrant, and comforting - especially those that complement citrus, berries, chocolate, and buttery pastries often served this time of year.
English Breakfast - a dependable choice for buttery scones and richer pastries
Floral and lightly scented teas
Rose or rose-vanilla teas - gentle and romantic, perfect for Valentine-inspired sweets
Jasmine green tea - pairs well with delicate cakes and lighter desserts
Dessert-style teas
Chocolate or vanilla-infused black teas - complement cocoa-based treats and chocolate-dipped biscuits
Caffeine-free options
Chamomile - soothing and floral
Rooibos or vanilla rooibos - naturally sweet and comforting
Valentine Tea Recipes
Here, you will find several dozen recipes, all delicious, simple, and perfect for a Valentine's Tea.
1
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 thebrilliant colors of summer.
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.
"Sherry fresh thyme, sweet onions, and extra virgin olive oil combine to create a delicious Shrimp Bisque." Which makes a perfect addition to the savory course.
These buttery scones are light, flaky, and delicious-perfect for breakfast, brunch, or teatime. Simple ingredients and easy technique make them a go-to favorite.
These Cream Scones are a decadently delicious scone that's easier to make than you can believe. With a soft, delicate texture and lightly sweet flavor, they are a go-to scone to make any day of the week. Utterly perfect for afternoon tea, or a casual teatime break in the middle of a busy day.
This Sour Cream Pound Cake is a rich, delicious, moist, buttery delight made with simple pantry ingredients. The heart shape is beautiful and festive, perfect for Valentine's Day afternoon tea!
Charm guests with Triple-Layer Chocolate Cake, a pièce de résistance crowned with buttercream frosting, rich ganache, berries, and a sprinkling of delicate blossoms.
Celebrate with a decadent Heart Shaped Chocolate Bundt Cake. This moist and fudgy cake is perfect for Valentine's Day or any occasion that calls for a chocolatey treat.
These Love Letter Butter Cookies are soft, buttery cookies folded into envelope shapes and filled with sweet jam. A simple, romantic bake perfect for Valentine's Day, gifting, or afternoon tea.
These Heart Shaped Pavlova desserts are crisp on the outside, pillowy and soft on the inside, and incredibly delicious topped with vanilla whipped cream and fresh fruit. They're special, perfect for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, and holidays, and deceptively easy to make.
This easy Valentine's Day Dessert Board is a fun way to treat friends and family with all things heart-shaped and filled with love. Packed with treats for all from simple store-bought goodies to homemade Valentine's Day desserts, it takes minutes to make and is perfect for a festive holiday.
Delicate lemon madeleines with a buttery crumb and golden shell shape. These classic French tea cakes are simple to make and perfect for teatime or dessert.
These Chocolate Ganache Mini Tarts are a chocolate lover's dream. A tender toasted almond shortbread crust is filled with an irresistible chocolate ganache that's so easy, you won't believe it.
"Treasure the company of dear ones who gather to sample a feast of sentimental favorites, including our Red Velvet Scones with Cream Cheese Glaze, certain to cause hearts to flutter."
Nothing says Valentine's Day quite like a heart-shaped Linzer cookie. And while I would never, ever, turn down chocolate and red roses, secretly, it just might be those heart-shaped cookies that make the day extra special.
This 2 Minute Strawberry Mug Cake is a sweet microwave treat that brings to mind, Strawberries and Cream. And the reminder that the strawberry season isn't too far off.
A Chocolate Pudding recipe that's divinely rich and pleasurable, satiny, silky smooth, and, yes, indulgent! But oh my, is it worth it. Simple to make for a dreamy, delicious treat.
This incredibly delicious, super easy Baked Strawberry Donut recipe is packed with fresh strawberries, dipped in strawberry glaze, and so tender and moist they almost melt in your mouth.
February afternoon tea doesn't need to be elaborate to feel special. Begin with a simple menu - one or two sweet treats, a savory bite, and a pot of tea you enjoy - then build from there if you wish.
If you're new to hosting or would like a gentle refresher, our guide on How to Serve an Easy Afternoon Tea walks through timing, menu balance, and simple table ideas in an easy, approachable way.
Whether you're planning a Valentine's gathering, a Galentine's tea, or a quiet afternoon moment at home, even a small table can feel meaningful when set with care.
February invites us to slow down and savor small moments of togetherness. A warm pot of tea, something sweet to share, and a table set with care can be celebration enough.
However you choose to mark the season - with friends, family, or a quiet afternoon to yourself - may this February afternoon tea offer a moment of warmth and connection.
More Ways to Celebrate February
If you're planning a full Valentine's weekend or simply gathering ideas to enjoy throughout the month, you may also enjoy these seasonal favorites.
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Join the Sunday Morning Tradition
If you enjoyed this post, you'll love The Sunday Edit No. 5. It’s my weekly "magazine-style" digest designed to help you reset, refine, and find beauty in the everyday. From intentional kitchen resets to curated seasonal menus, it's the 31 Daily you love, delivered with a bit more soul.
Stephanie Wilson is the founder of 31Daily.com, where she shares seasonal recipes, weekly meal plans, and teatime favorites to help readers gather around the table with joy. A certified private chef, cookbook author, and longtime event planner, she brings over 20 years of experience in catering, food writing, and media production—including network television work as a producer, director, and writer. Her work has been featured by Today.com, The Kitchn, Parade, and more.
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