Do something different for Mum this Mother’s Day! If she’s the kind of lady who’d appreciate a nice afternoon tea with family and friends, we’ve got all the tips and tricks you’ll need.
Afternoon tea became a tradition in the early 19th century, but it certainly hasn’t lost its charm as an option for private get togethers for family and friends.
If you have some money to spare, you can book an afternoon tea event at a tea house or a winery in the countryside. Although being served tea like royalty would be a nice treat for Mum, having tea at home or at the park as part of a picnic is also fun (and a bit more casual). You can enjoy the sun and fresh air as you sip some finely brewed tea and snack on some picnic goodies and sweet pastries.
Choose Mum’s Favourite Tea
If you’re not too familiar with different tea varieties, don’t worry! Here’s all you need to know for Mother’s Day:
#1 Earl Grey
The most famous flavored black tea in the market today. It has a citrusy flavour from bergamot oil and its natural sweet essence is good to pair with shortbread cookies, scones and cakes.
#2 Assam Black Tea
It possesses a robust, malty and tannic taste. Some people drink this tea with milk and sugar. A standalone Assam tea is good to pair with savory foods like finger sandwiches and quiche.
#3 Ceylon Black Tea
Ceylon Black Teas are grown in Sri Lanka and these varieties have a rich aroma and taste.
#4 Darjeeling Black Tea
Darjeeling varieties have a floral or fruity flavor. Both flavors work well pastries, fruity desserts and chocolates.
#5 Chamomile
This is an herbal infusion having an apple-like and floral flavor. It naturally caffeine free thus it feels light and smooth to the taste. It goes well with scones and light cakes.
#6 Mint Tea
Mint tea is new school and it’s an acquired taste. Spearmint and peppermint are the two popular varieties. It’s naturally caffeine-free like chamomile and has a mellow and sweet flavor.
#7 Jasmine Tea
Jasmine tea is a black blend with Jasmine flowers thus making the tea have a floral and sweet taste. It has a somewhat perfume smell when brewed. Best with shortbreads.
Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Finger Food and Snacks
Of course you can’t eat sweets for the entire afternoon. Start off with some small fingers foods that are easy to prepare before the afternoon tea and easy to transport if you are heading to a park. Here are some ideas:
- Small individual quiches with bacon, chives and cheddar cheese
- Home-made beef sausage roll with tomato chutney
- Roast turkey and cranberry buttery croissant
- Seasonal fruit platters
- Sourdough sandwiches with roasted beef, provolone, pickled pear, avocado, dijon mustard and rocket
- Cinnamon and apple muffins
See our Tea Time Any-time menu and our Lovely Food On the Go menu for more ideas.
If your mum wants more than just an afternoon tea, you can also have a mother’s day picnic in your backyard and keep the festivities going through to a nice home cooked dinner. If it’s a nice day, set up a table or lay down a picnic blanket and arrange all the food you have prepared to celebrate the day.
Once you have the food and drinks prepared you need to have the picnic essentials:
- Plates
- Picnic blanket
- Napkins
- Tea cups
- Silverware
Spend this special day with your mum and other family and friends and make it memorable!