It’s Par-Tea Time!

We’re celebrating National Afternoon Tea Week in style by showing you how to recreate the Ritz experience at home.

Pick the perfect cakes, serve up sensational sandwiches, make a brilliant brew and roll out the red carpet – trust Tea-fal to show you how to put on the ultimate afternoon bash…

The Ritz serves a whole lotta traditional teas from Darjeeling to Dragon Pearls, so pick your fave and take time to brew it up properly (here’s a handy guide to brush up your skills with).

If you’re in full celebration mode and are opting for a Champagne afternoon tea then chill a bottle of something sparkling (either full fizz or elderflower bubbly) and add some flutes to the table.

It’s not just cucumber sandwiches on the menu – make a tasty selection of your favourite fillings to tuck into. Go traditional with these classic flavours or change it up with these scrumptious alternatives.

Vary the bread by using a mix of white, granary, sourdough and brioche. Style them by cutting off crusts, slicing them into three equal parts and popping them on a plate with some garnish for effect.

Cakes should be dainty so try these mini lemon meringue pies, pretty mille-feuille and little pistachio cakes. No cake stand? Go DIY!

Afternoon tea also calls for teacakes so go super luxe and knock up a batch of these posh raspberry and chocolate teacakes.

For the scones, we’re turning to the expert. Follow Mary Berry’s recipe for success and take note of her top tips on handling, rolling and freezing. Serve with clotted cream and strawberry jam (which way round you spread them is up to you – we’re not getting involved).

At London’s most prestigious afternoon tea setting, jeans are a no-no and gentlemen are required to wear jacket and tie. Shorts and flip-flops? Don’t even go there.

Of course, in the comfort of your own home you can wear whatever you like. But if you want to get into the spirit of it, press your best shirt, dress or trackie bottoms, run a comb through your hair and have a tip handy for the cloakroom.

Dust the chandelier and tune up the grand piano, it’s time to set the scene! It goes without saying that the table should be laid with crisp white linen, polished cutlery and sparkling glassware. But what else?

The Ritz may be decked out with golden sculptures and gilt mirrors but if your décor is a little more modest, give it a traditional afternoon tea vibe with strings of bunting and colourful napkins. Oh, and maybe pop on Classic FM if you don’t have a harpist?

All that’s left is to refresh your afternoon tea etiquette – no upturned pinkies or clinking teaspoons, please – and you’re all set!