Easy Ways to Make Family Afternoon Tea Time Feel Extra Special

Tea time is a sacred time in this family, it’s where we put down tech and enjoy a cup of tea together usually on the weekend. Even my 4 year old loves a cup of milky decaf tea! It’s a chance for us all to take some time together after a busy week of homework and school clubs, where we can enjoy tea and a treat and catch up!

Afternoon tea time is an opportunity to bond with one another, and simply chat in a shared space. So, how can you make the most of it?

Create a screen-free tea time ritual

Most living rooms are centered around the most important appliance: the TV. But you don’t need to involve screens in every part of family life. Switching the TV or laptop off in the room you’re in during your afternoon tea-time ensures you focus on one another and provide a calm space to engage with after a busy week. For children whose minds are just developing, this is particularly important. Spending time without distration (and I believe in tech in moderation) is key.

There’s now a huge amount of evidence linking screen time with poor outcomes in mental health, and education so we must be mindful of tech use (and that means for us as much as our children) and carve out opportunities to enjoy life without it. There really is no substitute for real, face-to-face conversation. I like to create a aftertoon tea experience in our dining room as there’s no TV in there and it’s a phone-free space. 

Make the table feel thoughtful without spending much

The way that you present the table can make a huge difference to the experience. You might set out a checked tablecloth, and your children’s favourite mugs and crockery for the occasion, and perhaps even pretty napkins for each family member. A small vase of flowers you’ve picked together from the garden is another thoughtful touch. 

You don’t need to go all-out with an expensive afternoon tea to make the moment memorable. A little thought is better than a lot of spending. 

Offer a balanced mix of familiar treats and lighter snacks

The spread that you offer should be reasonably nutritious, while still providing a little bit of indulgence. Staples like fruit and buttered sourdough toast are a favourite here – or, if you prefer, you might swap the latter out for fruit and my easy and delicious scones. Yoghurt, homemade snacks, and a shareable biscuit assortment might all work well, depending on the tastes and requirements of those eating! 

Add a playful theme or activity to make it memorable

Tea time doesn’t have to conform to a certain formula every time. In fact, it’s variety that can help to keep things interesting. You might take the opportunity to branch out and try new things. A cheese-tasting session might encourage everyone to be a bit more adventurous (and is perfect for our upcoming half-term trip to Paris). 

You might draw inspiration from the seasons (an autumnal afternoon tea would be perfect at this time of year), the school calendar, or special family events, like birthdays. Getting the entire family involved with aftertoon tea time ideas, or even the preparation of it, can help to make everything that much more exciting – and lift the burden from one person when it comes to creating the spread.