Host a British-Style Tea

By Southern Living
Photo: Charles Walton IV

Break out your best King’s English with these pretty appetizers, perfect for pairing with a classic cup of tea.

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Cream Cheese-Olive Spread

Recipe: Cream Cheese-Olive Spread

This savory spread makes a nice partner for sweet tea treats.

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Easy Monogrammed Cheesecake Bars

Recipe: Easy Cheesecake Bars

Pipe a pretty initial on these bars for a personal touch. Use lowercase letters for a modern look, or get fancy with cursive.

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Bite-Sized Desserts

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipes (left to right): Peanut Butter Truffles, Sweetheart Sugar Cookies, Homemade Chocolate-Dipped Caramels

Sweets for the sweet! These sweetheart-inspired dainty desserts will impress your guests.

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Cheese Straws

Recipe: Spicy Cheddar Cheese Straws

Add a little spice to your celebration with these savory straws. Kick it up a notch by adding a little more red pepper.

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Tea Cakes

Recipe: Tea Cakes

Southern tea cakes are all sugared-butter goodness! These buttery cookies are a classic Southern twist on the breadier British version.

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Salted Caramel Strawberries

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Leigh Anne Montgomery

Recipe: Salted Caramel Strawberries

Swift and stylish, sweet and salty, these strawberry confections are the best of both worlds.

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Lemon Tea Bread

Recipe: Lemon Tea Bread

This yummy, cake-like tea bread has a light lemon taste and is drizzled with a sweet citrus glaze.

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Chocolate-and-Almond Macaroons

Recipe: Chocolate-and-Almond Macaroons

Prep these drop cookies in a snap! These fluffy coconut bites are made more elegant with a quick drizzle of chocolate.

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Shortbread

Recipes: Raspberry Shortbread (left), Blue Cheese Shortbread Leaves, Peach Melba Shortbread Bars

The subtle taste of shortbread can be mixed with lots of different flavors—both savory and sweet—for a twist on a classic.

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Tea Sandwiches

Recipes: Curried Chicken Tea Sandwiches (left), Blue Cheese-Walnut Finger Sandwiches

Made to serve a crowd, these slender sandwiches will rival other sweet treats as the star of the show.

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Scones and Devonshire Cream

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas, Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett, Food Styling: Rebecca Kracke Gordon

Recipe: Easy, Irresistible Scones with Mock Devonshire Cream

Scones and Devonshire Cream (also known as clotted cream) are essential staples for a proper tea party. This scone recipe is one of the easiest and best that we’ve ever tasted. With lots of simple variations, you’ll be sure to find the perfect pastry for your party.

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Pretty Posy Bouquet

Photo: Charles Walton IV

How to Make a Posy

Create this classic English hand-tied bouquet. It's simple with our step-by-step directions, and it will make a beautiful centerpiece for your tea party.

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