Spring has sprung to life and so should your table settings! Celebrate with pastels, florals and why not even invite a few friendly animals to the table! A lighter decor will brighten the atmosphere and make everything taste better! And with the table looking so great, you might even want to have some friends over to celebrate in style!
Afternoon tea is a fuss-free way to host, and letʼs face it, an excuse to wear a fun outfit and gossip with our gals. Here are a few tips for setting the perfect Afternoon Tea Table!
- Use a classic dinnerware set for the base but use themed/coloured accessories to add a whimsical feel to the table.
- Use reusable jars to fill with jams, sugar and any other condiments you will use.
- Bold cushions can dramatically change the look of your table and they add an element of comfort too!
- Flowers are always a good idea, whether fresh or faux, they brighten the table and the gloomiest of days!
- Cloth napkins are a chic touch and way better for the environment.
- Have several teapots ready with different types of tea, it’s on theme and you donʼt want to have to continuously be getting up. If everything is placed on the table, you get to chat more with the gals.
Of course youʼll need some yummies to snack on, little cucumber & cream cheese sandwiches (without the crust) are a afternoon tea staple, but my favourite is a warm flaky scone with clotted cream and a slew of jams… yum! Hereʼs my recipe for the very best basic scone, it’s literally fool proof as long as you donʼt over mix the dough!
- 2 3/4 cups All-Purpose flour
- 2 tbsp Corn starch
- ¼ cup Sugar
- 1 1/4 tbsp Baking powder
- ½ tsp Baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup cold butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tsbp heavy cream for washing
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Preheat oven to 425°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
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Add in pieces of the cold butter and with your hands or pastry blender cut the butter into the dry ingredients until mixture resembles wet sand. Make a well by forming the dry ingredients into a mound and creating a hole in the centre.
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In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the milk and egg until well combined. Pour the mixture into the well of the dry ingredients. With a rubber spatula, quickly combine mixture until it just comes together. Do not over mix!!!
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Lightly dust work surface with flour and then transfer the dough onto the floured work surface. Fold the dough over on itself a couple of times and then gently pat together and flatten it out to 1 1/2 inches thick all around. With a round cookie cutter or water glass, cut out as many rounds as possible. Gently pat together the scraps, roll, and cut out the remaining rounds.
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Place scones about an inch and a half apart on the prepared baking sheet.
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With a pastry brush, lightly brush tops with a dab of heavy cream.
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Place into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until tops are golden and the scones have risen. Cool slightly on pan and carefully remove onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy immediately
Don’t forget to share pictures of your recipes and table by tagging @stokesstores and @priscilaskitchen.