classic afternoon tea
Afternoon tea is more than just a meal it’s a tradition, a moment to unwind and savor the finer things in life. At Richoux, we believe that a classic afternoon tea should be an experience, one that brings together rich flavors, elegant ambiance, and the timeless appeal of a cultural ritual. Whether you’re in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, or anywhere else, you can recreate the charm of this iconic tradition in your own home or enjoy it at our restaurant. If you’re eager to embrace the classic afternoon tea experience, we’ve put together some simple yet effective tips to help you bring this sophisticated ritual into your own life. From the perfect selection of tea to delightful bites, here’s everything you need to know to create a memorable afternoon tea.
1. Choose the Right Tea
The foundation of a classic afternoon tea lies in the tea itself. It’s crucial to choose a high-quality tea that suits your taste and complements the rest of the afternoon’s offerings. Traditional options include English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Darjeeling, and Assam – all of which bring their own unique flavors and aromas.
At Richoux, we offer a curated selection of teas to ensure that every guest can find a variety that suits their preferences. For those hosting at home, consider offering a few different varieties to cater to your guests’ tastes, along with one or two fruit infusions for a refreshing twist.
When brewing, remember that water temperature and steeping time play a crucial role. Black teas typically require boiling water and should steep for about 3 to 5 minutes. Green teas, on the other hand, need slightly cooler water and a shorter steeping time. If you follow these steps, your tea will be the perfect base for a traditional afternoon tea.
2. The Right Teacups and Teapot
To elevate your afternoon tea experience, don’t overlook the importance of presentation. The teacups and teapot are key elements of the charm. Opt for fine china or porcelain teacups with elegant designs. The teapot should ideally be made of porcelain or ceramic, as these materials retain heat well and ensure the tea stays at an optimal temperature for longer.
While the presentation is certainly important, the quality of the teapot and cups should also not be underestimated. Choose a teapot that holds just enough tea for your gathering, as refilling it is part of the ritual. A proper teapot ensures that your guests enjoy their tea at the perfect temperature, enhancing the overall experience.
3. Perfectly Fresh Sandwiches
A classic afternoon tea wouldn’t be complete without a selection of finely crafted sandwiches. These small, delicate bites are a critical part of the experience. For a traditional twist, prepare cucumber sandwiches with a hint of mint, egg and cress, and smoked salmon with cream cheese.
The bread should be fresh and soft, and don’t forget to trim the crusts to make the sandwiches more elegant. The fillings should be light yet flavorful, making for the perfect bite. At Richoux, we use only the finest ingredients to create sandwiches that perfectly complement our range of teas.
If you’re hosting afternoon tea at home, it’s a good idea to offer a variety of fillings to ensure all preferences are catered to. You can even get creative with unique combinations or try local twists to make the sandwiches feel personal.
4. Delectable Scones with Jam and Clotted Cream
No afternoon tea would be complete without the star of the show: the scone. These delicious baked goods are traditionally served with clotted cream and strawberry jam. The texture should be light and crumbly, with a slightly golden top. At Richoux, our scones are freshly baked to perfection, ensuring that every bite is a delicious delight.
When serving scones, it’s important to consider the proper etiquette. Break the scone apart with your hands rather than cutting it with a knife. Spread the clotted cream first, followed by the jam, for a true traditional experience. Make sure that the scones are served warm to enhance their flavor and texture.
If you’re preparing scones at home, you can easily find recipes online that provide clear instructions on making your own. However, if you’re in Riyadh and looking for an effortless experience, come and enjoy our freshly baked scones paired with the perfect tea selection.
5. Delicious Pastries and Cakes
To complement your sandwiches and scones, be sure to have a variety of sweet treats. Pastries, cakes, and biscuits are an essential part of any afternoon tea spread. Classic options include lemon drizzle cake, fruit tarts, and Victoria sponge cake. For a bit of extra flair, try offering chocolate éclairs or delicate French macarons.
For an extra touch of authenticity, consider serving mini éclairs or bite-sized pastries that make it easy for your guests to enjoy multiple sweet treats without overwhelming the palate. At Richoux, we serve an exquisite selection of pastries and cakes, ensuring that every bite is as delicious as the last.
For those hosting afternoon tea at home, preparing a selection of cakes and pastries ahead of time will allow you to focus on entertaining your guests, rather than rushing around the kitchen when the time comes to serve.
6. Atmosphere and Setting
While the food is essential, the setting and ambiance play an equally important role in recreating the charm of a classic afternoon tea. Set your table with a tablecloth or placemats, and arrange your teapot, cups, and plates neatly on the table. If you want to add an extra touch of elegance, include floral arrangements or candles to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
At Richoux, we pride ourselves on our attention to detail when it comes to creating the perfect ambiance. The right setting enhances the enjoyment of your afternoon tea, allowing your guests to relax and indulge in the experience.
For those hosting at home, consider soft lighting and comfortable seating to ensure that your guests feel relaxed and ready to enjoy the afternoon. A calm, refined atmosphere is key to making your afternoon tea gathering truly special.
7. Enjoying with Friends and Family
Afternoon tea is meant to be shared, and the joy of enjoying it with friends and family is at the heart of the experience. It’s an opportunity to unwind, catch up, and indulge in delightful treats while savoring a cup of tea.
Whether you’re hosting a casual afternoon tea at home or visiting a high-end venue like Richoux, the most important aspect of the experience is spending quality time with others. Take your time to chat, relax, and enjoy the experience, allowing the tea and food to become part of the conversation. At Richoux, we make sure our guests have a memorable experience, whether they’re here for a special occasion or simply to indulge in the tradition of afternoon tea.
8. Adding a Modern Twist
While traditional afternoon tea is always a wonderful choice, don’t be afraid to add your own spin to the event. You can experiment with flavors, introducing new teas or modern twists on classic sandwiches or pastries. For example, consider adding fresh herbs or seasonal fruits to your cakes or infusing your tea with a unique blend of spices.
At Richoux, we often explore creative ways to enhance the traditional afternoon tea experience, ensuring that our guests can enjoy both the classic and modern flavors that make the experience so special.
Conclusion
Recreating the charm of a classic afternoon tea is not only about the right food and drink it’s about the experience. By choosing the right tea, serving the perfect scones, and creating an elegant atmosphere, you can bring the timeless tradition of afternoon tea into your home. And, if you’re in Riyadh, there’s no better place to enjoy an unforgettable afternoon tea than at Richoux, where we take pride in offering an elegant and inviting setting for our guests.
So, whether you’re planning a gathering at home or coming to visit us, follow these simple tips to enjoy a truly memorable and refined afternoon tea experience that will leave a lasting impression.
