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Afternoon teas have always been a very dainty affair. They’re all about quiet sophistication and elegant charm. Presiding over the tea table, a host pours out aromatic brews and serves them with tea cakes, cold cut sandwiches, mini muffins and pastries. 
Elegant tea sets and delicate tableware epitomise these afternoon sessions that are curated so beautifully to facilitate stimulating conversations. In fact, afternoon teas are lauded precisely for the way they can put one at ease and create a comfortable space for friends and acquaintances to get to know one another better. This style of hosting is all about focusing on presentation and a well-balanced menu.
Guest List And Timing
To effectively pull off an elegant afternoon tea over a summer weekend, first, jot down the guest list. This will give you an estimate of how much food to prepare and tea to brew for the gathering. Knowing the number of guests in advance also makes planning the decor and seating easier. Since afternoon teas are about intimate dialogues and small gatherings, the guest list should exceed no more than 8 people. Afternoon teas are ideally offered between 3 pm to 5 pm so be sure to mention a timing within that window on your invitation.
Curate A Balanced Tea Menu
The key to a successful afternoon tea session is a menu which carries subtle flavours, great taste and a light feeling. A classic tea usually comprises three elements namely savoury bites, some scones and little sweet treats. Small cucumber tea sandwiches, egg sandwiches, smoked salmon sandwiches can be go-to savoury finger foods. Serve scones with clotted cream and fresh jam or fruit preserve on the side for a complete tea effect. As for desserts, an afternoon tea cake with lemon drizzle, a mini fruit tart or strawberry shortcakes are perfect for the summer weather. Tea snacks should be light enough to avoid filling your guests up so much that they are too full to keep to their dinner engagements. 
Choose The Right Tea
Fragrant and freshly brewed, teas are the focal point of the gathering. Go for light, aromatic options such as Earl Grey or Darjeeling tea or even the calming chamomile for guests to sip on. Craft the tea fresh in the brewing pot or kettle and serve it warm with a side of milk, lemon slices and sugar cubes. The idea is for guests to customise their own tea cups once you have poured out the tea. This interactive element brings a certain relaxed, summery, social vibe into the event.
Setting Up The Table
The importance of this step at a summer afternoon tea cannot be overstated. Start with the location. The tea table should be set-up in a bright place, yet hardly in a spot that is too warm. Find a corner where guests can be comfortable, and away from the glare of the summer sun. To lay the table, start with an elegant runner or table cloth, followed by freshly pressed linens, a tiered cake stand and floral teacups or porcelain tea sets. Small flower vases are the only centrepieces you would need to finish off this minimalist tea table.
Add Summer-Friendly Drinks
To lend the afternoon tea a more seasonal touch, also offer drinks like chilled lemon or peach iced tea, pink lemonade or a light sparkling fruity mocktail that bring in more variety. Along with tea, guests can choose to have a glass of one such cooling drink that is sheer comfort on warm summer afternoons. Prepare a jug of such a cooling beverage of your choice ahead of time and chill it in the fridge. Serve it alongside the savoury bites and sweet treats as a summer special.
