Picture yourself in a whimsical garden filled with blossoming flowers in vibrant colors. The soft, warm breeze carries the scent of freshly brewed tea, mingling with the delightful aroma of scones and clotted cream. Tables draped in crisp white linens adorned with delicate porcelain teapots, dainty teacups, and meticulously arranged tiers of delectable treats. This enchanting ambiance sets the stage for an unforgettable cream tea experience.
There are two main types of "Cream Tea" parties, the Devon or Cornish.
If you are serving a Devon tea, you will serve scones split in half(plain with no fruits, nuts, or anything added to them and never frosted), with Devonshire clotted cream, then strawberry jam on top in that order!
Or
If you are serving a Cornish tea, you will serve splits(a sweet yeast roll) or scones, split in half, with butter, strawberry jam, and then a generous scoop of Cornish clotted cream on top in that order!
Don't be surprised or offended if, when enjoying a cream tea, you happen to put your jam on first, then your cream, or the other way around for Cornish style, you are told you are 'doing it backward'! It is the first inclination of people trained or brought up this way to flinch when seeing someone do this.
So, for a Devon(Devonshire) cream tea, your tea party menu will look like this:
• Scones
• Devonshire clotted cream
• Strawberry Jam
• And a nice hot pot of tea
The Menu
A cream tea party wouldn't be complete without the star attraction—the scones. With their buttery texture and a hint of sweetness, these golden beauties are served warm and accompanied by generous scoops of clotted cream and fruity preserves. The heavenly combination of melt-in-your-mouth scones, creamy richness, and tangy fruitiness delights every palate.
An array of delicate finger sandwiches is nestled beside the scones to indulge the senses further. Cucumber with cream cheese smoked salmon with dill, and egg and cress are just a few examples of the savory offerings that perfectly balance the sweet treats.
And, of course, no cream tea party would be complete without the main attraction—tea. A selection of fine teas worldwide allows guests to savor distinctive flavors. From classic English breakfast to aromatic Earl Grey and refreshing herbal infusions, every attendee can find their perfect cup.
And for a Cornish cream tea, your tea
The party menu will look like this:
• Splits or Scones
• Cornish clotted cream
• Strawberry Jam
• And a nice hot pot of tea
When served, you will take a scoop of cream and jam and put it on your plate, then put it on your scone or splits. This keeps crumbs out of the serving dishes.
The Ambience
As the soft notes of classical music gently fill the air, guests engage in delightful conversations, adding a touch of elegance to the occasion. Arrayed in their finest attire, including an East Angel Harbor Tea Hat, the attendees cherish this opportunity to unwind, savor delectable treats, and celebrate the art of tea.
The cream tea party offers the perfect balance of sophistication and conviviality, creating an atmosphere where friendships bloom and old acquaintances rekindle. The sound of laughter and clinking teacups adds an extra sparkle to this refined affair, leaving lasting memories for all who attend.
