Winter Afternoon Teas

The unmistakable air of Winter has arrived in New Zealand and at the end of a chilly week, there is something so inviting about sitting down to a beautiful afternoon tea.

My friends at Harney & Sons agree and were kind enough to send through a variety of their signature blends, so over the next few months, I’ll be sharing details of my Winter Afternoon Tea Series with you!

With daylight hours being shorter at the moment and the starkness of Winter light outside, I thought I would begin the series with yellows and dreamy creams; their buttery, warm hues the perfect antidote to the grey and hushed tones of the season.

I loved mixing the cream and french vanilla coloured roses together alongside golden David Austen roses and I also gathered pansies, garden mint and feverfew flowers from my garden to complete the table arrangement.

What better tea to pair these cheering colours with than delicate but refreshing peppermint tea! Given it’s invigorating scent, people are often surprised to find that peppermint is a wonderfully calming tea, frequently used in sleep blends for it’s soothing qualities. Perfect for a relaxing afternoon!

I love tea settings for the opportunity they provide to rummage through my china collection - this lovely bright setting called for antique floral teaware in yellows, greens and golds to join my mint green milk glass cake stands (a perennial favourite of mine) and of course beautifully polished antique silverware and tea caddies.

No tea setting would be complete without accompanying delicious treats; on the menu were light and zesty citron tarts and lovely orange friands from Pandoro Panetteria.

I hope you can find a few moments of quiet to enjoy your own afternoon tea this Winter too!

Sandra xx