I hosted an afternoon tea party when I was at St. Andrews. We all got ready and I wore my best dress. I organized it like a potluck because graduate school student woes were high, but we all had the best of times. My responsibility was the tea and I decided to splurge a little bit just to make a memorable. Instead of your normal teabags and loose-leaf, I wanted to put together a station to blend your own teas. It was very straightforward to set up and I couldn’t be happier with the results! This is a great way for everyone to learn how to blend your own tea and here’s everything you need to know about setting up a station for your English tea party to ensure your guests get to learn how to blend your own tea!
Just to note, I’ve linked all the items that I feel are the best price, product, and quality available. They’re tried and tested brands and I continue to purchase them today. The item for the dried florals has an assortment of options making it a better deal and option to help you learn how to blend your own teas. I’d be happy to personally any questions you have about each product and give you more details too!
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What You Need
- Teacups and Saucers - Since I had a limited amount of people at my event, I ended up getting this teacup and saucers set! The different colors are a lot of fun and then I let everyone take one home at the end of the day. Alternatively, I would suggest going to your local charity shop and checking out the crockery section for something similar!
- Teaspoons - Aim to get something vintage-inspired as they make great little additions to the teacups and saucers. I loved these teaspoons and they are a great price!
- Empty Tea Bags - If you’re planning on using small dainty teacups, then use these round teabags made up of natural materials to limit your waste.
- Base teas - Base teas are a must when experiencing teas. Make sure they’re loose leaf and not pre-bagged.
- Flavorings - If you’re learning how to blend your own tea then flavorings are a must because it enhances the experience.
- Condiments - Some people take their tea with milk or sugar, so I thought I would just add a few more special condiments listed below.
Base Teas
- Darjeeling - Considered the “champagne of teas,” Darjeeling has sweet tasting notes similar to muscat wine. It can also be delicately vegetal and fruity.
- Ceylon - I love Ceylon with milk as it has a bold, full, and velvety flavor. It also has some notes of citrus, chocolate, and spice. Perfect for cooler days!
- Earl Grey - Another black tea, but with more floral notes of bergamot. This is my favorite black tea and it’s just as good as the above!
- Green Tea - There are plenty of types of green teas and the taste differs based on how the leaves are handled. It’s can be sweet, nutty, earthy, floral, fruity, and more.
- White Peony Tea - Great for those who want to try something different and want to properly learn how to blend your own tea.
- Rooibos - This is a great alternative for non-caffeine drinkers! Rooibos tea is smooth and has a little sweet and nutty taste. You can also brew it for longer for a bolder taste.
Flavors
- Dried Ginger - Ginger is great in black tea as it resembles Indian chai.
- Dried Rose Buds - I love that dried rose buds can be added to just about any tea. They’re used so much in food and drinks across the Middle East!
- Dried Jasmine Blossoms - Not completely necessary, but jasmine blossoms add lovely floral notes to more earthy green teas.
- Dried Fruit - Adding various dried fruits to teas give it a little sweetness and acidity that you didn’t know you needed. Try apple and blueberries!
- Fresh Herbs - I love having rosemary, mint, and sage!
- Vanilla Tea - Often a black tea, I don’t have this in my base tea section because it tastes great blended with rooibos for someone wanting only a little caffeine or with black teas.
- Cardamom Pods - This is a great spice to add a floral touch to any tea blend and goes great alongside ginger.
Condiments
- Lemon Slices - Great option to have for vegans
- Sugar - I avoid cubes because people may not want a full serving in a small cup
- Milk - This is a must if you’re learning how to blend your own tea because milk helps you identify your blends differently.
- Honey - Honey is great for the lighter teas without milk!
What To Do
- Have your guests choose a single base tea and add a teaspoon and a half into their empty tea pouch.
- Add one or two complimenting flavors from the flavored blends.
- They also have the option of adding a condiment, but it is not necessary.
- Steep lightly between three to eight minutes depending on your flavor and intensity preference.
My Favorite Blends
- Rooibos + Vanilla + Sugar - This is a great combination for light caffeinated blends that want something sweet and delicate.
- White Peony + Rosemary + Honey - For those interested in trying something different.
- Darjeeling + Rosebuds - Black tea and rosebuds are a lovely match made in heaven! It’s refreshing, floral, and light.
- Green Tea + Jasmine Blossoms - For those interested in Asian teas, this is a classic combination.
- Ceylon + Ginger + Cardamom + Milk - Perfect for the people who love Indian chai!
- Earl Grey + Cardamom - This is the tea blend I always drink. It’s perfect for those looking for a digestive caffeinated tea option.
