20 Recipes That Are Perfect for an Elegant Afternoon Tea Party

An elegant social event, the tradition of afternoon tea dates back to the 1840s in Britain. It's associated with Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, who is said to have wanted to fill the long period of time between lunch and dinner with small bites and cups of tea. Over time, the tea party became a parade of pageantry, where hosts showed off their exquisite taste in the form of pricey teas and dainty finger foods. You don't need to be a duchess to have afternoon tea, though. Grand hotels offer it—so do some restaurants and cafés—but we think it's best enjoyed in the comfort of your own home. In addition to serving a selection of teas, a variety of small foods—both savory and sweet—are essential. From macarons and scones to tea sandwiches and shortbread, the recipes in our collection will give you some ideas for what to serve at your next tea party.Colorful Tea Sandwich Ideasto Serve at Your Next Gathering 01of 20 Lemon-Curd Phyllo Tartlets Sure to be the star of your tea party, these easy t...