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Afternoon tea parties are not only fancy but also lots of fun. Bringing your family or friends together for a chat over hot tea or champagne, combined with sandwiches and sweet treats is certainly an experience worth having occasionally. While it is essential to consider the theme, location and table settings for your tea party, the delicacies you serve will determine whether your gathering is a success or not. Curating a menu that caters to the individual preferences and dietary requirements of your guests is a must. If you’ve been looking for recipes that will make your afternoon tea the favorite among your loved ones, here are four recipes you should consider.

Cucumber sandwiches

If you are hosting your tea party during the summer, then cucumber sandwiches are the best staple. Though they are a traditional go-to, they never cease to delight the tastebuds. These sandwiches are a quick appetizer that leaves your guests feeling light and refreshed. To make them, you need to prepare your spread first. Combine cream cheese, mayonnaise and some fresh herbs like chives. You can opt for dried herbs if you have run out of fresh ones in your pantry. The best part is you can customize your recipe by adding your preferred options. When the spread is ready, cut the cucumbers into thin slices and remove the crusts on your soft white bread. You can choose any bread as long as you like the flavor. Assemble your sandwich by applying your spread on one side of your bread thoroughly, layering your cucumber on top of the bread, and topping it with the other slice. Although optional, sprinkling a little black pepper on the cucumber can elevate the flavor. Once you are done, you can serve the sandwiches with a variety of herbal tea selections.

Mini pecan pies

First of all, pecan pies are adorable; they are bite-sized and taste divine. They strike a perfect balance between savory and sweet. Also, they are easier to make than regular pies and are a great starter for a novice in the kitchen. To get started, you can use butter and shortening pie crust, homemade or store bought. After rolling it out, cut into small pieces and place them into a greased muffin pan. Heat your oven and par-bake for at least seven minutes. Mix some unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla, pecans and other ingredients to make your filling. Here is a simple recipe for a great tasting mini pie. Scoop teaspoonfuls of the pecan filling into your pre-baked crusts, season them with coarse salt and bake again. To preserve your delicious pecan pies, you can freeze them with aluminum foil or freezer wraps.

Chicken wings

Whether baked, grilled, or fried, chicken wings are a savory classic. They can be a pleasant surprise for your menu if your loved ones are used to traditional foods. One major thing that makes it a modern plus for variety is the wide array of spices you can use to bring relish. Whether you are a lover of garlic or buffalo sauce, you can experiment in the kitchen and create your signature wings. Also, if you are hosting a new crowd, they are a safe choice as there is a high probability that most people will like them. It's also worth noting that you can also use chicken wings for your tailgate party as it’s a great crowd pleaser.

To get the desired flavor, marinate your raw chicken with your choice of ingredients and leave them for thirty minutes or overnight. You can also dry-rub them and cook if you don’t have much time. If you are going for crispy wings, you can coat them with baking powder and salt before deep-frying. An oven can also give you the crunch you want. Ensure you preheat it to 350-375 degrees before you toss your wings in so the skin can get crispy quickly. Chicken wings can be served with different beverages, so keep this in mind.

Blueberry jam

What is a tea party without a good jar of blueberry jam? Jams are an essential staple at every tea party, as they go with warm scones, tea breads, and other pastries. They are also visually appealing and add a pop of color to your tea party stand. Preparing your jam from scratch requires four simple ingredients. Whether frozen or fresh, blueberries are the main ingredient. Along with sugar, lemon juice and liquid pectin to thicken it. If you dislike sugar, you can choose other sweeteners like stevia or honey. You will need certain equipment like canning tool sets, so keep this in mind. Blueberry jam can be stored in a fridge or freezer and canned in a water bath to make it last for a year.

Afternoon tea parties can be the perfect setting to strengthen a bond or establish new connections. Making a good impression is important, and with these recipes, you can warm your way into many hearts.