Ever wonder why the British "have teas" and not just drink tea? Tea is so much more a part of the British culture than the American for a few reasons. Read here about the History of the Tea.

Savories - I always start with plates of savories. These include selections like cucumber sandwiches, cream cheese & smoked turkey sandwiches, pumpernickel triangles with salmon mousse. This gives the guests a little something substantial to eat.

Scones & Muffins - Next I provide scones and muffins. I usually like to make mini-muffins. My mother makes the very best scones and here is her recipe for Buttermilk Scones. One very successful muffin I've served is Lemon-Ricotta Muffins. Along with the scones and muffins, you will need to provide a selection of toppings. Traditional are butter, jam, lemon curd, and double cream. The British actually like to place jam on their scone and then a topping of double cream.

Dessert - Make your dessert something to truly remember and a beautiful sight on your table. The first year I had a tea, I make a Queen Anne's Coconut Cake. The second year, I had Tiramisu. One year I had Russian Honey Cakes. I always like to make another selection, smaller, such as Truffles or some gourmet cookie.

Tea - The most important part is the tea. Make a selection of teas. You don't really need any more than 3 or 4 really. I suggest Formosa Oolong, Russian Caravan, English Afternoon Tea, and Earl Grey. I also suggest providing a pot of hot water and some decaffinated tea bags. Along with this, you will need sugar (try buying the cubed or making these pretty heart-shaped sugars) and cream. It isn't traditional to drink tea with lemon in England, however, it might be nice to set a plate with a few lemon wedges for those who do prefer lemon (this would shock a Brit!!). Incidentally, it is said that the Queen first fills her cup with the right amount of cream and then adds her tea (not that anyone thinks the Queen pours her own tea). Personally, I like to put the tea in first and then gauge the cream by the color.