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Afternoon tea catering
Afternoon tea catering costs £15 to £30 per head for finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and cakes, delivered in boxes or on stands, or served by staff with china. A served tea costs more than a delivered one, because staff time and crockery hire are added to the food.
What this covers
What it costs. Afternoon tea costs £15 to £30 per head from a caterer. Full cost breakdown.
What the job covers
- Boxed afternoon teas delivered for a baby shower of 20
- Afternoon tea on tiered stands for a 90th birthday at home
- A served afternoon tea with china for a christening
- Afternoon tea for a hen party at a holiday house
- Sandwiches, scones and cakes for a wake at a church hall
What is involved
There are three ways to have it. Boxed afternoon teas are made to order and delivered, one box per guest or per two, which suits baby showers, office celebrations and gatherings at home. Delivered stands arrive on tiered cake stands ready to put on the table. A served tea brings staff, china, teapots and urns, and suits christenings, milestone birthdays, wakes and events at a hall. A glass of fizz, savoury extras and gluten-free or vegan versions are common add-ons.
The gift boxes for two sold online for posting are a retail product; this page lists caterers who make afternoon tea for groups and bring it to your event. Sandwiches are made on the day and scones are at their freshest within hours of baking, so the delivery slot matters. Boxes made to your order are not covered by Natasha's Law labelling, but the business must be able to tell you which of the 14 allergens each item contains; ask for it in writing if anyone has an allergy.
The practical check is tea and space. Ask whether tea, coffee and hot water are included, or whether you need a kettle and cups for everyone. For delivered stands, check you have fridge space for cream and room on the table for the stands. caterers.trade lists only caterers rated 3 or above, or Pass in Scotland.
Choosing someone for the job
Ask what the menu includes: how many sandwiches, scones and cakes per guest, and whether savouries are extra. Ask whether tea and coffee are included and who provides the cups. Ask when it is made and when it will arrive. Ask what they do for gluten-free, vegan and allergy guests, and how items are labelled. For a served tea, ask how many staff they bring and whether they clear away.
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Common questions
How much does afternoon tea catering cost per person?
£15 to £30 per head. Delivered boxes or stands sit at £15 to £25, and a served tea with china, tea and staff runs £22 to £35.
What is included in an afternoon tea?
Finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of small cakes are standard. Many caterers add a savoury such as a quiche or sausage roll, and tea or a glass of fizz as extras.
Can afternoon tea be delivered for a party?
Yes. Caterers deliver boxed afternoon teas or teas on stands for groups, usually from about 10 guests. Order a few days ahead, and more for weekends.
Can afternoon tea be made gluten-free or vegan?
Most caterers offer gluten-free and vegan versions if asked when you order. For coeliac guests, ask how the gluten-free items are made and kept apart from ordinary bread and cake.