National Tea Day is surely the most British day of the year. Every year the nation shares its love of tea through exciting events, fun and of course, quintessential British Afternoon Tea. From trying new flavours of tea, to celebrating with friends and loved ones, there’s plenty to get excited about on this tea-riffic day! Whether you’re a business owner looking for great ways to celebrate this day, or simply want to get involved in the festiviTEAS, Cooksmill has you covered. Stick the kettle on and sip away!

Afternoon Tea Essentials

Hosting a successful Afternoon Tea can sometimes be a little stressful. There are so many things to remember, from the mini sandwiches to the cakes and scones, to the tea itself. We’ve come up with this handy guide to help you keep track of what you need.

Cake stands are a must for afternoon tea. Not only can they be used to display beautiful slices of cake and sweet treats, but they can also be used for mini sandwiches and other smaller bites of food. Depending on the vibe you’re going for, Cooksmill has enough options from glass to metal to wooden cake stands.

Milk jugs make it easy for guests to make their cup of tea to their liking. These can be placed on tables or in central areas of the service to allow guests to help themselves to whatever milk they need. The same goes for sugar bowls, which can be easily placed next to guests to fix their tea perfectly.

Napkins are often overlooked at hospitality social events, but they’re a necessity. While your guests are enjoying their mini sandwiches and scones, they’ll want to wipe their hands when they’re finished. Disposable paper napkins can be dispensed quickly and easily, and with a wide range of colours, can reflect whatever theme you’re going for with your Afternoon Tea!

A Brief History Of Tea

Tea was first introduced to Britain in the 1660s by the Portuguese and Dutch. It was initially a luxury item, but it quickly became more popular as the price of tea fell. By the 18th century, tea was the most popular beverage in Britain.

There are several reasons for the popularity of tea in Britain. First, tea was seen as a healthy drink. In the 18th century, many people believed that tea had medicinal properties. Second, tea was seen as a sign of social status. Tea was a luxury item that only the wealthy could afford. Third, tea was seen as a way to relax and socialize. In the 18th century, tea parties were a popular way for women to gather and socialise.

Today, tea is still one of the most popular beverages in Britain. It is estimated that the average Brit drinks 100 cups of tea per year. Tea is enjoyed by people of all ages and social classes. It is a drink that is associated with relaxation, comfort, and good times.

Price and Kensington Teapots

Price & Kensington is a world-renowned ceramic tableware company, with over 125 years of history and teapot design and making experience. Price & Kensington started at the beginning of the 19th century in Burslem, England, where the Price Brothers found innovative ways to use ceramic and earthware to make teapots. Cooksmill is proud to stock most of its popular colours, including, matt black, pastel blue, olive green, bright red and mint green.

Price & Kensington is known for its iconic teapot shape, referred to as its ‘Brown Betty’ shape. This, combined with the long-lasting material and range of colours, make the brand a staple for British kitchens and at-home tea makers who want a reliable and impressive teapot. All of Price & Kensington’s teapots are also microwave and dishwasher safe, which is a bonus for busy hospitality venues that would find themselves frequently using and washing these teapots, but want a product that won’t lose its shape or shine over time.

Price & Kensington’s ceramic teapots allow tea leaves to swirl freely around the pot, releasing the flavour and infusing the perfect brew. The teapot can be used with or without the Price & Kensington stainless steel infuser. Thanks to the large range of sizes and colours, there’s a teapot to suit every occasion and every venue.

Specialist Teapots

If ceramic teapots aren’t your thing, we have plenty of other teapots to suit your style. One of the best-selling models is our silver engraved teapots, which are the perfect addition for anyone seeking to elevate their tea service with a touch of elegance. The intricate engravings on each piece add a touch of artistry and personality, making them a perfect vessel to serve tea in style. They also add a decorative touch, making them ideal for use in restaurants, tea rooms and cafes.

Another well-known type of teapot is the Mandarin teapot. These products are a stunning example of the rich cultural heritage and intricate craftsmanship of the Far East. Each of our mandarin teapots have been designed to look authentic, with dotted detail that resembles the traditional Mandarin teapot making technique. These teapots are perfect for tea lovers who appreciate the artistry and beauty of traditional Chinese tea.

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