Christmas Tea Party: 14 Make-Ahead Bites That Make Mom and Grandma Feel Like Royalty

A Christmas tea party might be the most relaxing way to host in December. There is no turkey to roast and no oven timing to juggle, just a pot of tea, the good china and a table full of little things that can be made the day before. Searches for Christmas tea party ideas and British finger sandwiches are climbing fast this season, and it is easy to see why. The tea sandwich has been part of afternoon tea since the 1800s, and it still steals the show. Below are 14 tea time favorites, from cucumber sandwiches and cranberry scones to shortbread stars and mini trifles, plus a warm spiced cranberry punch everyone can enjoy. Set out the teacups and let the afternoon begin..

Orange Cranberry Scones for a Christmas Tea Party

Orange cranberry scones are the star of a holiday tea, bright with citrus and studded with tart red berries. Serve them warm with clotted cream or softly whipped cream and a spoon of jam. Tip: freeze the shaped scones on a sheet, then bake straight from frozen on the morning of your Christmas tea party; they rise even taller. For more flavors, browse these sweet and savory scones. Cream first or jam first? The debate starts here..

You will need: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, zest of 1 orange, 1/2 cup cold butter cubed, 3/4 cup dried cranberries, 2/3 cup heavy cream, 1 egg, coarse sugar; clotted or whipped cream to serve

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 400F and line a sheet with parchment. 2. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and orange zest. 3. Cut in butter until crumbly and stir in cranberries. 4. Whisk cream and egg, stir in until just combined and pat into an 8-inch round. 5. Cut into 8 wedges, brush with cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar. 6. Bake 18 to 20 minutes until golden.

Cucumber Sandwiches, the Christmas Tea Party Classic

The Victoria sponge, named for Queen Victoria, is the classic British tea cake: light sponge filled with raspberry jam and cream. Baked in muffin tins, it becomes charming individual cakes perfect for a holiday tea tray. Tip: weigh the eggs, butter, sugar and flour equally for the traditional light crumb, and fill the cakes just before serving. They sit happily beside other classic British bakes. Would Queen Victoria approve?

You will need: 1 English cucumber thinly sliced, 1/2 tsp salt, 8 oz cream cheese softened, 2 tbsp chopped dill, 1 tbsp chopped chives, 1 tsp lemon juice, 12 slices thin white sandwich bread, black pepper

How to make it: 1. Toss cucumber slices with salt and drain on paper towels 15 minutes. 2. Beat cream cheese with dill, chives, lemon juice and pepper. 3. Spread a thin layer on each slice of bread. 4. Layer cucumber on half the slices and top with the rest. 5. Trim the crusts. 6. Cut into fingers or triangles and cover with a damp towel until serving.

Mini Victoria Sponge Cakes With Raspberry Jam

No Christmas tea party is complete without cucumber sandwiches, the most classic of all British finger sandwiches. Thin slices of crisp cucumber sit on soft bread spread with herbed cream cheese, then the crusts come off and the sandwiches are cut into neat fingers or triangles. Tip: salt the cucumber slices and let them drain on paper towels for 15 minutes so the bread stays dry. More ideas for that tub of cream cheese live in these easy cream cheese recipes. Fingers or triangles?

You will need: 1/2 cup butter softened, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 2 tbsp milk, 1/3 cup raspberry jam, 1/2 cup heavy cream whipped, powdered sugar

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 350F and grease a 12-cup muffin tin. 2. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla. 3. Fold in flour, baking powder and milk. 4. Divide among cups and bake 15 to 18 minutes until springy. 5. Cool, then split each cake in half. 6. Fill with jam and whipped cream, and dust with powdered sugar.

Turkey and Cranberry Christmas Tea Party Sandwiches

Mince pies are a British Christmas must, and these little ones are filled with a fruit only mincemeat of apples, raisins, currants, citrus and warm spices. Topped with tiny pastry stars and a snowfall of powdered sugar, they look like a holiday postcard. Tip: make the filling a few days ahead and keep it in the fridge so the flavors meld. For more British holiday baking, see these Mary Berry Christmas bakes. Have you ever tried a mince pie?

You will need: 8 oz thinly sliced turkey, 4 oz cream cheese softened, 1/3 cup chunky cranberry sauce, 1 cup baby spinach, 12 slices soft wheat bread

How to make it: 1. Beat cream cheese with cranberry sauce until blended. 2. Spread on each slice of bread. 3. Layer turkey and spinach on half the slices. 4. Top with the remaining bread. 5. Trim the crusts. 6. Cut into triangles and chill, covered, until serving.

Turkey and Cranberry Christmas Tea Party Sandwiches

These festive little sandwiches taste like the holidays in one bite. Thin sliced turkey is layered with a spread of cranberry sauce and cream cheese, plus a few leaves of baby spinach for color. Red and green inside the bread makes them perfect for a Christmas tea party. Tip: mix the cranberry sauce into the cream cheese instead of spreading it alone so the bread does not get soggy. Any extra sauce can go into these cranberry recipes beyond the can. Do these taste like Christmas to you?

You will need: 2 refrigerated pie crusts or homemade pastry; filling: 1 apple finely chopped, 1/2 cup raisins, 1/2 cup currants, 1/4 cup chopped candied peel, 1/3 cup brown sugar, zest and juice of 1 orange, 2 tbsp butter melted, 1 tsp mixed spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves); powdered sugar

How to make it: 1. Mix all filling ingredients and chill at least 1 hour. 2. Heat oven to 375F and grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin. 3. Cut pastry rounds to line each cup. 4. Fill each with a spoon of mincemeat. 5. Top with small pastry stars. 6. Bake 15 to 18 minutes until golden, cool and dust with powdered sugar.

Homemade Lemon Curd Tartlets

Little lemon curd tartlets are bright, tangy and impossibly pretty on a tea tray. Silky homemade lemon curd is piped into crisp mini pastry shells, then crowned with a thin lemon slice and a pinch of chopped pistachios. Tip: cook the curd gently over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and reaches 170F, then strain it for the smoothest texture. Make the curd up to a week ahead. Love citrus in winter? Try these bright lemon desserts. Sweet or tart?

You will need: 24 mini pastry shells baked, 3 eggs, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, zest of 2 lemons, 1/2 cup butter cubed, 1 lemon thinly sliced, 2 tbsp chopped pistachios

How to make it: 1. Whisk eggs, sugar, lemon juice and zest in a saucepan. 2. Add butter and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thick and 170F, about 8 to 10 minutes. 3. Strain into a bowl and press plastic wrap onto the surface. 4. Chill until firm. 5. Pipe into the pastry shells just before serving. 6. Top each with a small lemon slice piece and pistachios.

Egg Salad Finger Sandwiches With Chives

Egg salad sandwiches are a tea time staple, creamy and comforting with a fresh hint of chives. Finely chopped eggs are mixed with mayonnaise and a touch of mustard, then spread on soft bread and cut into dainty fingers. Tip: chop the eggs very finely so the filling spreads evenly and the sandwiches cut cleanly. Have extra eggs? Make a plate of classic deviled eggs too. Do you like a little mustard in yours?

You will need: 6 hard boiled eggs finely chopped, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp mustard, 2 tbsp chopped chives, salt, pepper, 12 slices soft white or wheat bread, 2 tbsp soft butter

How to make it: 1. Mix eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, chives, salt and pepper. 2. Spread a thin layer of butter on each slice of bread. 3. Spread egg salad on half the slices. 4. Top with the remaining bread. 5. Trim the crusts. 6. Cut into fingers and refrigerate, covered, until serving.

Shortbread Stars for a Christmas Tea Party

Scottish shortbread needs just three main ingredients, butter, sugar and flour, yet it is one of the most loved holiday cookies anywhere. Cutting it into stars and tying a little stack with ribbon makes it festive for a Christmas tea party and a sweet take home favor. Tip: chill the cut stars before baking so they keep their points. For more flavors from one dough, see these Christmas shortbread cookies. Stars or rounds?

You will need: 1 cup butter softened, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp salt, coarse sugar for sprinkling

How to make it: 1. Beat butter and sugar until creamy. 2. Mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms. 3. Roll 1/4 inch thick and cut into stars. 4. Place on a lined sheet, sprinkle with coarse sugar and chill 20 minutes. 5. Bake at 325F for 15 to 18 minutes until just pale golden at the edges. 6. Cool on the sheet 5 minutes before moving.

Gingerbread Scones With Lemon Glaze

Gingerbread scones bring all the warm spice of the season to a tea table. Molasses, ginger, cinnamon and cloves give them a deep holiday flavor, and a drizzle of tangy lemon glaze brightens each bite. A scatter of chopped crystallized ginger on top adds a chewy, spicy sparkle. Tip: handle the dough as little as possible so the scones stay light and tender. Gingerbread fans will also love these gingerbread Christmas treats. Would these be your favorite?

You will need: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp cloves, 1/2 cup cold butter cubed, 1/4 cup molasses, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 egg, 2 tbsp chopped crystallized ginger; glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp lemon juice

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 400F and line a sheet with parchment. 2. Whisk flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt and spices. 3. Cut in butter until crumbly. 4. Whisk molasses, cream and egg and stir in until just combined. 5. Pat into an 8-inch round, cut into 8 wedges and bake 16 to 18 minutes. 6. Cool and drizzle with lemon glaze.

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

Chocolate dipped strawberries feel like the fanciest thing on the table, yet they take about 20 minutes. Big red berries are dipped in dark chocolate, then streaked with thin lines of white chocolate so they look dressed for a party. Tip: dry the berries completely and let them come to room temperature before dipping, so the chocolate clings smoothly and does not crack. Leftover melted chocolate is perfect for these sweet dessert dips. Dark, milk or white?

You will need: 1 lb large strawberries with stems, 6 oz dark chocolate chopped, 2 oz white chocolate chopped, 1 tsp coconut oil

How to make it: 1. Wash the strawberries and dry them completely. 2. Melt the dark chocolate with half the coconut oil in short bursts, stirring often. 3. Dip each berry by the stem and set on parchment. 4. Melt the white chocolate with the remaining oil. 5. Drizzle thin lines over the berries with a spoon. 6. Chill 15 minutes until set and serve the same day.

Sugared Cranberries and Cheese Bites

Sugared cranberries look like frosted jewels and add sparkle to any tea table. Fresh cranberries are soaked in syrup, then rolled in sugar until they glisten. Set on cubes of creamy brie and sharp cheddar with tiny rosemary sprigs, they make a sweet and savory bite that balances all the cakes. Tip: let the soaked cranberries dry for an hour before rolling so the sugar sticks evenly. Serve them alongside these party cheese board ideas. Would these brighten your Christmas tea party?

You will need: 2 cups fresh cranberries, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar for rolling, 8 oz brie cubed, 8 oz white cheddar cubed, rosemary sprigs, small picks

How to make it: 1. Heat sugar and water until dissolved, then cool 5 minutes. 2. Stir in cranberries and soak at least 2 hours or overnight in the fridge. 3. Drain and let dry on a rack 1 hour. 4. Roll in sugar until coated. 5. Top each cube of brie or cheddar with two sugared cranberries. 6. Tuck in tiny rosemary sprigs and arrange on a board.

Four Ingredient Cream Scones

When time is short, these cream scones need only flour, baking powder, sugar and heavy cream. The cream provides both the fat and the liquid, so there is no butter to cut in. They bake into soft, tender scones that are lovely split open with soft butter and jam. Tip: stir just until the dough comes together; overmixing makes them tough. Old-fashioned tea tables like this one fill these Victorian Christmas recipes. Plain or with a mix in?

You will need: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 3 tbsp sugar, 1 1/4 cups heavy cream plus more for brushing, pinch of salt; soft butter and jam to serve

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 425F and line a sheet with parchment. 2. Whisk flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. 3. Stir in cream just until a soft dough forms. 4. Pat 3/4 inch thick on a floured surface. 5. Cut into rounds or wedges and brush with cream. 6. Bake 12 to 15 minutes until lightly golden.

Hot Spiced Cranberry Punch for a Christmas Tea Party

Every Christmas tea party needs a warm drink besides tea, and this spiced cranberry punch is the one guests ask about. Brewed black tea is simmered with cranberry juice, orange juice, cinnamon and star anise, sweetened with a little honey. Tip: serve it from a clear teapot so everyone can see the ruby color, and keep the rest warm in a slow cooker. Float orange slices and fresh cranberries on top. More warm sips are in these holiday mocktails and punch. Cozy enough?

You will need: 4 cups brewed black tea, 4 cups cranberry juice, 2 cups orange juice, 1/3 cup honey, 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 star anise, 1 orange sliced, 1/2 cup fresh cranberries

How to make it: 1. Combine tea, cranberry juice and orange juice in a large pot. 2. Add honey, cinnamon sticks and star anise. 3. Simmer gently 15 minutes. 4. Lift out the spices. 5. Pour into a warmed teapot or keep in a slow cooker on warm. 6. Float orange slices and cranberries on top and pour into cups.

Mini Trifle Cups for a Christmas Tea Party

Trifle is a centerpiece of British Christmas, and mini cups make it easy to serve at a tea party. Layers of sponge cake, raspberries, vanilla custard and whipped cream are spooned into small glasses so everyone gets a perfect stack. A crown of fresh raspberries on top looks bright and festive. Tip: brush the cake cubes with a little fruit juice to keep them moist. Want a bigger bowl for a crowd? See these layered trifle desserts. How many layers would you add?

You will need: 3 cups pound cake cubes, 1/4 cup orange or berry juice, 2 cups fresh raspberries, 2 cups vanilla custard or pudding, 1 cup heavy cream whipped, 8 small glasses

How to make it: 1. Toss cake cubes with juice. 2. Add a layer of cake to each glass. 3. Spoon in berries. 4. Add custard. 5. Repeat layers and top with whipped cream. 6. Garnish with berries and mint and chill until serving.