I love tea and cake. There. My secret is out!

For me, (and forgive me for slightly misquoting The Wind in the Willows) “Tea and buns makes the world a better place”. And, what could be more quintessentially English than afternoon tea – preferably taken in the garden with your favourite friends? One of the things I most enjoy about summer is lingering over tea, scones and cake and letting the afternoon drift by.

But there is an art to afternoon tea. To really indulge in the opportunity you want everything “just so”. It’s important to have a ceramic teapot – teapot and pottery go together like scones and cream! You also want to make sure you have cups and saucers – this is not an occasion for mugs! Porcelain cups and saucers are my particular favourites.

And, as you might expect, I like my teapot, tea plates and cups and saucers to be handmade. We’ve recently introduced a tea and cake range to Seek & Adore – perfect if you are looking for tea party ideas or planning a garden party.

Timea Sido’s tea range really stands out. It was inspired by a postcard she received which simply showed an old fashioned floral tea cup and the words “Be Happy” on it. This became the guiding thought for Timea’s range. She combined this thought with her signature “tangled web” ceramic design and the result is a range of tea accessories that are both beautiful and functional. Many of the products also have more than one use – for example, her cake stand includes a hidden vase for a sprig of summer flowers and the jugs could be used as vases – as well as for milk, water or lemonade. They are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Linda Bloomfield’s tea range captures the serenity of English afternoon tea in its muted, neutral colours. Her porcelain teapot has a classic but also very contemporary feel to it – and has me running to put the kettle on! I also love the dimpled milk jugs. Once you have these in your hand you won’t want to put them down. And can’t you just feel a dimple forming in your checks – tea really does make you happy!

Lara Scobie’s beakers, jugs and plates bring a splash of colour to afternoon tea. She works in Parian clay and the unglazed surface looks and feels like smooth marble.

However, hectic your summer may be,please take time to enjoy afternoon tea. As they say,“Everything stops for tea”.

For more tea party ideas, visit our tea and cake range.