25 Afternoon Tea Picnic Ideas: For A Delightful Experience

Imagine the perfect sunny day, a cozy blanket spread out under a tree, and the delightful aroma of freshly brewed tea. Afternoon tea picnics are a charming way to spend time with friends, family, or even just by yourself.

Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves scones and clotted cream or an adventurous foodie eager to try something new, these 25 ideas will make your afternoon tea picnic an unforgettable experience.

Quick Reference: Afternoon Tea Picnic Essentials

Picnic Type	Key Elements	Suggested Tea Pairing
Classic English	Cucumber sandwiches, scones, clotted cream	Earl Grey, Darjeeling
Savory Tea	Mini quiches, savory scones, herbed cream cheese	Lapsang Souchong
Garden Party	Lavender shortbread, rose petal sandwiches	Jasmine, Hibiscus
Dessert Lover’s	Macarons, fruit tarts, tea-flavored cupcakes	White Jasmine, Fruity Blends
Healthy & Light	Fruit skewers, veggie wraps, green tea muffins	Green Tea, Herbal Blends
Exotic	Moroccan mint tea, curry sandwiches, Turkish delight	Assam, Rooibos
Romantic Tea for Two	Heart-shaped sandwiches, truffles, strawberry scones	Sparkling Tea, Champagne
Family-Friendly	Mini sandwiches, fruit cups, cheese & crackers	Peach Iced Tea, Berry Blends
Beachside	Seafood sandwiches, lemon bars, iced green tea	Iced Green Tea, Lemon Ginger
Seasonal	Seasonal sandwiches, scones, seasonal teas	Varies by season
Budget-Friendly	Simple sandwiches, homemade cookies, DIY tea blends	Loose Leaf Teas, Homemade Blends

This table should help you quickly decide on the type of afternoon tea picnic that suits your mood and setting. Enjoy your picnic adventures!

The Classic English Afternoon Tea Picnic

Let’s start with the basics. A traditional English afternoon tea is all about delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and a selection of fine teas. For this picnic, you’ll want to include:

Cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches: Cut into finger-sized pieces, these are the epitome of classic tea time.
Egg and cress sandwiches: Another staple that’s light yet satisfying.
Scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam: No afternoon tea is complete without this.
A selection of teas: Earl Grey, Darjeeling, and English Breakfast are must-haves.

Pack these treats in a beautiful picnic basket, and don’t forget your favorite tea set. This picnic is all about elegance and tradition.

A Twist on Tradition: The Savory Tea Picnic

If you’re more into savory flavors, this picnic idea is for you. Instead of sweet treats, focus on savory options:

Mini quiches: Spinach and feta or Lorraine are both excellent choices.
Savory scones: Cheese and chive scones are a delicious alternative to the sweet variety.
Tea-infused roasted nuts: Try roasting almonds or pecans with a touch of Earl Grey for a unique snack.
Herbed cream cheese spread with crackers: Simple yet sophisticated.

Pair these with a robust black tea or a smoky Lapsang Souchong to complement the savory flavors.

Garden Party Picnic

A garden-themed tea picnic is all about fresh, floral flavors and light, airy bites:

Lavender shortbread: Delicately flavored and perfect with tea.
Rose petal sandwiches: Cream cheese with rose petal jam creates a delightful combination.
Cucumber, mint, and dill sandwiches: Refreshing and light.
Flower-infused tea: Jasmine, hibiscus, or chamomile tea brings the garden theme full circle.

Decorate your picnic space with fresh flowers and soft pastel colors for a whimsical garden feel.

The Dessert Lover’s Tea Picnic

For those with a sweet tooth, a dessert-focused tea picnic is a dream come true:

Macarons: These colorful French delights come in countless flavors and are always a hit.
Chocolate-dipped strawberries: Simple yet indulgent.
Mini fruit tarts: Fresh fruit and creamy custard in a buttery shell.
Tea-flavored cupcakes: Earl Grey or matcha-infused cupcakes add a fun twist to the traditional dessert.

Accompany these with a light, floral tea like white jasmine or a fruity blend.

Healthy and Light Tea Picnic

If you’re looking for something on the healthier side, this picnic offers guilt-free options:

Fruit skewers: Use a mix of your favorite fruits like berries, melon, and kiwi.
Veggie wraps: Fill whole-grain wraps with hummus, fresh vegetables, and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
Green tea and almond muffins: Packed with antioxidants and flavor.
Infused water: Cucumber, mint, and lemon-infused water is refreshing and hydrating.

Match these with a cup of green tea or a light herbal blend for a refreshing, health-conscious picnic.

The Exotic Afternoon Tea Picnic

Take your taste buds on a journey with an exotic-themed picnic:

Moroccan mint tea: Fresh mint leaves steeped in green tea, served with a touch of honey.
Turkish delight: Sweet, chewy, and full of flavor.
Curry chicken tea sandwiches: A spicy twist on the classic.
Mango sticky rice: A sweet treat that’s perfect for a picnic.

These exotic flavors pair wonderfully with a bold tea like Assam or a fruity rooibos.

Afternoon Tea for Two: A Romantic Picnic

Planning a special date? A romantic tea picnic is intimate and charming:

Heart-shaped sandwiches: Use a cookie cutter to make adorable heart-shaped tea sandwiches.
Chocolate truffles: Rich, decadent, and perfect for sharing.
Strawberry scones: Sweet scones with chunks of fresh strawberries.
Sparkling tea: Bring a bottle of sparkling tea or even champagne for a touch of luxury.

Spread out a soft blanket, bring some cushions, and enjoy your time together under the stars.

Family-Friendly Tea Picnic

Make your afternoon tea picnic fun for the whole family with kid-friendly treats:

Mini sandwiches: Use fun-shaped cutters to make sandwiches more exciting.
Fruit cups: Fresh fruit served in colorful cups.
Cheese and crackers: A simple, satisfying snack for all ages.
Iced tea: Brew a kid-friendly iced tea like peach or berry.

Bring along some outdoor games, and you’ve got a perfect family day out.

Afternoon Tea Picnic by the Sea

A beachside picnic is always a good idea, and adding tea makes it even better:

Seafood sandwiches: Crab or shrimp salad sandwiches bring a taste of the ocean.
Lemon bars: Tangy and sweet, these are perfect for a beach setting.
Chilled cucumber soup: Refreshing and light, perfect for a hot day.
Iced green tea: A cool, refreshing drink to beat the heat.

Lay out your blanket on the sand, enjoy the sound of the waves, and relax with your seaside tea picnic.

Afternoon Tea Picnic in the Park

For a casual, laid-back picnic, the park is the ideal setting:

Finger sandwiches: A mix of classic and creative fillings.
Cupcakes: Easy to transport and fun to eat.
Tea cookies: Simple, buttery cookies that pair perfectly with tea.
Flavored iced teas: Try a raspberry or peach iced tea for a refreshing twist.

Bring a Frisbee or a ball for some light activity after your tea.

Seasonal Afternoon Tea Picnic

Celebrate the changing seasons with a seasonal tea picnic:

Spring: Asparagus and pea sandwiches, lemon scones, and floral teas.
Summer: Fresh fruit tarts, iced tea, and light, refreshing sandwiches.
Autumn: Apple and cinnamon scones, pumpkin sandwiches, and spiced chai.
Winter: Peppermint tea, gingerbread cookies, and hot soup in a thermos.

Each season brings its own unique flavors, making every picnic feel special and new.

Afternoon Tea Picnic on a Budget

You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a lovely afternoon tea picnic:

Simple sandwiches: Use whatever ingredients you have at home.
Homemade cookies: A batch of cookies made from scratch is always appreciated.
DIY tea blends: Create your own tea blends with loose leaf teas and herbs.
Fruit: Inexpensive and healthy, a bowl of fruit is a great addition.

Focus on enjoying the experience, and you’ll find that even a budget-friendly picnic can feel luxurious.

Vegan Afternoon Tea Picnic

For those who prefer plant-based options, a vegan tea picnic is a delicious choice:

Vegan sandwiches: Try avocado and tomato or hummus and roasted red pepper.
Vegan scones: Use plant-based butter and milk for fluffy, delicious scones.
Fruit salad: A colorful mix of your favorite fruits.
Herbal teas: Peppermint, chamomile, and rooibos are all vegan-friendly options.

This picnic is all about fresh, vibrant flavors that everyone can enjoy.

Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea Picnic

If you’re gluten-free, there’s no need to miss out on the fun:

Gluten-free sandwiches: Use gluten-free bread and your favorite fillings.
Gluten-free scones: Plenty of recipes exist for fluffy, delicious gluten-free scones.
Gluten-free brownies: Rich and fudgy, these are a perfect treat.
Green tea: A soothing drink that pairs well with gluten-free goodies.

With so many gluten-free options available, you can enjoy a full, satisfying picnic without worry.

Afternoon Tea Picnic with a View

For those who love nature, a picnic with a view is the perfect way to relax and unwind:

Cheese and charcuterie: Easy to pack and enjoy with a stunning backdrop.
Crusty bread and olives: Simple, satisfying, and perfect with cheese.
Fruit and nut mix: A healthy snack that’s easy to carry.
Thermos of tea: Brew your favorite tea and enjoy it hot, even in a cool breeze.

Whether you’re on a mountain, by a lake, or in a forest, the view will make everything taste even better.

Afternoon Tea Picnic for a Celebration

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, make your picnic feel extra special:

Gourmet sandwiches: Upgrade your sandwiches with high-quality ingredients like smoked salmon or truffle oil.
Fancy desserts: Think éclairs, petit fours, or chocolate mousse.
Premium teas: Choose a rare or specialty tea to match the occasion.

Add some decorative touches like flowers, balloons, or a themed picnic blanket to enhance the festive atmosphere.

Afternoon Tea Picnic for Book Lovers

Combine your love of tea and literature with a book-themed picnic:

Book-inspired sandwiches: Create sandwiches inspired by your favorite literary meals.
Bookmarks: Offer decorative bookmarks as a picnic favor.
Classic tea biscuits: Perfect for enjoying while you read.
Literary teas: Choose teas inspired by classic novels, such as a “Pride and Prejudice” blend.

Bring along your favorite book or even organize a book swap with friends.

Tea Picnic for the Adventurous Spirit

For those who love a challenge, make your tea picnic part of a hiking or biking adventure:

Trail mix: A mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for energy.
Energy bars: Homemade or store-bought, these are perfect for refueling.
Cold brew tea: Easy to carry and refreshing after a long hike.
Wraps: Easy to pack and eat on the go.

Choose a scenic trail or route and enjoy your tea picnic at the peak or halfway point.

Afternoon Tea Picnic with a DIY Element

For a more interactive experience, involve your picnic guests in creating the meal:

DIY sandwich bar: Provide a variety of breads, spreads, and fillings for guests to create their own sandwiches.
Scone station: Offer toppings like clotted cream, jams, and fresh fruit.
Custom tea blends: Set out a selection of loose teas and herbs for guests to mix their own blends.
Cookie decorating: Bring plain cookies and a variety of icings and sprinkles for decorating.

This picnic is all about creativity and collaboration, making it a fun and memorable experience.

Themed Afternoon Tea Picnic: Alice in Wonderland

For a whimsical tea party, go down the rabbit hole with an Alice in Wonderland-themed picnic:

Mad Hatter sandwiches: Create sandwiches with playful, unusual fillings.
“Eat Me” cakes: Label your desserts with “Eat Me” tags, just like in the story.
Teapot cookies: Shaped like teapots and decorated with colorful icing.
“Drink Me” bottles: Serve your tea in small bottles with “Drink Me” labels.

Decorate with playing cards, clocks, and other Wonderland-inspired items for an immersive experience.

Afternoon Tea Picnic for Music Lovers

Combine your love of tea and music with a melody-infused picnic:

Music-themed sandwiches: Use cookie cutters to create sandwich shapes like musical notes.
Song-inspired treats: Bake cookies or cakes inspired by your favorite songs.
Music and tea pairing: Create a playlist that complements the flavors of your tea.
Live music: Bring a guitar or portable speaker to enjoy some tunes as you picnic.

This picnic is perfect for those who enjoy blending their passions and creating a harmonious atmosphere.

Afternoon Tea Picnic for Photographers

If photography is your passion, make your picnic a photogenic affair:

Picture-perfect sandwiches: Arrange your sandwiches and treats in an aesthetically pleasing way.
Color-coordinated picnic: Choose a color scheme for your picnic to make it Instagram-worthy.
Tea-themed props: Bring along props like vintage teacups, flowers, and books for the perfect shot.
Capture the moment: Set up a tripod or bring a polaroid camera to capture the picnic memories.

This picnic is as much about enjoying tea as it is about creating beautiful memories.

Afternoon Tea Picnic for Mindfulness

For those seeking peace and tranquility, a mindfulness tea picnic is a calming experience:

Simple, clean flavors: Opt for light, fresh sandwiches and simple desserts.
Herbal teas: Chamomile, lavender, or mint teas are perfect for relaxation.
Mindful eating: Focus on the flavors, textures, and aromas of your food and tea.
Meditation: Incorporate a short meditation session into your picnic.

Choose a quiet, serene location where you can fully immerse yourself in the moment.

Afternoon Tea Picnic with a Cultural Twist

Explore different cultures through a globally-inspired tea picnic:

Japanese tea picnic: Enjoy matcha, sushi, and mochi in a zen garden.
Indian chai picnic: Savor spicy chai with samosas and gulab jamun.
French tea picnic: Indulge in croissants, macarons, and delicate pastries with a fine French tea.
Italian tea picnic: Try biscotti, cannoli, and a strong Italian tea like Lapsang Souchong.

Immerse yourself in the flavors and traditions of another culture, and enjoy a worldly tea experience.

Afternoon Tea Picnic at Home

Sometimes the best picnics happen in your own backyard. Create a cozy at-home tea picnic:

Comfort food sandwiches: Think grilled cheese or peanut butter and jelly.
Homemade treats: Bake your favorite cookies, brownies, or cakes.
Tea in your favorite mug: Skip the fancy teacups and enjoy your tea in a cozy mug.
Relaxing setting: Set up a comfortable space with blankets, pillows, and maybe even a good book.

This picnic is all about comfort, convenience, and enjoying the little things in life.

Let Your Afternoon Tea Picnic Be a Reflection of You

There are endless possibilities when it comes to creating the perfect afternoon tea picnic. Whether you’re looking to stick with tradition, try something new, or blend your favorite hobbies into the experience, the key is to make it your own.

Embrace the flavors you love, the settings that make you feel at ease, and the company that brings you joy. With these 25 ideas, you’re well on your way to creating an afternoon tea picnic that’s as unique and delightful as you are.