Perfectly Plum

Photography by John O’Hagan • Styling by Courtni Bodiford • Food Styling by Aaron Conrad • Recipe Development by Izzie Turner

“Life’s a pudding full of plums.”—W. S. GILBERT

Purple hues inspired this lovely summertime tea that boasts beautiful transferware, floral patterns galore, and an enticing menu of English savories, scones, and sweets.

Three flavourful tea pairings from Simpson & Vail are sure to delight teatime guests. Order online at svtea.com or by calling 800-282-8327.

Savouries Course:

Begin your afternoon tea with a pot of Duke Cardiff’s Blend and a trio of tasty savouries: Salmon, Chive & Crème Fraîche Canapés, Green Plum Chutney & Ham Tea Sandwiches, and Cucumber & Radish Triple-Stack Tea Sandwiches with Tarragon-Lemon Butter.

Scone Course:

Next, enjoy a batch of scrumptious Sour Cherry Scones with Victorian Earl Grey Tea.

Sweets Course:

For the final course, present your teatime guests with a tiered tray featuring Pistachio & White Chocolate Éclairs, Plum & Elderflower Tartlets, and Lemon-Drizzle Rhubarb Cakes. These sweet treats pair perfectly with a pot of Mao Feng Black Tea.

Royal Staffordshire Tonquin Plum teapot, creamer, covered sugar bowl, 3-tiered serving tray, and 11-inch oval serving platter; Spode Mayflower teacup and saucer set, salad plate, jubilee platter, 13-inch oval serving platter, and butter pat; Fostoria Corsage Plum iced tea glass; Oneida Silver Royal Flute salad fork, teaspoon, and butter spreader from Replacements, Ltd. Bella linen tablecloth and Blossom Toss embroidered tea napkins from April Cornell. Location courtesy of Haley Daniel.