Afternoon Tea Food Ideas for Corporate Catering
Why Afternoon Tea Is Perfect for Corporate Catering
Having afternoon tea in a corporate setting is now a popular choice worldwide, blending relaxed networking with a refined tea menu. In a Pinterest 2024 trends report, user searches for "afternoon tea party ideas" went up 165% (Source: Forbes, 2024), inspiring teams to start planning an afternoon spread with classic tea recipes and afternoon tea recipes. Offering high tea–style finger food, from savoury bites to a scone or cake, a well-planned afternoon tea gives employees a refreshing break that boosts morale, productivity, and well-being. The blog provides various afternoon tea ideas for you to choose from and make the office day end on a great note!
Key Takeaway
- An afternoon tea party is a great opportunity to showcase dedication and professionalism
- 10 different savoury and sweet options to serve at your afternoon tea party
- Various tea options are available that can be added to the food categories
Best Afternoon Tea Food Ideas for Corporate Events
Afternoon tea shines when the menu offers a choice: have flavour combinations with a pot of tea. You can mix savoury bites with sweet favourites in the afternoon. Typically served between 3 PM and 5 PM, a curated afternoon snack that's easy to eat while mingling, drawing from reliable high tea recipes and afternoon tea recipes. In the next section, we'll explore some of the most popular foods that are best for afternoon tea sessions. Catering Zone in Sydney is well known for catering all these items to any event for corporate firms and more.
Savoury Bites: Perfect for Energising Your Team
1. Finger Sandwich Platter
A finger sandwich platter is one of the best options to be served with afternoon tea. It is a classic, bite-sized option for a sophisticated session. A sandwich with the fillings of chicken pesto, mayonnaise & herb oil makes it a delicious choice beside a cup of tea. It is a great option to keep your team energised and nourished throughout the event.
2. Gourmet Sausage Roll
It's a flawless option for people who want to have something savoury beside a delicious cup of afternoon tea. Adding a touch of elegance to the tea cup party, it brings a delicious fragrance of freshly baked sausage rolls. A savoury favourite for a team to get motivated and discover new ideas with a gourmet twist.
3. Beef Skewers
An afternoon tea would be missing out on a juicy and flavorful item if beef skewers are not tried yet. Blended with smoky paprika, it is a high-protein option for a savoury touch. This item, integrated into tea sessions, can energise a team without much effort, as they will feel relaxed, having a combination of flavours bursting in their mouth.
4. Grilled Vegetables & Spinach Frittata
For balanced energy, having something light would be a great option. Grilled vegetables and spinach frittata are going to be a light addition of flavour to your afternoon tea. A great option for vegetarians who want to try something that helps them feel relaxed and be part of a team.
5. Gluten-Free Mixed Italian Arancini
With a delicious option for an afternoon tea, a gluten-free mixed Italian arancini is going to be unforgettable. Each arancini ball is a warm, golden delight, packed with rich, savoury flavours that will elevate any gathering. These arancini are the ideal choice for meetings where you need to impress and satisfy every guest, prioritising dietary needs.
Sweet Treats: Indulgence with Class
6. The Crusty Croissants
A freshly baked crusty croissant, along with a hot, delicious afternoon tea, gives a cozy vibe to the team environment. Feeling comfortable with each other beside something deliciously warm, such as a croissant, is a great way to make them connected. Flaky, buttery tomato croissants give a refined touch with sweet flavour.
7. Assorted Macarons
A delicious option for someone who wants to add a welcoming touch to the afternoon tea. An elegant, delicate confection for a sweet bite. Perfectly crafted to create a heartwarming experience for the team. With colourful options available, it adds various tones to the elegance of the afternoon tea. Available with the nutty flavours, including roasted almond, it brings a roasted taste to the sweet assortments of macarons.
8. Assorted Lamington
A crumbled mess that adds flavour to the afternoon tea. Sponge-like chocolate covered with chocolate icing makes it a unique choice for a corporate event. With a unique Australian treat, assorted lamington is perfect for an afternoon tea party in corporate settings. Team members will feel delighted to have freshly baked hot lamingtons in various options covered with sizzling coconut bites.
Platters for All: Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing
9. Workday Sweet & Savoury Platter
A balanced platter that caters to various tastes can make your team feel energised and refreshed. With a mixture of sweet and savoury options, the platter caters to various dietary needs and tastes. From the flaky, cheese-infused croissants to the vibrant, fresh chia pudding and tangy yoghurt with crunchy granola, the workday platter adds sophistication and comfort to an afternoon tea party. With a variety of delicious flavours bursting in the mouth, it makes a team feel refreshed after a busy day.
10. Tea Time Executive Platter
A curated selection for executive-level events. Each item on the tea time executive platter complements the other in an afternoon tea. Guaranteed to impress your employees and guests, it is a great choice to delight the taste buds. The delicate and elegant confectionery brings an element of refinement and intricacy to the party environment. Every bite of the various items on the platter- sweet, savoury, and fresh fruit adds a touch of grace to the table.
Pairing Your Afternoon Tea: A Quick Guide for Corporate Events
There are many tea options available that can be added to the food categories mentioned above. Explore which tea would be a better choice for complementing the food items, and elevate the experience of the team members, creating a memorable impact.
FAQ: Common Questions About Afternoon Tea for Corporate Events
Can I serve afternoon tea in an outdoor corporate setting?
Yes, it is possible to serve afternoon tea in an outdoor space. However, certain things need to be taken into consideration, such as the weather conditions, insects, food safety, and other miscellaneous problems.
What are some tips for catering afternoon tea for a large corporate group?
Gather information from the guests on their dietary needs, preferences, and budget. Then cater the party according to their taste and preferred style. Ensure that there is a variety of options available for the guests, and the food is kept fresh during the party.
How do I accommodate dietary restrictions at an afternoon tea event?
Collect information from your teammates about what kind of dietary restrictions they need. Communicate clearly with the caterer about each restriction and ensure that the food provided is available in various options. Also, make sure that the information about common allergens is provided on the labels.
How can I make afternoon tea more formal for a corporate setting?
To make an afternoon tea party more formal, add elegant touches like tiered stands, fine china, and custom branding. Offer a variety of tea options, add intricate napkins, and serve elegant items to bring a sophisticated vision of the party. With a well-organised tea table setting, ask the teammates to come to the party in formal dress.
What are the best times to serve afternoon tea during a corporate event?
The best options for serving afternoon tea are around 3 PM and 5 PM, as it is generally after lunchtime and before dinner. Generally, 4 PM is the most popular choice for corporate events.
Conclusion: Plan the Perfect Afternoon Tea for Your Next Corporate Event
Afternoon tea is a perfect choice for bringing the teammates together to relax and seek comfort from each other. The happier the team members are with the party food, the stronger their bonding. With a variety of tea options and various food items that complement each other, it can be welcoming for all involved, making them feel that their preferences are valued and their presence in the party matters.
Catering Zone offers various meal options that suit any budget or individual dietary requirements for an afternoon tea party. Our highly skilled and professional chefs and staff work closely with you to understand your requirements and deliver delicious meals full of nutritional value.
Call us at 02 93262365 for your next catering order. Visit our website to learn more.
