24 November 2016

Afternoon Tea Party Tips - Le Creuset Giveaway - 3-Tier Stand


Afternoon Tea Party Tips - Le Creuset Giveaway - 3-Tier Stand / delightfulrepast.com

Great gift idea! A 3-tier stand is a stylish way to serve hors d'oeuvres at your next party, though of course it is tailor-made for afternoon tea. 

Afternoon tea, the classic British-style afternoon tea, is something I enjoy as often as I can, at home or at a friend's home, at a posh hotel or a cozy tearoom. 

My first posh hotel afternoon tea was at the Empress, now the Fairmont Empress, in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. It was only fitting, since I had heard so much about it from my mother and grandmother who had emigrated from England to Victoria (then eventually to the US). And, of course, we had tea at home. Tea has been my beverage of choice since the age of two. 

I give afternoon teas for my friends and have "converted" many to tea over the years. I've had smaller and larger teas, but most often have four to six people, sometimes indoors and sometimes in the garden in the gazebo. I make two or three different tea sandwiches; scones with clotted cream, lemon curd and raspberry or strawberry jam; shortbread and other sweets. 

The good thing is, nearly all the work is done in advance, so you have time for a bit of a lie-down before putting on your tea frock and greeting your guests. And, if you are new to giving afternoon teas, do keep it simple the first few times. Here’s all you need to know!


Afternoon Tea Party Tips - Le Creuset Giveaway - 3-Tier Stand / www.delightfulrepast.com

How to Throw an Afternoon Tea Party 


1 The three courses, the three S's of tea—sandwiches, scones, and sweets—can be extravagant or simple. Indoors, I usually have guests serve themselves at the tea table and sit round the living room. Outdoors, we sit at the table in the gazebo and have a sideboard for the things that won’t fit on the table. 

The afternoon tea pictured here was what I call a Table Tea in the corner of my kitchen. Did you notice that beautiful red Le Creuset 3-Tier Stand (available in 8 colors)? A 3-tier stand is just the thing for afternoon tea. Sandwiches on the bottom, scones in the middle and sweets on top makes sense to me because I like to eat more sandwiches and fewer sweets.


Afternoon Tea Party Tips - Le Creuset Giveaway - 3-Tier Stand / www.delightfulrepast.com

 Don't forget to Pin it!

2 Invite your guests to dress for the occasion. It will add to the ambience. For the ladies, this means dresses, gloves (removed before eating, of course) and even hats, if they have them. For the gentlemen, the male equivalent (though I usually don't ask anything more than long trousers and polo shirts of the men!). 

My friends and I always create somewhat of a sensation when we go out to tea in our tea attire. We like to think we bring up the tone of the place!

3 Since afternoon tea is a brief occasion, anywhere from one and a half to two hours or so, be sure to put the word “precisely” in front of the time on the invitation (as in “precisely three o’clock”). And, please, don’t call it “high tea,” which is the informal main evening meal sometimes called a “meat tea.” 


Afternoon Tea Party Tips - Le Creuset Giveaway - 3-Tier Stand / www.delightfulrepast.com

4 To make a proper pot of black tea, just before a kettle of freshly drawn water comes to the boil, warm the teapot with hot water, empty it, add one teaspoon of tea leaves for each 8 ounces of water. Immediately pour in the freshly boiling water, let it stand for 5 minutes, stir, and then strain into cups. If you prefer to use a tea ball, be sure it is large enough to allow the tea leaves to unfurl. Serve with sugar or sugar cubes, thin slices (not wedges) of lemon and a small pitcher of milk (never cream).

You'll want to experiment with tea amounts and steeping times, shorter or longer by a minute or two, with each new tea you try to get just the brew you like. 


Afternoon Tea Party Tips - Le Creuset Giveaway - 3-Tier Stand / www.delightfulrepast.com

5 Make one to three kinds of tiny, crustless sandwiches (six to eight total per person), and cover them properly* before refrigerating for a couple of hours until serving time. You might also include savory tartlets, mini quiches or mini meat pies

You'll see the method in the directions for my tea sandwich recipes.

Since this tea was just a "simple" Table Tea in my kitchen, I made just two kinds of sandwiches: Almond Chicken and Egg and Dill Tea Sandwiches


Afternoon Tea Party Tips - Le Creuset Giveaway - 3-Tier Stand / www.delightfulrepast.com

6 Scones, another afternoon tea essential, can also be made ahead; just reheat at the last moment. Homemade are vastly superior to store-bought and so easy to make. Serve with raspberry or strawberry jam, lemon curd and clotted cream


Afternoon Tea Party Tips - Le Creuset Giveaway - 3-Tier Stand / www.delightfulrepast.com

I nearly always cut my scones into wedges because that's the shape my mother and grandmother made. And if you read the recipe, you'll find another good reason. 

7 Make or buy a selection of dainty sweet treats, perhaps three of the following: shortbread or other biscuits (cookies), miniature cream puffs, mini muffins, petits fours and pecan tartlets. 

In addition to my homemade fruitcake, I served Walker's Shortbread and mini eclairs that I bought for the occasion. 

Update 12/01/16: The giveaway is now closed



Afternoon Tea Party Tips - Le Creuset Giveaway - 3-Tier Stand / www.delightfulrepast.com

Le Creuset 3-Tier Stand Giveaway


This giveaway is open to US residents* 18 years of age or older. Leave a comment below (one entry per person) that includes what you want to serve on the 3-tier stand. Please include your email address in the body of your comment. Must enter by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time Wednesday November 30.

*If you are outside the US but would like to have this sent to someone in the US (you would have to send them a gift card separately on your own), go ahead and enter!

Bonus entry: If you are on Twitter, you may have one bonus entry by following Le Creuset on Twitter and Delightful Repast on Twitter. Leave a second comment below with your Twitter name. (Must include Twitter name!) 

Winner will be chosen by random drawing and be announced here in the comments before noon Eastern time on Thursday December 1. If I don't hear back from the winner of the random drawing by noon Eastern time Sunday December 4, another drawing will be held and a new winner selected from the original entrants (those who commented before the giveaway deadline).

Disclosure: Le Creuset provided a 3-tier stand for review purposes and one for the giveaway. I received no compensation. The views expressed here are entirely my own. I always tell my readers what I really think!

145 comments:

Angie's Recipes said...

Wish I could join you for the tea :-)) That's a lovely giveaway, Jean.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Angie. And do join the giveaway if you have someone in the US you want to send it to!

Thomas "Sully" Sullivan said...

I have a shop manual from Taiwan for building a weather satellite that has fewer directions. But I love the ritualistic aspects of your tea ceremonies. I could probably keep it together long enough to not disgrace those formalities…as long as I didn’t actually drink anything. (As you know, the only tea I’ve ever thrown is in the kitchen sink.) And that three-tier jobbie would be handy -- #7 wood screws in the top tray, wing nuts in the middle, washers and sheet metal screws on the bottom. Oh, be nice, Sully. ‘Tis the day to wish you and yours, and all the good people here, a Happy Thanksgiving (even if you live abroad)!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Sully, I just knew you were going to love this one! :D I like your creative use of the 3-tier stand. Le Creuset stoneware is extremely sturdy, so you could definitely use it in the shop.

Lorrie said...

I have a friend in the USA who would love this, so I'll join in. Tea at the Empress here in Victoria is a wonderful experience! I do love tea time and enjoy hosting tea parties at home, too. This Saturday I'm going out for tea with my daughter, granddaughter and my daughter's MIL. Should be a fun time!

Unknown said...

I love the idea of afternoon tea! I'm a tea fan from way back! That is a gorgeous 3-tier stand. I do tasting parties and this would be perfect for display!

Unknown said...

I follow @lecreuset and @delightfulrepas as @writelane on twitter!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Lorrie, I actually was thinking of YOU when I came up with the idea of how to include non-US residents! I'm so glad this works for you!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Cindy, thanks! Isn't tea the best?!

Antiques And Teacups said...

Please enter me! I would be serving the pear walnut scones I am making for Thanksgiving tea this week! And thanks for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
Ruth

Antiques And Teacups said...

Hi Jean...followed on Twitter.. https://twitter.com/antiquesandtea
Ruth

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Ruth, pear walnut scones sound like the perfect autumn scone!

Swathi said...

Can I come for a tea with you. perfect cake stand

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Any time, Swathi! And wouldn't your perfect opera cakes look divine on this?!

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

I love afternoon tea with a tiered stand of goodies. My mother always cut her scones in rounds which of course I do too but the reason for triangles is a good one.
I''m disappointed that LeCreuset won't mail to Canada because I use their red teapot for winter and the plate stand is a perfect match. :-(
My finger sandwiches go on the bottom, scones in the middle and tiny tarts, squares and cookies on the top. Walkers little shortbread scotties are always a favourite to include.

Lucy @ Bake Play Smile said...

Oh what a perfect afternoon tea! I love your tips for making the perfect pot of tea - I'm such a huge tea fan!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Judith, I almost got the shortbread scotties for this! Is there someone in the US you could have this sent to?

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Lucy, thank you. There are a lot of us huge tea fans out there these days!

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

I thoroughly enjoyed your post, Jean. Afternoon tea time is such a civilized past time in this uncivilized world we live in. And I'm with you about the nail scraping effect when one calls afternoon tea "high tea." I also like to cut my scones into triangles but sometimes I do cut them into rounds to get more of them. The tiered stand is so festive in red and tis a pity it doesn't mail to Canada. It will make someone a very nice gift. {All my stands have two tiers so the three would have been lovely}. I always arrange the sandwiches and savories on the bottom and the scones/ sweets on the top. Happy Thanksgiving, Jean!

Blessings,
Sandi

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Sandi. And I'm sorry it can't be mailed to Canada. But do enter if there is someone in the US you'd like to send a gift to.

Anonymous said...

Leslie:
I would like to win this stand to display my Christmas treats when company is over for the holidays. Thank you for doing this giveaway.
leslieannstevenson@yahoo.com

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Leslie, it would be perfect for that!

Karenann S. said...

What a lovely giveaway prize. Please enter me. Thank you so much and Happy Thanksgiving!

Keri justice said...

I would love to serve lemon bars on this three tier tray! Kjustice47@gmail.com

Keri justice said...

This is my extra entry for following you both on twitter @KeriEjustice kjustice47@gmail.com

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Karenann. I hope you are having a wonderful holiday weekend.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Keri, I love lemon bars! And I love this 3-tier stand!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful server! I would love to use it for my afternoon tea sandwiches that include Coronation chicken, a lovely cucumber, and a smoked salmon. Freshly baked scones, and yummy sweets would complete the tea time.

Thank you for this opportunity!

Connie Armstrong
hrmcla@aol.com

Susan Christy said...

I would serve my Christmas cookies and candy on this beautiful 3-tier stand.

TONY said...

You must go to the Pump Rooms in Bath, Jean, where Jane Austen and many of her leading characters took afternoon tea. Include me on the list. I have been there twice. I can't vouch for a glass of the spring water you can get in the tea rooms. It has a strong mineral, salty taste but is suppose to be good for you. I'd keep to the tea and cakes!!!! A gazebo in the garden!! "There's posh!" as Marilyn, who is Welsh by the way, would say. Ha! Ha!

Marisa Franca @ Allourway said...

I think customs and traditions are lovely! I am a coffee drinker from waaaaay back but in the last two years, I've been drinking tea in the morning. I really enjoy it and I enjoy experimenting with different teas. I think it is a shame that we in the US don't dress up a little more and partake in a beautiful tradition as your afternoon tea. Luckily, I'm already following Le Creuset on Twitter as well as you. My name on twitter is @Allourway. My email address is marisa@allourway.com. Now, if I were to make sandwiches for tea, one would definitely be with salmon, another with egg, and a third with avocado and bacon. I've never made scones but this would be the perfect time for me to try and celebrating Italy I would have a variety of biscotti. I don't have a 3-tier stand and I'd love to have one. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Nancy said...

I like to have afternoon tea in new places when we travel. I've been to the Emperess, but didn't have time for tea. Forever disappointed that didn't happen. The last tea I had was for my daughter and myself during the last royal wedding. Not the right time of day, but somehow fitting. I did the full three tier menu. Nothing less would do. I would fill the tiers much like you have described.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Connie, that sounds lovely. I nearly always have cucumber sandwiches, my favorite; but it's been too long since I've made coronation chicken. Thanks for the reminder!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Susan, the stand would b perfect for a beautiful display of cookies and candies!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Tony, I've always wanted to visit Bath. But, as you say, I think I'd keep to the tea and cakes and skip the salty water!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Marisa, sign me up for those avocado and bacon sandwiches. And the biscotti. I don't think I've ever posted my biscotti recipe, which I developed years ago before I discovered the internet!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Oh, Nancy, you've gotten my day off with a chuckle! We royal wedding watchers in the US having our afternoon tea in the middle of the night!

Cocoa and Lavender said...

Wow! That is one more thing we have in common: my first high tea was also at the Empress! Back in 1993. I took Mark there several years ago hoping to recreate the tea I loved, and it had changed so much. What was once an elegant, quiet affair is now a touristed, noisy, crowded circus! It has become such a popular destination that they took away the front porch fo the hotel solely to serve afternoon tea! And the price? Astronomical! We went to the bar instead (The Bengal Room, which has closed) and enjoyed some smoked salmon and a scotch!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

I love it, another thing in common! I was there many years before you when I was very young. It was lovely but already becoming a "thing." I knew one day it would become a circus. I'm glad you were able to experience it before that happened, but sorry Mark was too late!

Karen said...

Hi Jean,
Your three tier plate is indeed lovely. I have a collection of Royal Albert ones and I think I will try using them for appetizers this Christmas. Thank you for the idea. I usually just stack them with sweet treats for wedding/baby showers. I went to Victoria in September and wanted to go to the Empress for tea but it was so costly and I thought I may find some china pretties for the same price (which I did). There was a consignment shop in Oak Bay that had all of my favourite Royal Albert patterns. Thank you for all of your wonderful ideas for having a special tea high tea. Blessings Dear Jean, Karen.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Karen, thanks. I think you made a wise decision to spend your money at the consignment shop rather than on what apparently has become an overpriced not-what-it-once-was experience!

Nancy said...

Thank you Jean, now I'm chuckling too. It didn't seem so odd at the time. Great fun. Royal Doulton and all.

The Victorian Girl said...

Oh, the red stand would be so perfect for Christmas, Valentine's and Fourth of July teas! Among my favorites to put on the stand would be Coronation Chicken, Carrot Cake Scones and Gooey Bars. kellam.susan@yahoo.com

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Susan, the red is perfect for so many occasions, and it comes in 7 other colors for other occasions!

Gram said...

I think it's really neat the way your scone wedges fit on the tea tray.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Gram, you must be a true tea aficionado to notice that! :-)

Gina @ VictorianWannaBe said...

Hi Jean, now I'm jealous, :) for your knowledge of tea parties! Love your choice of words, posh, tea frock! Very cute! Thanks for the tea party tips! Thanks for your recent visit to my tea cart post.
Have a great weekend!
Gina

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Gina, thank you so much! You're ready to go with that tea cart!

Jeanie said...

Oh Rats, my computer crashed just as I sent my comment and I don't know if it made it to you or not. So here we go again.

Basically, first, thanks for hosting the beautiful giveaway and of course I'm eager to enter and keep my fingers crossed!

The other thing I mentioned was that I loved your tea post. A friend and I have given several good-sized tea luncheons. Ours were after a make-and-take event so longer than yours but we tried to live up to the plan of sweets and scones and savories. (You can find the post about it back in May on The Marmelade Gypsy). No matter how many of these I do, I always learn something new, so thanks for that. Bookmarking this to return to next year. (And I'd love to see you in your tea finery!)

I hope your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I'm quite sure it was delicious!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Jeanie, thank you. AND thank you for taking the time to write your comment again after the crash! I'm going to go look up that May post right now.

Kelly M. said...

I would serve my Christmas desserts on the stand!

Kelly M. said...

I follow on Twitter: @keh8998

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Kelly, that would be beautiful, I'm sure!

Anonymous said...

Love the red - I would serve pastries - love teas and enjoyed reading your blog.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Anonymous, thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed the post! I hope you'll leave another comment with your first name and email address for entry. (Format email address like this: myemail at gmail dot com)

Michele @ The Nest at Finch Rest said...

Jean - your tea time hints and inspiration is perfect - thank you!

TYSM for the 3 tier giveaway opportunity! How exciting!
Count me in for sure! Thanks!

Jillian Too said...

I love the idea of using it for tea but the first idea that popped in my head was how perfect it would be for our homemade Christmas cookies. We have so much fun decorating them as a family and then sharing them with relatives on Christmas Day. (jilliantoomey at gmail dot com)

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Jillian, that's a great idea, too! And I'm going to use it for hors d'oeuvres at my next wine evening.

Emma @ Bake Then Eat said...

I love afternoon tea, where I grew up in England (Plymouth) afternoon tea was almost always on the menu and so readily available everywhere from cafes to posh restaurants. I cant say no to a scone, jam and clotted cream :D

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Emma, I *should* have grown up in a place where afternoon tea was readily available! Alas, only at home for many years until it got to be a bit of a "thing."

Susan J Meyerott, M.S. said...

Jean, how very civilized! I'll have to ponder how far I will go with this, but the picture you paint is so delightful! I'm a bit more frivolous and casual--but I think I could have a go at afternoon tea!I would include homemade scones (your recipe) and shortbread formed in brown bag art clay molds with heart and animal designs. I'll have to look at your tea sandwiches--again they look so fresh and inviting.

This makes me think of all the tea parties my daughter had as a child. As a frivolous mother, I thought a girl couldn't have enough tea sets to share with friends--and dolls and dogs.

I loved learning a little bit about your English history and can understand how you came to such a lovely focus on English traditions.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Sue, thank you! You must have been the world's most fun mother! Frivolous can be a very good thing. Sounds like you wouldn't have a bit of trouble putting on an afternoon tea, and I hope you'll include your art as well.

Carlee said...

How pretty!! I am following you and Le Creuset on Twitter (@cookingwcarlee)

Carlee said...

Hmmm, so many things, where to start? It would be fun for serving cookies for Christmas. It would also be fun for serving bite sized appetizers. We love to host so this would be perfect. carleerees@yahoo.com

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Carlee! And it could hold a LOT of mini muffins or mini cupcakes.

Eva Taylor said...

Thank you for commenting on my blog. High tea is something a few of my friends just adore. I've thought about having a tea party for all my girlfriends with daughters (I don't have children) but they are mostly grown up now and off with their own lives. In Toronto, we have the King Edward Hotel that offers a lovely high tea and I believe the Ritz-Carlton does as well, but they are generally quite expensive. The Le Creuset tiered stand is beautiful. I have an address in Arizona that it can be shipped to if I win!
Eva http://kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Eva, I do love a posh hotel tea, but can't indulge too often. I hope you will give a tea for your friends soon, and I'm glad you have someone in the US to send to!

Kaizen Fashion Project said...

I would serve my grandmothers Christmas cookies on that beauty :) Thank you for hosting such a super lovely giveaway!
xoxo

Heather
heatheranne99 at gmail dot com

Kaizen Fashion Project said...

Oh and I'm following you both on Twitter :)
(bohofoxbabe)

heatheranne99 at gmail dot com

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Heather! I always do great giveaways, because it's always something I actually use and like!

Cathy @ My 1929 Charmer said...

I'm jealous too that you have so much knowledge and sorry I live so far that I can't enjoy tea with you. As a child we only drank tea and my Mom never made coffee. So many great teas these days...None of my friends have ever held a tea party. A lovely giveaway your offering.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Cathy! I hope you'll give a tea party soon. Your friends will get hooked, and then you can sit back and relax and just attend *their* tea parties! :D

Anonymous said...

Forgot to post my email from Friday November 25--I love the red -- I have several pieces of the red cookware. I would use it in so many ways -- as I posted earlier for pastries, but it would also be nice for k-cups -etc., or as a decorated centerpiece. I enjoyed reading your blog - thanks, J. email Holtsford@ec.rr.com

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Anon! K-cups, that's one I hadn't thought of!

Sylvia said...

Jean, Thanks so much for the breakdown of a hosting a tea. Simple is good. It was encouraging. Sylvia D.

greentopiaries said...

I would like to serve some of our Christmas breakfast on this stand. It's gorgeous! Thanks for the chance! :)

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Sylvia. I find anymore that if I make too big of a deal out of something, it isn't going to happen! :D Simple is good!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Great idea, greentopiaries! That would be delightful!

bj said...

This stand is beautiful...and RED...it would go right along with my black and white. :)
I would love to serve cookies and fruit to my beautiful Bunco friends on this if I am blessed to be chosen to win. Thanks so much for the chance. xo
and now, your mention of scones is making me hungry for some.
bjconklin2@gmail.com

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Yes, BJ, I can see this in your lovely home! Maybe you'd start a trend and 3-tier stands would become a must at bunco parties!

rush said...

I would serve cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches and egg salad sandwiches. I guess I would try my hand at making scones. At least this once. Then, the sweets — I like the idea of mini eclairs and shortbread. I would also add an expensive chocolate candy — Antony Thomas from Columbus, OH. And, I might just have to turn my offerings upside down! I have a mighty sweet tooth! rush88888 at gmail dot com Thank you for the opportunity to win.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, rush. That sounds wonderful. And you won't have any trouble making scones. Just follow my recipe!

Unknown said...

Now I want tea and scones, Jean, yum, this was a delight. Hope the week ahead treats you kindly. :)

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you so much, Donna. And right back atcha!

Annette, 3 Little Buttons said...

I love a good tea party and have a stand just like this one! Totally in the mood for scones right now. Thank you for sharing with the #dreamteam.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Annette, I'm always so happy to find another afternoon tea fan! Isn't that stand the handiest thing?!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Your tea party looks wonderful, Jean! Wish I could join you for tea sandwiches, scones, and sweets, and of course a pot of tea. The three tiered stand is so pretty! I didn't know that Le Crueset made one. You've styled yours perfectly, too. I'd love to have a chance at winning one!
Also, your post fruitcake looked awesome. I've tried the fruitcake from Collin Street Bakery, and yes it's fabulous. I'm sure yours is even better! I've been slow in getting around to visit because I was in Ohio, visiting my mom and sister, for Thanksgiving.
Happy Baking, Jean!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

P. S. I've always wanted to have tea at the Empress! Maybe one day.....sigh!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Kitty. I hope you had a pleasant journey; I know travel can be difficult Thanksgiving week. Your mom and sister must have been thrilled to have you there.

Kathleen said...

What a lovely stand, I would like to make some goodies to go on that. I love afternoon teas, although these days it may involve coffee. Is that a bad word?

Kathleen
Bloggers Pit Stop

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

No, Kathleen, coffee isn't a bad word! :D I do like cooking with it, though I don't drink it very often AND it will NEVER be served at one of my afternoon teas! You would just have to suffer through it! :D

lkvoyer said...

this 3-tier stand would be perfect to display our Christmas cookies on during our annual neighborhood party. Lkvoyer @ Aol. com

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, LKvoyer! Great idea!

Shirley said...

This would look lovely on the dessert table at my daughter’s wedding this spring!
mengetsl@aol.com

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Shirley, that's a perfect way to use a 3-tier stand!

Margie said...

Wow! You've been a tea drinker since you were two?!? Tea at the Empress is on my bucket list.

I'm not eligible for your fabulous Le Creuset 3-tier stand giveaway. Luckily, I was gifted a yellow one by my brother a few years ago.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Oh, Margie, I love the yellow one, too! And, as you can see, my kitchen is yellow, so that would have been a good choice for me, but the red was calling me!

Pauline Wiles said...

Ah, Jean, thank you thank you for specifying that the tea must be served with milk, never cream!
On my stand I believe I would have:
1) Coronation chicken sandwiches / cream cheese & cucumber sandwiches / prawn mayo sandwiches
2) Scones (Ooh yes, maybe with sultanas in?) Or maybe not... with lemon curd and/or possibly apricot jam. Since you wrote such a gracious post, I'm OK with them being wedge-shaped ;)
3) For the sweet treats, not sure... I'm always quite full by this stage! Your eclairs look good, or maybe mini fairycakes, or mini battenbergs? Or something chocolatey would be super.

This is a lovely giveaway! I'm paulinewiles(at)gmail(dot)com.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Pauline, thank you! I don't really eat the sweet treats either, like you I fill up on sandwiches and scones! Now I'm really in the mood for coronation chicken sandwiches.

Anonymous said...

I would like to serve some of our Christmas breakfast on this stand thank you

Emily @Sinful Nutrition said...

This would be perfect for my cookie swap party I have every year!

CopilotWife said...

I would serve our traditional Christmas goodies- fudge, Mexican wedding cookies, and oatmeal raisin cookies. mmmmmmmm- Good!

CopilotWife said...

Following both! @copilotwife

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Nikki, that sounds like a great way to use it!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Emily, that's another great use for it!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

I need to be there for that, CopilotWife, especially the cookies!

Rachel said...

Hi Jean! I LOVE Le Creuset and this 3-tier stand would be the PERFECT addition to my kitchen. You and I gush over tea all the time on Twitter. Plus my kitchen appliances and accessories are red.

The holiday season is upon us, so I'd fill the stand with Christmas cookies, scones and shortbread. I also have my great aunt's toffee recipe, so I gotta make room for that as well. I hope I win!

Rachel

Rachel said...

Oh, I already follow you on Twitter, and I follow Le Creuset as well. My twitter handle is @riannotti :)

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Rachel, I'm so glad you got in on this! It's a fun one! Perfect for all my tea tweeps!

Heather Lynn said...

I would fill the stand with truffles and fudge!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

That sounds wonderful, Heather! I haven't made either of those things in a long, long time.

Stephanie said...

Good evening, sweet Jean! I hope you are well, dear friend :)

You know I love anything tea related so I simply loved your post. And my, what a generous giveaway! Do you know that I do not have a stand like this and the last time I hosted a tea party I thought to myself that I needed to get one soon {{smiles}}

I would love to be entered into your giveaway. I would likely serve tarts scones, and tea sandwiches on the stand, or possibly tarts, truffles, and petit fours {{smiles}} I like my sweet treats!

Thank you for the opportunity to win this, dear Jean. Have a wonderful week. Hugs!

ellen b said...

I'm not entering the giveaway but just wanted to say that this is a great tutorial for afternoon tea. Your fruitcake/ wedding cake post before this one is a beauty, too.
Have a good week.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Stephanie. I can't believe you don't have a 3-tier stand. You definitely should have one!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Ellen, thanks so much. I'm glad you liked the cake and the tea-torial!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Marilyn. Glad you liked it. Maybe you'll be the winner!

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

I love throwing a tea every now and then! Thanks for sharing your great tips. Love the give away and of course the color of tiered tray you shared is perfect! :) Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Jann! I love the red, but some of the other colors would be nice to have as well.

vossta said...

I would use the stand to serve my homemade cream puffs with custard that was my Great Grandmothers recipe. avosslm at gmail.com

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Annamarie, sign me up for a couple of those! I didn't have the stand a couple months ago when I last made cream puffs. Would be perfect!

Unknown said...

i'd use it for passover treats

- judith j.rontal@gmail.com

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Judith, that would be perfect!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

*Giveaway Winner Announced* - The winner of the Le Creuset 3-tier stand giveaway, by random drawing, is Shirley. Shirley, as soon as you send me, delightfulrepast at aol dot com, your name, address and phone number (required by shipper) as well as your color choice (see colors here http://www.lecreuset.com/3-tier-stand, Le Creuset will ship the package to you. Congratulations!

If I don't hear from the winner of the random drawing by 11:59 am Eastern time Sunday, December 4, another drawing will be held and new winner selected from among the original entrants (those who commented before the giveaway deadline).

This was fun! Watch for more giveaways here at Delightful Repast! In the meantime, follow me on Google, Pinterest and Twitter. You can even use the Follow Me By Email button in the right column.

Shirley said...

Thank you!!Thank you!!! This will look beautiful on the dessert table at my daughter's wedding. I will try to remember to take a picture of it and send to you! Plus it will come in handy for our homemade candy this Christmas!

Now, What color.....to many choices.

Shirley

ps. I love your recipes!!!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Shirley, you're welcome. Please do remember to send me a photo. I know you're going to enjoy this on so many occasions. And, thank you, I'm glad you like my recipes!

Leanna said...

Your three tier tray is gorgeous, love the colour.

The empress hotel high-teas have been famous for a long time as part of Canada's Canadian Pacific hotel chain. I love all these old hotels. They are all very turn of the century Edwardian British style of the day including those amazing high teas.

What a great tradition to share at home. Lovely idea. I can see this as the perfect theme for any type of shower party. Thank you for sharing

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Leanna. Sounds like I need to tour that group of hotels! I just love that style and would feel most at home there.

Our Little Yarden said...

I love a three tiered stand and afternoon tea but I did grow up in England so that is not surprising - thank you for sharing with I am Pinnable

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Amber, thank you. Isn't afternoon tea brilliant!

Louca por porcelana said...

Jean, thanks for your great tips!Love your red stand,so beautiful!Have a lovely weekend!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Maristella. Red is one of my favorite colors, but I gave my red stand to a friend who has a red and white kitchen. Much as I loved it, I knew she'd appreciate it even more!

Bernideen said...

What great tips here Jean! In my tea classes when I had my shop - I called the 3 "s's" Savories, Scones and Sweets! Wonderful pieces in your Give Away! It is so sad that many tea rooms call Afternoon Tea "High Tea". It causes so much confusion and I have had ladies get very angry with me about it. One tea room owner was furious with me over it.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks so much, Bernideen! And when I'm including my mini meat pies or mini quiches or that sort of thing as well as sandwiches, I call it "Savories, Scones and Sweets," too! It really is sad to see tea room operators, people who should definitely know better, calling it "High Tea." It kind of makes me crazy! :-/

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

What a lovely post, Jean! It's interesting that you had your first posh tea at The Empress. The last time we were in BC, my son wanted to take us over to Victoria and I would have headed for the tea room but alas, we ran out of time. Never did get to Victoria. I have two two tiered stands but I would love a three tiered. I am finally able to enjoy tea sandwiches again but don't have the energy to make the scones. But the day will come. I really enjoyed your post and I love the stand! It's a wee bit early, but I wish you and your loved ones a Happy 4th of July next week!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Sandi! I'm glad you're finally able to enjoy tea sandwiches again! Wish I could bring you a basket of scones this afternoon! Hope you get your energy back soon.

Sarah Coller said...

These are great tips for having a lovely tea and your treats look delicious! I usually spend the first part of every September in Bath and love to visit several places for tea while I'm there. Since we're not able to travel normally this year, it was fun to enjoy it through my screen! I hope your readers will visit our Themed Tea Party Blog Hop today! Blessings!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Sarah! I hope my readers will visit your Themed Tea Party Blog Hop, too. Such fun! I'm enjoying visiting every link and "meeting" new-to-me bloggers who share my enthusiasm for tea.

Debbie Walter said...

What a great post!! I love tea parties and it was fun reading this.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Debbie! Can't wait to have friends in again for tea someday!

Dee | GrammysGrid.com said...

I just recently became a flavored tea drinker. Living here in Alabama it's a thing, ice cold sweet tea that is, and although I like it, I'm really enjoying the flavored tea that I steep in boiling hot water with no added ice. Hubby still wants his ice cold sweet tea that we buy at the grocery store or restaurant in gallon size jugs. He then adds ice to the already chilled tea. Thanks so much for linking up at A Themed Linkup 99 for Trays. Pinned.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks so much, Dee! I do enjoy an iced tea once in a while in summer, but I don't like it sweet. My brother's wife was from the South and she made sweet tea (which he loved) with 1 cup of sugar to either a half gallon or a gallon of tea, can't quite remember. Even if it was a gallon, that is a HEAP of sugar!

Dee | GrammysGrid.com said...

That sure is a heap of sugar! I gave up sugar a little while ago so no sugar for me :)

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

That's great. I haven't given it up, but I have been limiting myself to never more than 6 teaspoons of sugar in a day for about a decade. Many days I have none, but when I do I stay under the limit, so NO sweet tea for me!

Dee | GrammysGrid.com said...

CONGRATS, Jean! Your post is FEATURED at A Themed Linkup 100 for Spring Crafts and Decor from the previous linkup for Trays.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Dee!