There is something wonderfully comforting about a traditional Devonshire afternoon tea. Freshly baked scones, thick clotted cream, strawberry jam and a pot of freshly brewed tea create a simple treat that feels special without requiring an elaborate menu or hours of preparation.

Whether you are planning a relaxed weekend with family, a birthday celebration, a Mother’s Day surprise or an afternoon with friends, hosting afternoon tea at home is an easy way to bring people together.

The best part? You do not need professional baking skills or expensive tableware. With a little preparation, the right ingredients and a few thoughtful touches, you can create a lovely Devon-inspired afternoon tea in your own kitchen.

In this guide, you will learn what to serve, how to prepare the table, how to arrange the food, how to serve clotted cream and jam the traditional Devon way, and how to make the occasion easier with a ready-made cream tea hamper from Devon Heaven.

What is a traditional Devonshire afternoon tea?

A Devonshire cream tea is a traditional West Country treat centred on scones, clotted cream, jam and tea. It is often enjoyed as part of a larger afternoon tea, which may also include sandwiches, cakes, biscuits and other sweet or savoury snacks.

The key distinction is that a cream tea is simpler than a full afternoon tea. If you want a quick, relaxed treat, scones, cream, jam and tea are enough. If you are entertaining guests for a longer afternoon, you can add sandwiches, small cakes and other nibbles.

For a convenient starting point, explore Devon Heaven’s cream tea and afternoon tea hampers. The range includes options for a traditional cream tea as well as more substantial afternoon tea gifts.

Step 1: Decide how many people you are hosting

Before buying ingredients, work out how many guests will be joining you. This helps you prepare the right amount of food and avoid unnecessary waste.

For a simple cream tea, allow roughly one or two scones per person, depending on their size and what else you plan to serve. Provide enough clotted cream and jam for everyone to enjoy their scones comfortably, alongside a pot of tea.

If you are hosting a full afternoon tea, include smaller portions of sandwiches, cakes and biscuits so guests can sample a little of everything.

Use this simple guide as a starting point:

These are planning estimates rather than strict rules. Adjust the quantities depending on whether you are serving a cream tea alone or a more extensive afternoon tea.

If you would rather spend your time with guests than preparing every item yourself, a ready-made option such as the Devon Cream Tea by Post can simplify the occasion.

Step 2: Gather the essential ingredients

For a classic Devonshire cream tea, keep the ingredients simple. Good-quality basics are all you need.

The essentials

• Scones: Choose plain or fruit scones, depending on your preference.

• Clotted cream: The rich, thick cream is an essential part of the experience.

• Strawberry jam: A traditional choice that pairs beautifully with the cream.

• Tea: English breakfast tea is a familiar option, although you can serve whichever tea your guests enjoy.

• Milk and sugar: Offer these separately so guests can prepare their tea to taste.

You can bake the scones yourself or buy them from a bakery. If you are baking, prepare them in advance where possible, then store them appropriately so they are ready to serve.

For a simple gift-style presentation, Devon Heaven’s Fruit & Plain Scone Hamper is worth exploring. You can also browse the Cake & Biscuit Hampers collection if you want to add more sweet treats to your table.

Should you use plain or fruit scones?

Both are suitable for a cream tea. Plain scones provide a classic, buttery base, while fruit scones add sweetness and a little extra texture.

If you are hosting several guests, serving both varieties is a simple way to give everyone a choice. Remember to check ingredient and allergen information if your guests have dietary requirements.

Step 3: Get the scones ready

Fresh scones can make your afternoon tea feel especially inviting. If you are baking them yourself, prepare them before your guests arrive so you can concentrate on hosting.

Simple preparation tips

1. Follow a reliable scone recipe and measure the ingredients carefully.

2. Avoid overworking the dough, which can make the finished scones less tender.

3. Bake until the scones are risen and cooked through.

4. Allow them to cool sufficiently before arranging them on the serving plate.

5. Serve them fresh, following the recipe’s storage and serving advice.

If you are using shop-bought scones, check the packaging for storage instructions and whether they are best served at room temperature or gently warmed.

Scones should be easy to split and sturdy enough to hold the cream and jam without crumbling excessively. Avoid preparing them so far ahead that they become dry.

A useful hosting tip: Finish as much preparation as possible before guests arrive. You can set out plates, cups, napkins and serving dishes in advance, leaving only the final food arrangement and tea preparation for later.

Step 4: Prepare the clotted cream and jam

Clotted cream and jam are the heart of a Devonshire cream tea, so presentation matters almost as much as the ingredients themselves.

Spoon the clotted cream into a clean serving bowl and place the strawberry jam in a separate dish. This makes serving easier and allows guests to add the amount they prefer.

Keep chilled cream refrigerated until you are ready to serve it. Follow the storage instructions on the packaging, and avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods.

If you are using a jar of jam, provide a clean spoon so guests can serve themselves without mixing the jam and cream.

How much cream and jam should you provide?

The amount depends on the number of guests, the size of the scones and how generously everyone likes to spread their toppings. As a general planning approach, provide enough for each guest to prepare one or two scones, with a little extra available.

If you are hosting a larger group, check the serving sizes of the products you purchase before deciding how much to buy.

For a ready-made option, compare the Devon Cream Tea by Post with the Large Devon Cream Tea by Post. Check the current product descriptions for their contents and intended serving sizes.

Step 5: Follow the traditional Devon way of serving a scone

One of the best-known differences between a Devonshire cream tea and a Cornish cream tea is the order in which the toppings are added.

In the traditional Devon style, the clotted cream goes on first, followed by the jam. The cream is spread onto the cut surface of the scone, and the jam is added on top.

The traditional Cornish approach is usually the reverse: jam first, followed by clotted cream.

There is no need to turn this into a serious debate at your afternoon tea. If you are hosting guests with different preferences, let everyone serve their scones as they like. The most important thing is enjoying the food together.

For a closer look at the regional traditions, read our related guide to Devon vs Cornish cream tea.

How to assemble your Devonshire cream tea

1. Split a scone horizontally using your hands or a suitable knife.

2. Place the two halves on a small plate.

3. Spread clotted cream onto each cut surface.

4. Add strawberry jam on top of the cream.

5. Serve immediately with freshly brewed tea.

You can serve the toppings in separate bowls and let guests assemble their own scones. This is especially useful when hosting a group, as everyone can choose their preferred quantity.

Step 6: Brew a proper pot of tea

A traditional afternoon tea would not be complete without tea. You do not need specialist equipment, but a little attention to preparation can make a noticeable difference.

A straightforward method

• Start with fresh water.

• Use a clean teapot and good-quality tea.

• Follow the tea’s brewing instructions, including the recommended water temperature and steeping time.

• Allow enough time for the tea to develop its flavour.

• Serve in cups with milk, sugar or lemon available separately, depending on the tea being served.

For a familiar British afternoon tea, black tea such as English breakfast is a reliable choice. Earl Grey, green tea and herbal infusions are also suitable if your guests prefer them.

How much tea should you prepare?

A useful starting point is one cup per guest, plus a little extra if people are likely to want a refill. For larger gatherings, consider using two teapots so that you are not constantly returning to the kitchen.

If you are serving several types of tea, label them or tell guests what is available. This small touch makes the table feel more organised.

You can explore Devon Heaven’s Cake, Tea & Biscuits Hamper if you want a gift option centred on tea and sweet treats.

Step 7: Add sandwiches, cakes and other treats

If you want to host a full afternoon tea rather than a simple cream tea, add a small selection of savoury and sweet foods.

The trick is to provide variety without preparing so much food that you spend the entire afternoon in the kitchen.

Savoury options

Consider serving:

• Cucumber sandwiches.

• Egg mayonnaise sandwiches.

• Cheese sandwiches.

• Small savoury biscuits or crackers.

• A few savoury nibbles alongside the main cream tea.

Cut sandwiches into small fingers or triangles so they are easy to eat. Prepare them close enough to serving time that they remain fresh, and store them safely until needed.

For guests who prefer savoury flavours, Devon Heaven’s Cheese & Savoury Hampers offer another source of inspiration.

Sweet options

Alongside scones, you could offer:

• Shortbread biscuits.

• Small slices of sponge cake.

• Miniature cupcakes.

• Fruit cake.

• Biscuits or other bite-sized treats.

You do not need all these items. Two or three additional choices are usually enough to make the table feel generous without overwhelming your guests.

For inspiration, explore the Afternoon Tea Hamper or the Afternoon Tea & Cake Hamper. Check the product pages for current contents and serving details.

Step 8: Set the table beautifully

You do not need expensive crockery or a perfectly matching tea set to create a welcoming afternoon tea.

A clean table, attractive serving dishes and a few thoughtful details can make a big difference.

What you will need

• Tea cups and saucers, or your usual mugs.

• Small plates for the scones and cakes.

• Teaspoons and suitable serving spoons.

• A teapot or tea-making equipment.

• Napkins.

• Separate bowls for clotted cream and jam.

• A cake stand or serving platter, if you have one.

Arrange the scones and cakes on a central platter, with the cream and jam close enough for everyone to reach. Keep hot tea and hot water in a safe place, away from the edge of the table.

Add a few finishing touches

A small vase of flowers, a folded napkin or a seasonal decoration can make the setting feel special. For birthdays and anniversaries, you could add a handwritten card or a small bunch of flowers.

If you are hosting a Christmas afternoon tea, simple festive decorations and seasonal biscuits can create a cosy atmosphere without needing an elaborate theme.

The aim is not perfection. A relaxed, inviting table is far more important than having every detail match.

Step 9: Plan the timing so you can enjoy your guests

One of the easiest ways to make afternoon tea enjoyable is to prepare a simple schedule.

Here is an example for a gathering starting at 3 pm.

Adjust the timing to suit your menu. If you are baking scones from scratch, allow enough time for baking and cooling.

It is also perfectly acceptable to serve everything together. The traditional idea of afternoon tea is about enjoying a leisurely treat, not following a rigid timetable.

Step 10: Make hosting easier with a ready-made cream tea hamper

Preparing everything yourself can be enjoyable, but it takes time. If you are busy with work, organising a birthday or planning a family gathering, a ready-made hamper can take some of the effort out of the process.

Devon Heaven offers several cream tea and afternoon tea options to consider.

Devon Cream Tea by Post

The Devon Cream Tea by Post is a traditional option to consider when you want to enjoy a classic Devonshire cream tea at home or send one as a gift.

Large Devon Cream Tea by Post

The Large Devon Cream Tea by Post is worth considering when you are planning to share a cream tea with family or friends. Check the current product details for portion information.

Afternoon Tea & Cake Hamper

The Afternoon Tea & Cake Hamper is an option to explore if you want something beyond a basic cream tea, with the convenience of a prepared gift selection.

Gluten Free Afternoon Tea

The Gluten Free Afternoon Tea is an option to investigate when catering for someone who avoids gluten. Always check the latest ingredients and allergen information before ordering.

You can compare these with the wider cream tea and afternoon tea collection.

If you want to make your own selection, Devon Heaven also has a Create Custom Hamper collection. Check which products are eligible and whether the available choices suit your requirements.

A note about delivery and storage

If you order a hamper containing fresh clotted cream, plan the delivery date carefully. Follow the supplier’s storage instructions, refrigerate the cream promptly after arrival and check the product dates.

You can find the current details on the Devon Heaven cream tea delivery page.

Step 11: Cater for guests with dietary requirements

A thoughtful host makes sure everyone can enjoy something on the table.

Before the gathering, ask whether anyone has food allergies or dietary requirements. This is particularly important if you are serving products containing wheat, milk, eggs, nuts or other common allergens.

Gluten-free guests

You could look into the Gluten Free Cream Tea by Post or Gluten Free Afternoon Tea if you are considering a ready-made option.

Always check the current ingredient and allergen information. If a guest has coeliac disease or a serious allergy, verify whether the product meets their requirements and take care to avoid cross-contact when preparing and serving food.

Vegetarian guests

Many traditional afternoon tea items can be suitable for vegetarians, but recipes and ingredients vary. Check the ingredients in cakes, biscuits, fillings and other prepared foods rather than assuming every item is suitable.

Vegan guests

Traditional clotted cream is dairy-based, and many standard scones and cakes contain milk, butter or eggs. If you are catering for a vegan guest, prepare suitable alternatives separately and check the ingredients of all packaged foods.

Devon Heaven also offers a Vegan Food & Drink Hamper, which may provide inspiration for alternative food gifting.

The most important rule is to ask your guests in advance and communicate clearly about the ingredients you are serving.

Step 12: Finish with a few thoughtful extras

Once the food and tea are ready, a few personal touches can turn a simple afternoon tea into a memorable occasion.

• For a birthday: Add a small cake, a card or a favourite treat.

• For Mother’s Day: Choose flowers or a handwritten note to accompany the tea.

• For an anniversary: Create a quieter setting with a favourite tea and a selection of cakes.

• For Christmas: Add festive biscuits and seasonal decorations.

• For a thank-you gathering: Invite guests to bring stories and memories to share over tea.

If you are sending an afternoon tea as a present rather than hosting at home, browse Devon Heaven’s birthday hampers, Mother’s Day hampers or gift vouchers.

For further information about the business and its products, visit About Devon Heaven or browse the customer reviews.

Frequently asked questions

What is traditionally served at a Devonshire afternoon tea?

A classic Devonshire cream tea consists of scones, clotted cream, strawberry jam and tea. A larger afternoon tea may also include finger sandwiches, cakes, biscuits and savoury snacks.

Does the cream go on before the jam in Devon?

Yes. In the traditional Devon style, clotted cream is spread onto the scone first, followed by jam. The traditional Cornish method usually places jam first and cream on top.

Should I warm the scones before serving?

Scones can be served fresh at room temperature or gently warmed, depending on your preference and the product instructions. Avoid overheating them, as this can dry them out. If using shop-bought scones, follow the packaging guidance.

How many scones should I allow per person?

One or two scones per person is a reasonable starting point for a cream tea. If you are serving sandwiches, cakes and other snacks as well, one scone per person may be sufficient, depending on its size and your guests’ appetites.

What tea is best for afternoon tea?

English breakfast tea is a popular choice because its robust flavour pairs well with scones, cream and jam. Earl Grey, green tea and herbal infusions are also good options for guests with different preferences.

Can I prepare afternoon tea the day before?

You can prepare much of the tableware, decorations and serving equipment in advance. Some cakes and biscuits can also be made ahead, depending on the recipe. Prepare sandwiches close to serving time and keep perishable foods refrigerated. Follow the storage instructions for clotted cream and other chilled ingredients.

Can I order a cream tea for a group?

Devon Heaven offers a Group Cream Tea to consider for larger gatherings. Check the current product details, portion information and delivery arrangements before ordering.

How can I make afternoon tea easier when hosting several people?

Keep the menu manageable, prepare the table in advance and arrange food on serving platters so guests can help themselves. If time is limited, use a ready-made hamper for the cream tea essentials and supplement it with homemade sandwiches or cakes.

Enjoy a little taste of Devon at home

Hosting a traditional Devonshire afternoon tea does not have to be complicated. Start with good scones, clotted cream, strawberry jam and a pot of tea. Add sandwiches or cakes if you want a more substantial spread, prepare the table before guests arrive, and give everyone time to relax and enjoy the occasion.

Remember the classic Devon serving order: cream first, jam on top. Most importantly, make the experience your own. Whether you are hosting two people for a quiet afternoon or inviting a larger group for a celebration, the best afternoon tea is one shared with good company.

If you would prefer to spend less time preparing and more time enjoying the day, explore Devon Heaven’s cream tea and afternoon tea hampers. You can also browse its Devon food hampers for more ideas for thoughtful food gifts.