Did you know that this week is afternoon tea week? I know! As if I ever need an excuse sit down with a lovely cuppa and some yummy baked goods but still I thought I'd tell you so you have a reason to join me.
I am a bit of an afternoon tea connoisseur, especially since taking up blogging as lots of brands have realised that bloggers are much more likely to come and listen to a talk about pile creams or lice combs for instance if they sweeten the deal with a lovely tea in a nice hotel.
I have even been to what is arguably the home of British afternoon tea, The Ritz Hotel in Picadilly, London, where I gorged myself on a generous pile of dainty treats washed down with a veritable ocean of tea. I still feel a bit guilty about that actually since I went with a friend to kill time while my husband underwent heart surgery. He still keeps bleating on about that.
Anyway back to this week - with the children at home for the hols it is actually more relaxing to enjoy my afternoon tea at home, cocooned in my cosy kitchen while they scatter beads and Lego, games console controllers and bits of paper all over the rest of my house.
Still even though I am at home I wanted to make my tea experience luxurious which I managed thanks to a beautiful afternoon tea set sent to me from Moonpig's varied gift range.
Yes, they do gifts as well as fabulously customisable cards and stunning flower arrangements and bouquets. There really is something for all ages and occasions but I was particularly taken with the "Time For Tea" afternoon tea set which contains:
To see the full range head to Moonpig.com. Order by 7pm Monday to Friday to catch the same day's post.
I am a bit of an afternoon tea connoisseur, especially since taking up blogging as lots of brands have realised that bloggers are much more likely to come and listen to a talk about pile creams or lice combs for instance if they sweeten the deal with a lovely tea in a nice hotel.
I have even been to what is arguably the home of British afternoon tea, The Ritz Hotel in Picadilly, London, where I gorged myself on a generous pile of dainty treats washed down with a veritable ocean of tea. I still feel a bit guilty about that actually since I went with a friend to kill time while my husband underwent heart surgery. He still keeps bleating on about that.
Anyway back to this week - with the children at home for the hols it is actually more relaxing to enjoy my afternoon tea at home, cocooned in my cosy kitchen while they scatter beads and Lego, games console controllers and bits of paper all over the rest of my house.
Still even though I am at home I wanted to make my tea experience luxurious which I managed thanks to a beautiful afternoon tea set sent to me from Moonpig's varied gift range.
- ’Loulou’ Spotty Tea for one set by Bombay Duck in a hat gift box
- Teapot Stainless Steel Tea Strainer
- Eteaket loose Earl Grey Tea
- Meg Rivers artisan cake pack: containing 4 x Mini Megs; Cherry, Carrot, Date & Walnut, Chocolate & Hazelnut and 2 x Shortbread biscuits, Plain & Choc Chip.
I originally planned to give the tea for one set which comprises a cute little tea pot which nestles on top of a tea cup for compact and attractive storage but when I opened the hat box type packaging it came in I just could not bear to be parted from it!
There was so much cake and so many biscuits my one afternoon tea turned into two, shared with my mum and husband. I particularly enjoyed the shortbread biscuits which slipped down very nicely with the aromatic tea.
There are still a few days left of afternoon tea week so I have designated 3pm as tea time for Mummy. Today I helped my 10-year-old son bake a choc chip microwave cake which is a bit naughty as he hates chocolate. Don't worry though as I did make some vanilla cupcakes in the microwave too which were so tasty they didn't make it to the icing stage!
If afternoon tea is not your thing, or you are looking for a lovely gift for a friend or loved one check out the huge range of unusual and original gift boxes including Movie Night, American Brunch, King of the Grill, a cheeky "50 ways to play" set or a Breakfast in Bed kit. I'd love the last one if anyone's wondering what to buy me...
Other gifts include an adorable fairytale stencil set, Princess "grow your own bouquet" kit, pirate themed gifts including a set with crayons and shrinkables and a Mr Happy "grow your own sunflower" set.
Disclaimer: I was sent a Time for Tea set for the purposes of this review. Views and opinions remain honest and my own.