Pigs in a Blanket and a Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea Picnic

Pigs in a blanket are the playful savoury addition to our Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea Picnic, a whimsical summer gathering with friends featuring classic afternoon tea favorites, homemade treats, and charming Wonderland-inspired details.

A Mad Hatter Afternoon in the Garden

This year, our annual summer afternoon tea picnic takes on a playful twist inspired by the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland. With colorful, vintage china, fresh flowers, and a table set beneath the summer sky, Margaret and Raymond's garden becomes the perfect setting for a Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea Picnic. As always, we share the day with our dear friends, whose laughter and conversation make the afternoon every bit as memorable as the food.

The Wonderland Tree

The magic sets place under the bower of a sprawling ornamental pear tree. Loreto and Raymond do a fabulous job hanging from the branches colorful paper lanterns, vintage birdcages, and whimsical clocks that instantly transport us into the eccentric world of Alice in Wonderland. Gently swaying in the summer breeze, these playful decorations set the tone for the afternoon, creating an enchanting canopy where time seems to stand still and every glance reveals another delightful surprise.

Setting the Table

Creating the table is always one of Margaret's and my favorite parts of hosting. We mix mismatched vintage China with floral linens, cake stands, fresh blooms, and charming little details that evoke Alice's Mad Tea Party without feeling overdone. Beneath the decorated tree, a long table awaits with four eclectic chairs, each painted in a different color, inviting everyone to linger over tea and conversation. The result is elegant, intriguing, and just quirky enough to make everyone feel as though they have stepped into a storybook.

Each place setting features layered vintage plates, napkins in holders, a spreader, a teacup and saucer, and a glass filled with a strawberry smoothie, accented by a single bloom in a petite glass vase. Two teapots stand ready to pour, one with herbal tea and the other with Earl Grey, while clusters of candles in different colors and on candle holders of varying heights add warmth and ambiance. A couple of sugar bowls and creamers, a tower of mismatched vintage teacups topped with a single peony, together with jam jars shaped like frosted cupcakes, add even more charm to the colorful ensemble. At the corner of the table, a large yellow ceramic teacup overflows with lush pink, coral, and cream peonies nestled in baby's breath, creating a cheerful floral focal point.

Small stands displaying favorite quotes from Alice in Wonderland are tucked throughout the table, alongside an ornate mantel clock-a humorous reminder that, at the Mad Hatter's tea party, time doesn't always behave as expected.

The Wonderland Details

A nearby side table continues the story with enchanting details. A well-loved stuffed White Rabbit sits beside a miniature teapot, while a glass-domed stand displays a cupcake candle and a whimsical mantel clock adds to the nostalgic charm. An old teapot overflowing with fresh flowers brings a touch of nature, while quaint lollipops decorated with edible flowers add a playful sweetness. Completing the scene is an open copy of Alice in Wonderland, turned to the unforgettable Mad Tea Party chapter. Together, these thoughtful touches transform an afternoon tea into an immersive storybook experience.

Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea Menu

As with any traditional Afternoon Tea, the centerpiece of our table is a beautiful three-tier stand.

The bottom tier holds a selection of savory bites: delicious strawberry chicken salad sandwiches, and a vegetarian sandwich of hummus, shredded carrot, and arugula - the perfect little treat for the White Rabbit. On the side, one fun addition fits perfectly with our whimsical theme: homemade mini pigs in a blanket (recipe at the bottom of the post).

The middle tier is reserved for freshly baked traditional English scones, served with homemade vanilla clotted cream and two varieties of homemade jam: peach and raspberry-rhubarb.

On the top tier, delicate naturally gluten-free flower sandwich cookies add a dainty touch and are just a small sample of the sweet treats prepared for our Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea. Around the table, more desserts complete the display: beautiful vanilla cupcakes topped with Swiss meringue buttercream flower frosting and arranged on a candelabra, along with pretty blue butterfly pea flower Madeleines. Strawberry date smoothies and a selection of teas complete the spread, creating a magical table for a leisurely afternoon with friends.

Tea etiquette

The traditional order for enjoying afternoon tea is savory to sweet: sandwiches and other savoury bites first, followed by scones with clotted cream and jam (cream and jam order varies by region), and sweets to finish. All three courses may be enjoyed with your fingers. Tea is poured throughout the gathering, and etiquette calls for lifting the teacup while leaving the saucer on the table. Once stirred, the spoon should be placed on the saucer rather than left in the cup.

How to Make Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs in a blanket are the playful savoury addition to our Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea Picnic. Let's make them together.
First, remove the frozen puff pastry sheet from the freezer and let it thaw before unrolling. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and deep golden brown.
Let the pigs in a blanket cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm on their own or with your favorite dipping sauces, or let them cool completely, pack them into an airtight container, and bring them along for a picnic, potluck, or lunch on the go.

These pigs in a blanket are buttery, flaky, and perfectly crisp on the outside, with juicy, savory smokies tucked inside. The thin layer of mustard adds a subtle tang that balances every bite. They're perfect fresh from the oven, but they're also an easy make-ahead snack.

Friends Who Make It Special

As always, this afternoon is made even more special by sharing it with our dear friends, Margaret and Raymond of Kitchen Frau. Good food, beautiful surroundings, and unhurried conversation are always worth celebrating, especially when enjoyed with people who feel like family. Make sure to check Margaret's recollection of the day with more pictures and the recipe for Strawberry chicken salad sandwiches.

As the last cup of tea is poured and the final sweet is savored, it's not just the whimsical decorations or homemade treats that linger in our memories, but the laughter, stories, and moments shared around the table. We hope this Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea Picnic inspires you to gather your favorite people, set a beautiful table, and create a few magical memories of your own.

More Afternoon Tea Picnic Ideas

• Olive and Anchovy Spirals for a Moody Magic Afternoon Tea
• Cheese Gougères for a Blue and White Afternoon Tea Picnic
• Walnut stuffed Chocolate Dipped Dates and an Afternoon Tea in the Orchard
• Lemon Blueberry Mini Cakes and a Summer Afternoon Tea
• Egg salad sandwiches for a perfect Tea Picnic

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