NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Afternoon Tea Week is here, and we’re using it as an excuse to stuff ourselves with scones and delicious tiny cakes.

But you don’t have to head to a posh hotel to get your tea fix, and an afternoon of sweet treats at home is just as enjoyable.

You will however need a few bits and bobs (including a teapot, obvs), and that’s where we come in.

We’ve picked out everything you need for a tea party at home, from delectable cakes, macarons and brownies to mugs, tea cosies and even a dessert-flavoured tipple.

Read on below for our afternoon tea essentials.

If these beautiful, hand-painted macarons don’t bring a smile to your face, nothing will. The melt-in-the-mouth confections come with a box of Garden of Eden tea for the ultimate afternoon treat.

Buy for £51.50 (for six hand- painted macarons and nine plain) from Oh La La! Macarons.

No time to whip up a selection of sweet stuff? No problem. This box of mini black forest, red velvet and carrot cakes (plus more) will cater for every sweet tooth.

Buy for £32.95 from Patisserie Valerie.

Fancy a teeny tipple to go with your sandwiches, scones and sweet treats? This tiramisu liqueur will be the icing on the cake. Saluti!

Buy for £25 from The Whisky Shop.

Keep your brew hot with this yellow tea cosy with a blue ticking fabric lining.

Buy for £41 from Poppy Treffry.

We’re still crushing on the 1970s retro mood, so this bold, ceramic, butter dish in a contrasting glaze is a very cool addition to your high tea table.

Buy for £29.95 from Bøde Living.

If in doubt, buy a Bundt pan. This aluminium tin is a foolproof way to create a fabulous, vaulted cake and elevate your afternoon tea tablescape.

Buy for £46.40 from Harts of Stur.

These delicious, white chocolate and raspberry blondies, decorated with edible, organic flowers grown in Devon, are almost too pretty to eat. Almost.

Buy from £30 from Blushing Cook.

Caffeine addicts will get a kick out of this curvy, drip filter coffee machine – the best afternoon pick-me-up in a choice of seven colours.

You can’t beat a big mug of tea and these fine bone china designs, inspired by the British countryside, are our top pic.

Buy for £65 from The Village Green.

Get on your brewing A-game with this Scandi-style teapot, with a removable infuser for loose leaf or bags. Definitely our cup of tea.

Buy for £23.35 from Not Just Jugs.

Budding bake-off champs need this cookbook in their kitchens.

Packed with decorating tips and techniques to whip up indulgent brownies, cupcakes, macarons and stuffed cookies for a showstopper afternoon tea.

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