September Teatime (Apples, spice, and a simple tea menu)
Easy teatime menu, make-ahead tips, and a peek at Friday’s new bake.
Hello, September. The light shifts, sweaters inch forward, and the kettle earns its keep again. Today I’m sharing a simple, make-ahead-friendly September Afternoon Tea menu—cozy, unfussy, and perfect for the first cool days.
As I write this, I’m sitting at my desk with my favorite early fall teacup. It always amuses me how the seasons seem to choose the teacup for me.
Without much thought, my hand reaches for one that matches the light and the air outside. Today (and much of this month), it will likely be my Haviland Autumn Leaf teacup—ivory with muted leaves and the simplest gold trim.
Later, as the trees outside turn brilliant with orange and rust, I’ll switch to my Spode India Tree cups, rich with autumn’s colors. It’s one of my favorite small joys: even a simple cup of tea at the keyboard feels in step with the season.
A Simple Early Autumn Menu
Savory
Cucumber Tea Sandwiches (classic and fresh)
Egg Salad Tea Sandwiches (I love a hint of curry flavor to this classic tea sandwich in the autumn months).
Zucchini Rose Tartlets (enjoying the last of late summer produce).
Scones
Serve with: Clotted Cream + Strawberry Jam
Sweets
Mini Bakewell Tarts (buttery, jammy, almond-y)
Or: Your favorite bite-sized cookie from the Afternoon Tea Sweets collection
Sip
Proper Cup of Black Tea (Assam, Darjeeling, or your autumn favorite)
Make-Ahead Notes
Scones: Mix and shape the dough, and then freeze the unbaked scones for later. Bake from frozen + adding a few extra minutes.
Fillings: Make the finger sandwich fillings ahead, like egg salad, or prep the cucumbers the morning of. See this Make Ahead Tea Sandwiches collection for more pro tips!
Bakewell Tarts: Bake one day ahead.
Table: Set cups, plates, and forks the night before—you’ll feel instantly “ready.”
How to Pull It Together (Day-Of Plan)
Preheat the oven for scones; put the kettle on.
Slice cucumbers; assemble sandwiches.
Bake scones while you plate the sweets.
Warm the pot, brew the tea, and exhale. September is here.
Coming Friday on 31Daily:
Copycat Panera Pumpkin Muffins—soft, spiced, and bakery-style. I can’t wait to share them with you.
Inspiring Quote
“September days are here, with summer’s best of weather and autumn’s best of cheer.” — Helen Hunt Jackson
Quick Poll 🍂
I shared earlier about my Haviland Autumn Leaf teacup—the one I reach for this month without even thinking. It made me wonder:
Here’s to a new month with beautiful moments to make!
Stephanie