There is something undeniably magical about slipping back into another era, even if only for an afternoon.

In the early 1900s, life moved at a noticeably slower pace. Women gathered in sunlit drawing rooms, lace curtains gently swaying in the breeze, as the clink of fine china and the scent of freshly baked scones filled the air. Afternoon tea was not just a meal. It was a ritual. A moment of connection, conversation and quiet indulgence.

Today, that sense of elegance finds a natural home in the Blue Mountains. The heritage properties of Mountain Whispers, restored with exquisite care, echo the charm and poise of the very era that perfected the art of afternoon tea.

Whether you are staying with us or recreating the experience at home, curating an early 1900s-style afternoon tea is a beautiful way to honour the past while embracing slow living in the present.

Here is how to bring a vintage tea moment to life.

A Glimpse into the Past: The Golden Age of Afternoon Tea

By the turn of the century, afternoon tea had become a beloved fixture in households across England and Australia. Originating in the mid-1800s as a small snack between lunch and dinner, it evolved into a social ritual, a chance for women to gather, entertain, connect and enjoy a refined yet comforting meal.

In the 1900s the tradition was well-established. Invitations were offered with grace and anticipation. Guests dressed smartly, though never ostentatiously. The hostess prepared an inviting table, a thoughtful menu and an atmosphere that encouraged unhurried conversation.

It was slow travel before slow travel existed, a moment to step away from the world, something many of us crave now more than ever.

Setting the Scene: The Art of 1900s Styling

Creating a vintage afternoon tea begins with ambience. You are not just preparing snacks. You are setting a stage.

Lace and Linen

Start with a crisp white or pastel linen tablecloth, or a lace overlay if you can find one. These small details immediately anchor the look in the era.

Fine China and Silverware

In the early 1900s, tea tables often featured mismatched pieces. The beauty was in the character. Think along the lines of

• floral bone china

• silver or pewter teapots

• tiered cake stands

• crystal tumblers for water or homemade cordial

Much of this charm can be found in vintage shops, or borrowed from family collections. At Mountain Whispers properties, you will find period-appropriate touches already woven throughout the interiors.

Fresh Flowers

Small arrangements of roses, hydrangeas, jasmine or lavender placed in simple vases or teacups bring colour and softness. Abundance was appreciated, but not extravagance.

Soft Music or Nature’s Song

Classical piano, quietly played chamber music or simply the gentle sounds of the Blue Mountains themselves create a beautifully calming backdrop.

A well-set table invites your guests into the moment long before the tea is poured.

What to Serve: A 1900s Afternoon Tea Menu

A true vintage afternoon tea is wonderfully simple. It does not require elaborate baking or impressive culinary skill, only thoughtful pairings and beautiful presentation.

The Tea Selection

Tea is your centrepiece. In the early 1900s, black teas were the most loved, including

• Darjeeling, light and floral

• Ceylon, refreshing and balanced

• Earl Grey, timeless and citrus scented

Herbal infusions such as chamomile, mint and lemon verbena were also enjoyed, especially in the Australian summer.

Set out a small jug of milk, a dish of sugar cubes and a few slices of lemon. Offer tea strainers if using loose leaves. This is a charming nod to the era.

Savouries: The Elegant Beginning

Savouries were delicate and dainty, always understated so as not to overshadow the sweets.

Consider serving

• cucumber sandwiches with lightly salted butter

• smoked salmon with a hint of dill or lemon

• egg mayonnaise sandwiches

• small savoury pastries or cheese puffs

The bread should always be thinly sliced and crustless, the hallmark of refinement.

Scones and Cakes: Classic Comfort

A tiered stand is traditionally arranged with scones at the centre, and for good reason. Nothing defines afternoon tea quite like them.

Serve

• warm scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream

• Madeira cake, subtly sweet and ideal for tea

• Victoria sponge

• seed cake, a nostalgic favourite of the era

Shortbread, lemon tarts, fruit cake or coconut macaroons help round out the menu with gentle sweetness.

The Magic is in the Details

Even the simplest menu shines with thoughtful presentation. Arrange your tiered stand with the sweets on top, scones in the middle and savouries on the bottom.

Fold linen napkins neatly at each place setting. Offer small knives for scones and dainty spoons for jam and cream. Pour tea carefully and never fill the cup to the brim. In the early 1900s, etiquette was as important as flavour.

A vintage afternoon tea should feel intentional, elegant and quietly joyful.

Dress the Part

While not essential, dressing with a nod to the era enhances the sense of playfulness and escape. Think light linen dresses, flowing skirts, lace trims and soft hats or simple hair accessories.

It does not need to be costume-like. A single ribbon-tied braid or lace detail carries the spirit beautifully.

At the Mountain Whispers properties, from the romantic Varenna to the refined Chatelaine, the homes themselves become part of the scene. Their heritage charm makes every moment feel grounded in history.

Bringing the Tradition to Mountain Whispers

Each property in the MW Collection holds the essence of the 1900s within its walls, from ornate fireplaces to curated antique furnishings. They offer an environment where a vintage afternoon tea feels completely at home.

Imagine

• hosting tea in the sunlit veranda at Leura Rose

• setting a lace-covered table with garden views at The Gatsby

• enjoying the views out the large windows at Strawberry Patch

• indulging in a slow, luxurious afternoon high above the valley at Chatelaine

• a garden party at historic Varenna

An afternoon tea becomes a highlight of your stay, a ritual that deepens the feeling of stepping back in time.

The Beauty of Slowing Down

Creating a vintage-style afternoon tea is not about perfection. It is about presence. It is about drawing closer to the people you love, indulging in small luxuries and allowing yourself to step away from the noise of everyday life.

In a world that moves quickly, an afternoon tea invites us to pause.

And if you are thinking ahead to Christmas, a Mountain Whispers gift voucher, available in any denomination, makes a beautiful gesture. It is the gift of experience, memory and much-needed stillness.

So brew the tea, slice the sponge, polish the silver and set the table. The past is calling, and it is inviting you to afternoon tea.