What to Expect From Afternoon Tea at Home
How should I prepare for my Afternoon Tea?
We will confirm with you prior to our arrival all major appliances (stove/cooktop, oven, microwave, refrigerator, etc) are in full working order, and there is room for food in your refrigerator and freezer. Your kitchen should be clean and countertops relatively clear so that we have space to work.
Plan to have enough water glasses, napkins and any table linens/placemats you desire. Decorate as you wish! We do request the dining table be free of any decor items to allow for tea stands. (Silverware is not required for afternoon tea, food is designed to be eaten by hand.) Any alcohol you would like to serve and appropriate glassware is at your discretion.
Ingredients / Food Prep
Kitchen tools, pans, knives, cookware, etc.
Fine porcelain plates, cups, saucers and serveware
Tea stands
Coffee and Tea service
What does chef bring?
Where is the food prepared?
Much of your meal is prepared by your private chef in Scottsdale in-home, however to maintain exceptional culinary standards, certain items are prepared in our fully inspected commercial commissary kitchen.
Do you have a printed menu for my guests?
Absolutely!
What time is Afternoon Tea?
Your event can begin any time between the hours of 11 - 4pm any Wednesday through Sunday, you choose the start time. Generally expect your guests to linger 1.5 to 2 hours beyond start time.
How many people can I invite?
Afternoon Tea is a magical sit down event. Your dining table is your limit. Generally 4 - 16 guests are the optimal size.
Do I need to be home while you’re cooking?
This is your choice, we certainly welcome being part of the show if you choose. If you won’t be home when one of our chefs is scheduled to arrive, we’ll just need to arrange entry. Generally, we will arrive two - four hours before your Tea.
What if I have guests with dietary restrictions?
Our Afternoon Tea menus are preset. However, if you or any guest in your party has dietary needs, please inform us at booking and we will strive to ensure our menu options suit you. Kindly note that we cannot accommodate specific allergies without prior notice. Generally vegetarian and gluten-free options can be available upon request. Last minute accommodations (no less than one week notice) may incur additional charges. Due to cross contamination possibilities it is difficult to accommodate those with severe food allergies such as celiac disease. Your cooperation and understanding are valued.
Where do you travel to?
Our service area for Afternoon Tea at home currently includes Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. However, if not too far please ask and we may be able to accommodate you.
One final word, high quality food requires high quality ingredients.
At The Ideal Pastry™ we strive to source the finest ingredients often focusing on organic/non-GMO meats, dairy, fruits and vegetables. We use real butter and cream in our pastries. Our salmon is wild Norwegian, not farmed. Our eggs are always cage-free. We are mindful of the difference quality ingredients make. Unlike most corporate run restaurants where the goal is to lower food cost, our goal is to provide the best quality luxury Afternoon Tea service, period.