Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

It's not a proper tea without tea sandwiches. This recipe combines the two best-possible tea sandwich fillings, so let's hope Mom is a good sharer.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Another afternoon-tea classic: fancied-up asparagus spears.

Cardamom-Cheddar Straws

People eat cheese straws by the handful. Cardamom makes these flaky treats indefinably better.

Zesty Lemon Tea Sandwiches

Another tea sandwich: the cookie version. These dainty lemon rounds are perfect for a spring afternoon.

Love Bites

Heart-shaped shortbreads look so pretty on a tray!

Triple-Chocolate and Espresso Brownies

Cut these rich layered brownies into small cubes for a more elegant presentation. (Also so that Mom won't think she's eating as much as she actually is.)

Flourless Honey-Almond Cake

No one's saying you have to prepare all these recipes for one afternoon tea. Still, a cake is traditional. This flourless almond cake is easy, gorgeous, and delicious.

Double-Dipped Strawberries

You could serve a fruit salad, but wouldn't chocolate-dipped strawberries be more fun?

Spiced Tea

For many people, the least-interesting part of a fancy tea is the tea itself. Here's a spiced, iced version that's more like a punch — and may be more suitable for a May afternoon.

Cranberry Apple Tea

...And if you choose a hot tea, this sweet-tart brew is delicious. Dust off the teapot you got as a wedding present, find the good china cups, and raise a toast to Mother!