TIME FOR TEA

TV presenter and cake-lover Mel Giedroyc explains why she’s supporting Marie Curie’s Blooming Great Tea Party.

"I’m at my peak at 4pm, so I much prefer a tea party to a posh night out," says Mel Giedroyc.

"I love hosting a Blooming Great Tea Party for Marie Curie because there’s something about an afternoon party that just says naughtiness to me. You have a gaggle of your favourite friends around you, and it’s the perfect opportunity for a good old gossip.”

Mel’s enthusiasm for parties with proper tea and tasty cakes has led to her flying the flag for Marie Curie’s summer fundraising campaign for the fourth time, and this year John Lewis is also lending its support. The idea behind the Blooming Great Tea Party is simple: host a gathering for family, friends and neighbours in return for donations to Marie Curie, which help the charity to support people living with terminal illness.

Mel is currently preparing for the event by brushing up on the tips she picked up from experts on The Great British Bake-Off and from her mother, a keen cake-maker.

“The idea of a tea party is just so British, isn’t it? The world may be going crazy around us, but we’ll still sit here and drink lovely tea out of porcelain cups, and eat gorgeous sandwiches and cakes.”

On 9 June, why not take part in a special Blooming Great Tea Party at John Lewis cafés and Place To Eat restaurants? Or you can organise your own party this summer. Simply visit mariecurie.org.uk/edition to sign up - you’ll receive a free fundraising pack, with tips to help host your own event.

SIMPLE TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL TEA PARTY

Keep everyone happy

by including gluten- and dairy-free recipes. Use ground almonds instead of flour, coconut oil instead of butter, and dates, raisins and bananas to provide natural sweetness.

Mix and match your china,

and combine different cake stands in varying shapes and heights, all bearing generous heaps of cakes and brownies.

Reflect the season with fresh flowers.

Edible flowers such as nasturtium, viola and rose make pretty cake toppings, and a few drops of lavender or rose extract give frosting a delicate flavour.

Include a ‘no-bake’ fridge cake

for speed and simplicity. Try a modern spin on the classic ‘rocky road’, using miniature marshmallows and popcorn.