There’s something timeless about afternoon tea. A quiet pause in the day, a beautifully set table, a few sweet treats, and good company — or simply a moment to yourself. While traditional afternoon tea often leans toward scones and finger sandwiches, we believe chocolate deserves a place at the table too.

At Makana Confections, we think creating a chocolate-inspired afternoon tea at home is one of life’s simplest luxuries. Whether you're hosting friends, celebrating a special occasion, or just slowing down for an hour on the weekend, here’s how to create the perfect chocolate afternoon tea experience.

Start with the Perfect Brew

The foundation of any great afternoon tea is, of course, the tea itself.

Classic options such as Earl Grey, English Breakfast, or Darjeeling pair beautifully with chocolate. Herbal teas like peppermint and chamomile can also complement rich cocoa flavours, while coffee or hot chocolate make equally delicious alternatives.

For a particularly decadent pairing:

• Earl Grey pairs beautifully with 72% Dark Chocolate Orange Snaps
• English Breakfast complements Chocolate Dipped Macadamia Shortbread
• Coffee is a natural match for Truffle Medley

Build a Chocolate-Inspired Tea Stand

A classic three-tier tea stand is perfect for showcasing a range of textures and flavours.

Bottom Tier: Savoury Bites

Traditional finger sandwiches, mini quiches, or savoury crackers help balance the sweetness.

Middle Tier: Buttery Baked Treats

Few things pair with tea better than buttery biscuits, and Makana’s Chocolate Dipped Macadamia Shortbread is made for this occasion. The rich milk chocolate, crumbly shortbread, and roasted macadamias create a luxurious combination that pairs beautifully with black tea.

You can also add a homemade treat inspired by our Makana Moments recipes, such as Grand Cacao Scones or Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies, for an extra personal touch.

Top Tier: Chocolate Indulgence

This is where the magic happens.

Create a selection with:

• Truffle Medley for a variety of silky ganache-filled truffles
• Mint or Espresso Stix for a crisp, elegant chocolate treat
• Macadamia Butter Toffee Crunch for a rich, buttery favourite
• Marlborough Sea Salt Caramels for the perfect sweet-salty finish

Add Seasonal New Zealand Fruit

Bring balance to this rich afternoon tea spread with a selection of seasonal fruit. From bright citrus and kiwifruit to pears, apples and feijoas, these fresh flavours provide a lovely contrast to rich chocolate while adding colour and brightness to your table. Consider adding sliced green or golden kiwifruit, a small basket of mandarins, or a bowl of apples stewed with cinnamon. It’s a simple touch that makes the whole spread feel more abundant and beautifully in season.

Pairing Suggestions 

Makana Treat	Perfect Pairing
Chocolate Dipped Macadamia Shortbread	English Breakfast Tea
72% Dark Chocolate Orange Snaps	Earl Grey Tea
72% Dark Chocolate Mint Snaps	Peppermint Tea
Truffle Medley	Flat White or Cappuccino
Macadamia Butter Toffee Crunch	Rich Hot Chocolate
Marlborough Sea Salt Caramels	Espresso

 

Add a Homemade Centrepiece

If you enjoy baking, consider including one of our Makana Moments recipes to make your afternoon tea feel even more special.

A few favourites include:

• Cocoa Rouge Brownies — rich, fudgy, and perfect served in bite-sized squares.
• Chocolate Cookie Sandwich — a fun and indulgent treat for a homemade touch.
• Hot Chocolate — a luxurious alternative to tea on colder days.

These recipes are simple to make and pair beautifully with our handcrafted chocolates.

Set the Scene

Afternoon tea is as much about the atmosphere as the food.

A few simple touches can make the experience feel extra special:

• Fresh flowers or winter greenery
• Your favourite china or serving platters
• Soft background music
• Linen napkins
• Candles or natural light

The goal isn’t perfection — it’s creating a moment to slow down and savour.

A Little Luxury at Home

Some of life’s best moments are the simplest ones.

With a warm cup of tea and a selection of handcrafted chocolates, you can create a beautiful ritual of indulgence right at home.

Whether you choose the buttery crunch of Chocolate Dipped Macadamia Shortbread, the rich elegance of Truffle Medley, or the bold flavour of 72% Dark Chocolate Snaps, chocolate truly deserves a place at afternoon tea.

Because sometimes, the most memorable occasions are the ones we create ourselves.