"English Tea" Vegan and Gluten-free style

My friend Jane and I wanted to put on an English afternoon tea for a few friends.  Over the past few weeks we have been considering what this should look like considering some of us are vegan or gluten free or both; of course there are some who can just eat anything & not be bothered at all.
Yesterday was the big day and I must admit I was very pleased with the results!

Jane makes some fabulous short bread and a stellar trifle, both which were well received by those who can tolerate some dairy and gluten. We also added some store bought "normal" scones and baklava.

However, the biggest selection came on the vegan and gluten-free table. We figured that even those who can eat dairy and gluten would really enjoy the chance to take a step on the wild side and try these delights!
In the foreground right are open avocado sandwiches; to the left are two types of scones, behind which are a bowl of dairy free cream and a bowl of strawberry jam. Centre are open chickpea vegan mayo sandwiches topped either with baby tomatoes or baby cucumber slices.To the right of them are crustini: g-f bread topped with a cashew cream & then either mushroom medley or caramelized  onions which is then baked. Behind these are 2 types of mini quiches. On the blue plate is some delicious chocolate and raspberry cake made by my friend Bev. Just in front of this yummy cake is a plate with vegan marg next to some rather good store bought stem ginger cookies. On the little raise platter are some store bought almond balls behind which are a bowl of strawberries.
Finally at the to the far left of the table (back of first picture) is a plate with g-f banana & walnut bread and a plate with little petit fours cases holding some chocolate covered berries and almond.




My fantastic house-mates Lauri & Tom provided the beautiful table cloths and china. And it was so wonderful to be able to use their traditional tea trolley for the teas and cups
It really was so much fun putting this on and everyone said how much they enjoyed it, so Jane & I are planning to do this again. I am so grateful that I live with Tom and Lauri, being able to entertain again is such a huge BLESSING Their generosity in letting me use their beautiful possessions overwhelms me.
I will try to get the recipes up here over the next couple of days, so please bear with me.
                         Love & blessings
                                   Debbie