Host your own High Tea
Hosting your own high tea can mean the ultimate afternoon of indulgence. Here you will find tips, menu ideas and recipes to make your afternoon the height of sophistication.
The Tea
It's important to begin with some quality loose-leaf tea. Traditionally, high tea is served with a black tea such as English Breakfast or Early Grey, but these days anything from chai to herbal teas can be served. Choose something that you and your guests will enjoy. As long as the tea is high quality everyone will be happy.
Try T2 Tea, Adore Tea or The Berry Tea Shop for some ideas.
The Menu
In a high tea the food usually involves sandwiches, scones, and sweets.
Sandwiches
- These are traditionally made of white bread but brown and grain breads are now also served.
- Crusts must be cut off and sandwiches should be cut into either fingers or triangles.
- Usually a cucumber sandwich, a salmon and dill sandwich, and at least one other variety is provided. See the recipes page for some delicious sandwich fillings.
Scones
- These should be served warm and accompanied by jam and whipped or clotted cream.
- Usually, each guest is served a plain scone and a fruit scone. See the recipes page for some amazing, fail-safe scones.
Sweets
- These can vary widely, from cupcakes, to slices, to chocolate-dipped strawberries.
- Usually a selection of four small sweets is provided for each guest.
- See the recipes page for some lovely ideas. You can also get creative with your menu by providing small savouries, such as mini quiche, or by adding bubbly to the drinks offered. Really, it's up to you to make it your own!
The Setting
An elegant setting for a high tea is just as important as the tea itself. Without this ceremony high tea just becomes some food and a drink!
- Cover a low table with a tablecloth, and bring out the china and silverware.
- Provide each guest with a tea cup, saucer and plate, a teaspoon, and a butter knife.
- Put out a small jug of milk and a sugar bowl.
- Arrange the food on a tiered cake stand, with sandwiches at the bottom, scones on the middle tier, and sweets at the top.
- Brew the tea in a teapot, and place on the table when ready. Now sit back and enjoy!