High tea, also known as afternoon tea, originated in the mid-19th century in England. It was initially a social event for the working class, where they would have a substantial meal with tea after a long day of work. Today, high tea has evolved into an elegant and sophisticated affair enjoyed people of all classes and age groups. If you want to serve high tea at home and impress your guests with a memorable experience, there are a few key elements to consider.
1. Setting the Table:
Creating an inviting and aesthetically pleasing table is crucial for a successful high tea. Begin selecting a tablecloth that coordinates with your theme or color scheme. Opt for a fine linen cloth for an elegant touch. Use lace doilies or placemats to add a vintage charm.
Next, choose the appropriate tea set, preferably one made of fine bone china or porcelain. It typically consists of teacups, saucers, a teapot, a sugar bowl, and a creamer. To add an extra touch of elegance, consider using tiered cake stands to display your delicious treats.
2. Selecting the Tea:
The selection of tea is the centerpiece of your high tea experience. Ensure you have a variety of tea options to cater to different preferences. In addition to black tea, offer green tea, herbal infusions, and flavored teas like Earl Grey or chamomile. This will accommodate guests who may not be fans of traditional black tea.
When serving tea, provide a tea strainer or infuser for loose-leaf tea, as well as tea bags for convenience. Use a kettle or teapot with a cozy to keep the tea warm throughout the event. Remember to heat the teapot before brewing the tea to maintain its temperature.
3. Preparing the Food:
Serving a delectable assortment of sweet and savory treats is essential to a memorable high tea. Prepare the following components to create a balanced menu:
a) Finger Sandwiches:
Traditional high tea sandwiches are typically made with thinly sliced bread. Opt for a variety of fillings, such as cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon and dill, and egg salad. Trim off the crusts and cut the sandwiches into small, bite-sized triangles or rectangles.
b) Scones:
Scones are a quintessential part of high tea. Serve them warm with clotted cream, strawberry jam, or lemon curd. You can make traditional plain or fruit scones, or get creative with different flavors like chocolate chip or cranberry-orange.
c) Pastries and Cakes:
Offer a selection of small pastries and cakes to satisfy your guests’ sweet cravings. Classic options include lemon bars, éclairs, macarons, and Victoria sponge cake. Display them elegantly on your tiered cake stands for a sophisticated touch.
d) Biscuits and Cookies:
Add an assortment of biscuits and cookies to your spread. Shortbread, gingerbread, and chocolate chip cookies are popular choices. You can also include crisp biscuits like Digestives or Jammie Dodgers for a traditional British touch.
4. Presentation and Decorations:
Presentation plays a vital role in creating an enticing ambiance for your high tea. Use cake stands, tiered trays, or antique plates to display your treats attractively. Arrange the food in a visually appealing manner, alternating colors and textures.
Add a floral centerpiece to your table, using fresh flowers or floral arrangements. Ensure they are not too tall, as they may obstruct conversation across the table. Consider incorporating your theme or color scheme into the decorations, such as using pastel-colored table accents for a spring-themed tea party.
5. Etiquette and Atmosphere:
To truly capture the essence of high tea, it’s important to create a relaxed and elegant atmosphere. Play soft, classical music or instrumental tunes to set the mood. Make sure the volume is low enough for guests to converse comfortably without straining their voices.
Tea etiquette is also crucial. Teach your guests the proper way to hold a teacup (with the pinky down, despite popular belief), how to stir tea without clinking the spoon against the cup, and the correct order to add milk and sugar to the tea. Encourage conversation and create an inclusive and welcoming environment for your guests to enjoy.
6. Serving High Tea:
As a host, it’s essential to ensure a smooth flow of the high tea experience. Serve each guest a cup of tea, asking for their preference in tea strength, milk, and sweeteners. Offer refills throughout the event, being attentive to empty cups and teapots.
Bring out the savory finger sandwiches first, followed the scones, clotted cream, and jams. Finally, present the selection of pastries, cakes, biscuits, and cookies. Make sure to keep a balance between restocking the table with fresh treats and not overwhelming your guests with too many options at once.
7. Catering to Dietary Restrictions and Preferences:
In today’s world, it is crucial to consider dietary restrictions and preferences when hosting any gathering. Therefore, it’s essential to prepare a variety of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options. Label each item to indicate its ingredients, enabling guests to make informed choices.
Additionally, consider providing alternative milk options such as almond or soy milk, as some guests may have lactose intolerance or dietary preferences. When in doubt, it’s a good idea to communicate with your guests before the event to inquire about any food allergies or restrictions to ensure everyone can enjoy the high tea experience.
Serving high tea at home can be a delightful and memorable experience for both you and your guests. By paying attention to the table setting, tea selection, food preparation, presentation, atmosphere, and etiquette, you can create an ambiance reminiscent of a luxurious tearoom. Remember to cater to dietary restrictions and preferences, providing a wide range of options. With these guidelines in mind, your high tea gathering is sure to be a resounding success, leaving your guests feeling pampered and well-cared for.