An Elegant Afternoon Escape. How to Host High Tea our Great Recipes!
High tea, often associated with luxury and elegance, has a rich history dating back to the 19th century in England. It was originally a meal served on high tables, hence the name "high tea." Today, high tea has evolved into a sophisticated social gathering, typically enjoyed in the late afternoon with a selection of savory and sweet treats.
Tea and high tea are often used interchangeably, but in reality, they refer to two different dining experiences. Let's delve into the nuances that set them apart.
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What is Tea?
Tea, also known as afternoon tea or low tea, is a light meal typically served in the late afternoon. It originated in England in the 19th century and was initially enjoyed by the aristocracy. Tea consists of a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, cakes, and pastries. It is usually accompanied by a pot of hot tea, such as Earl Grey or English Breakfast.
What is High Tea?
Contrary to popular belief, high tea is not a fancy affair served on fine china. In fact, high tea is a more substantial meal that is typically enjoyed in the early evening. It originated among the working class and was meant to be a hearty meal to satisfy hunger after a long day of work. High tea includes dishes like meat pies, quiches, sausage rolls, and other savory items, along with bread and butter. It is called "high" tea because it is served at a high table, as opposed to the low, comfortable seating of afternoon tea.
Key Differences
One of the main differences between tea and high tea is the timing and the type of food served. Tea is a dainty, elegant affair with light, sweet treats, while high tea is a more substantial, savory meal. Additionally, the social connotations of each differ, with tea being associated with leisure and high tea being linked to a working-class meal.
So, the next time you're planning a tea party or dining out, remember the distinction between tea and high tea. Whether you prefer the delicate sandwiches and pastries of tea or the heartier fare of high tea, both offer a unique culinary experience worth savoring.
Expect well crafted cocktails or light sips incliuding bubbly to add to the experience.
What to Serve at High Tea
When hosting a high tea, it is essential to have a variety of items to cater to different tastes. Traditional high tea fare includes finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, cakes, pastries, and of course, a selection of fine teas. For a touch of luxury, consider serving champagne or sparkling wine alongside the tea.
Menu Selection
For the menu, offer a variety of savory and sweet items to cater to different tastes. Traditional high tea foods include cucumber sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and Victoria sponge cake. Don't forget to include a selection of teas, such as Earl Grey, English Breakfast, and herbal blends.
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Recipes for High Tea
For those looking to elevate their high tea experience, here are a few recipes to impress your guests:
Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
Ingredients: - Thinly sliced cucumber - Cream cheese - Fresh dill - White bread slices
Instructions: 1. Spread cream cheese on one side of each bread slice. 2. Place cucumber slices on half of the bread slices. 3. Sprinkle fresh dill over the cucumber. 4. Top with the remaining bread slices. 5. Cut off the crusts and slice into triangles or rectangles.
🍸 Cocktail Recipes
1. Elderflower Fizz Royale (Elegant, floral, and sparkling—classic Fizzy Tart style.)
📌 Ingredients:
• 1 oz St-Germain elderflower liqueur
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• 4 oz Champagne or prosecco
• Lemon twist & edible flower for garnish
🥂 Instructions:
1. Add St-Germain and lemon juice to a chilled flute.
2. Top with Champagne or prosecco.
3. Garnish with a lemon twist and an edible flower.
2. The Patio Daddy-O Martini (Retro yet refined—a playful spin on a classic martini.)
📌 Ingredients:
• 2 oz gin (or vodka)
• ½ oz dry vermouth
• ½ oz orange liqueur (like Cointreau)
• Dash of orange bitters
• Green olive or citrus peel for garnish
🍸 Instructions:
1. Stir ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
2. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
3. Garnish with a green olive or a citrus peel twist.
3. Raspberry Bramble Spritz (Fruity, refreshing, and slightly sparkling.)
📌 Ingredients:
• 1 ½ oz gin
• ½ oz Chambord (raspberry liqueur)
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• 3 oz soda water or sparkling rosé
• Fresh raspberries & mint for garnish
🍹 Instructions:
1. Shake gin, Chambord, and lemon juice with ice.
2. Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
3. Top with soda water or sparkling rosé.
4. Garnish with fresh raspberries and mint.
🥂 High Tea-Inspired Bites
1. Smoked Salmon & Dill Blinis (Sophisticated, easy to eat, and pairs well with Champagne.)
📌 Ingredients:
• Mini blinis (or small pancake rounds)
• 3 oz smoked salmon
• 2 tbsp crème fraîche or whipped cream cheese
• Fresh dill & lemon zest for garnish
🍽 Instructions:
1. Spread crème fraîche over each blini.
2. Top with smoked salmon.
3. Garnish with fresh dill and lemon zest.
2. Mini Goat Cheese & Fig Crostini (Sweet & savory, with a touch of elegance.)
📌 Ingredients:
• Baguette slices (toasted)
• 4 oz goat cheese
• 2 tbsp fig jam
• Honey drizzle & crushed walnuts
🍽 Instructions:
1. Spread goat cheese on each toasted baguette slice.
2. Add a dollop of fig jam.
3. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with walnuts.
3. Lemon & Lavender Shortbread (Delicate, buttery, and floral—perfect for tea.)
📌 Ingredients:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• ½ tsp dried culinary lavender
🍪 Instructions:
1. Mix butter and sugar until fluffy.
2. Add flour, lemon zest, and lavender—mix until a dough forms.
3. Roll out and cut into shapes.
4. Bake at 325°F for 12-15 minutes.
Prince of Scots Barware for a Luxurious High Tea
To add a touch of luxury to your high tea experience, consider using Prince of Scots Barware. Their exquisite collection of barware, including elegant tea sets, teapots, and serving trays, will elevate your high tea to a whole new level of sophistication. With their attention to detail and quality craftsmanship, Prince of Scots Barware is the perfect choice for creating a luxurious high tea spread that will impress even the most discerning guests.
Whether you are hosting a special occasion or simply indulging in a leisurely afternoon tea, incorporating Prince of Scots Barware into your high tea setup will ensure a memorable and elegant experience for all.
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Setting the Scene
When hosting a high tea, it's important to set the right ambiance. Use a tablecloth, fine china, and elegant teacups to create a sophisticated atmosphere. Consider adding fresh flowers or candles as a centerpiece to enhance the mood.
Etiquette and Serving
When serving high tea, remember to follow proper etiquette. Serve the tea first, followed by the food. Offer milk, sugar, and lemon on the side for guests to customize their tea. Use a tiered cake stand to display the food attractively and make it easy for guests to serve themselves.
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Entertainment
To keep your guests entertained, consider incorporating some traditional high tea activities. You could have a game of croquet in the garden, a hat-making station, or even a tea tasting session. Live music or a string quartet can also add a touch of elegance to the event.
Final Touches
Before the event, double-check all the details to ensure everything runs smoothly. Set the table ahead of time, prepare the food and tea, and make sure you have enough seating for all your guests. Consider providing small party favors or thank you gifts for guests to take home as a token of appreciation.
By following these expert tips, you can host a high tea event that is sure to impress your guests and create lasting memories. So put the kettle on, dust off your teacups, and get ready to host a sophisticated and enjoyable high tea gathering.