As you prepare to host or attend a traditional afternoon high tea, understanding proper etiquette is essential. The long-held British tradition of high tea has spread worldwide, but many are unsure of the correct way to set up and enjoy these elaborate tea services. With delicate china, tiered platters, and an array of sweet and savory treats, high tea can seem intimidating. However, following some simple guidelines regarding attire, preparation, and manners will ensure you make the most of this refined social event. From the history of high tea to how to properly hold a teacup and sample the assortment of offerings, use this guide to gain confidence in enjoying a proper high tea service. With the right mindset, you’ll be hosting or attending in style in no time.
The History of the High Tea Tradition
The tradition of afternoon tea, also known as ‘high tea,’ originated in England in the 1840s. Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, would become hungry around 4 pm. Rather than wait until the fashionably late dinner hour of 8 pm, the Duchess started taking tea and snacks in her boudoir. She soon invited friends to join her, making it a social event.
High tea originally consisted of tea, small sandwiches, scones, and pastries. Over time, it evolved into an elaborate social affair with tiered serving trays, linens, and silver tea services. High tea allowed Victorian ladies to socialize and entertain in the afternoon.
The High Tea Set Up
A traditional high tea includes the following components:
- Tea: A variety of loose leaf teas are served in teapots with milk and sugar on the side. Common options include Earl Gray, English breakfast, and Darjeeling.
- Scones: Light, fluffy scones are served with clotted cream, lemon curd, jam, and butter. Fruit scones are popular, made with currants or raisins and topped with the accompaniments.
- Sandwiches: Thinly sliced tea sandwiches feature fillings like cucumber, egg salad, smoked salmon, ham, and cheese on bread with the crusts removed.
- Pastries: Miniature cakes, tarts, cookies and other bite-sized sweets complete the spread. Classic options include Victoria sponge cake, macarons, madeleines, and petit fours.
The high tea tradition lives on today, with many hotels and tea rooms offering a classic afternoon tea experience. Observing proper etiquette makes the event even more enjoyable. So sit up straight, extend your pinky, and savor each delectable morsel with grace and cheer.
What’s Included in a Proper High Tea Set
A traditional high tea set will include a variety of savory and sweet treats to satisfy any appetite. Visit Tea Set Box to explore more high tea sets and discover what they include. To properly enjoy your high tea, familiarize yourself with the items that may be included:
Scones
Light, fluffy scones are a staple of any high tea. They are usually served with clotted cream, a thick cream made by heating and then cooling cream, and fruit preserves like strawberry or apricot jam. Apply the clotted cream and jam to your scones and enjoy.
Tea sandwiches
Delicate finger sandwiches with the crusts cut off are typical. Fillings like cucumber, egg salad, smoked salmon, and ham are common. The sandwiches are meant to be eaten in two or three bites.
Pastries
Petite cakes, tarts, macarons, madeleines, and biscuits are standard. Lemon tarts, fruit tarts, chocolate éclairs, cupcakes, and macarons in a variety of flavors are usually offered. These delicate treats should be enjoyed slowly and mindfully.
Savories
Items like quiche, sausage rolls, cheese twists, and mini quiches are typical savory options. These heartier options help balance out the sweeter elements.
Teas
A variety of premium loose leaf teas are essential. Black, oolong, green, white and herbal tea options allow you to choose a tea to suit your tastes. Ask your server for recommendations to complement the foods.
To properly enjoy your high tea, pace yourself, use the appropriate utensils for each item, engage in pleasant conversation with your companions, and take time to appreciate each delectable bite. With the perfect mix of sweet and savory in a beautiful setting, high tea can be a most enjoyable experience.
How to Set the Table for Afternoon Tea
To properly set the table for a traditional afternoon high tea, there are several essential elements to include:
Fine China
Use your most elegant china tea set for an authentic experience. A classic set includes:
- Teacups and saucers: Place one cup and saucer at each seat. Cup handles should face right.
- Teapot: Choose a pot that will hold enough tea for refills. Place it on a warmer to keep the tea hot.
- Sugar bowl and creamer: For tea that may be lightened and sweetened. Use silver tongs for sugar cubes.
- Linens: Include cloth napkins, a tablecloth and placemats. Embroidered or lace-trimmed linens add a special touch.
Silverware
Afternoon tea is a finger food affair, so minimal cutlery is needed. Provide:
- Small forks: For cakes, scones and other pastries. Place forks face up on the right side of plates.
- Spreader: For jams, curds and clotted cream to top scones. Place on bread plates or napkins.
- Demitasse spoons: For coffee or tea. Place on saucers.
Other Accouterments
Complete the setting with:
- tiered plates: For savories, scones, petit fours and other bite-sized treats.
- bread plates: For scones, toast and tea sandwiches.
- butter knives: If butter is offered. Spreaders can also be used.
- cream and jam: For scones. Provide in serving dishes with spoons.
- lemon wedges: For Earl Gray or fruit tea.
- champagne (optional): For a sparkling variation. Chill before serving.
An artfully arranged afternoon tea table with fine china, silver and delicious delicacies is a sight to behold. Following tradition and etiquette helps ensure a delightful experience for all. Savor each sip of tea and every crumb of cake—a perfect high tea is meant to be an unhurried affair.
High Tea Etiquette Tips
When enjoying afternoon high tea, following proper etiquette is an important part of the experience. High tea originated in England as a light meal to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner. As such, there are a few customary practices to keep in mind.
To begin, dress in business casual or semi-formal attire. For gentlemen, slacks and a button-down shirt are suitable. Ladies may wear a dress, skirt and blouse, or pantsuit. Hats are optional. Arrive a few minutes before your reservation time. Wait to be seated by the host before choosing a table.
Once seated, take time to appreciate the table setting. The three-tiered curate typically holds scones, tea sandwiches, and sweets. Place your napkin on your lap. Wait for the host to pour the tea before adding milk or sugar to taste. Begin by sampling the savory tea sandwiches and scones on the bottom tier, then progress to the sweet treats above. Use utensils as needed, starting from the outside in.
Engage in light conversation with your fellow diners. Discuss the origin of various menu items, your hobbies, favorite books, or places you have traveled. Keep the discussion positive and avoid controversial topics. Thank the server when they refill or clear your plate.
When finished, place your used utensils at the 5 o’clock position on your plate or bowl. Dab your mouth gently with the napkin and leave it loosely folded on the table. Do not stack plates or push items to the center of the table, as the staff will clear the settings.
A gratuity of 15-20% of the total bill is customary for good service. Leave payment with the host on your way out and thank them for the enjoyable afternoon. By following these high tea etiquette tips, you will get the most out of this time-honored English tradition.
Creative High Tea Menu and Table Setting Ideas
A memorable high tea experience is made even more special with creative menu and table setting ideas. As the host, consider the following suggestions to make your high tea unforgettable:
Tiered High Tea Stands
A classic three-tiered high tea stand is ideal for displaying petite sandwiches, scones, pastries and other bite-sized treats. Place the savory items on the bottom tier, scones in the middle and sweet desserts at the top. This allows guests to easily view and access all the options. Source an antique silver stand or modern acrylic version to suit your style.
Themed Menus
Create a theme based on the season, a book or movie, or cultural influences. For spring, offer cucumber sandwiches, lemon poppy seed scones and macaron flowers. A “Mad Hatter” Alice in Wonderland theme could feature “Eat Me” cake pops, “Drink Me” potion bottles and Un-Birthday cupcakes. Chinese-inspired options like steamed bao buns, green tea macarons and mango pudding are perfect for an oriental high tea.
Place Cards
Welcome each guest with a personalized place card at their seat. Handwritten calligraphy cards or printed cards in decorative holders are an elegant touch. You might also consider small gifts like scented soaps, tea infusers or miniature plants as part of the place setting.
Linens and Centerpieces
Pay attention to the small details to make the tablescape Instagram-worthy. Use your finest linens, including tablecloths, napkins and doilies. Fresh or silk floral arrangements, candles, antique books or birdcages make charming centerpieces. Set the scene with props like vintage teapots, cups and saucers.
A high tea party is the perfect opportunity to get creative. With some special touches to the menu, table setting and ambiance, you can craft an event your guests will be talking about for years to come. Focusing on themes, presentation and personalization will make your high tea spread memorable and uniquely you.
Conclusion
As you pour your final cup of tea and finish the last morsel of scone or cake, take a moment to appreciate the refined experience you’ve just enjoyed. Afternoon tea is a chance to slow down, connect with friends or loved ones, and embrace a bit of pomp and circumstance. By following proper etiquette and setting an elegant table, you’ve created an oasis of calm in an otherwise hectic day. Though the tradition of high tea harks back to 19th century Britain, its pleasures remain timeless. With an open and curious mind, you can gain insight into history and culture with each bite and sip. Let the final crumbs of your high tea adventure inspire your ongoing journey of lifelong learning and growth. The simple act of sharing tea has the power to nourish both body and spirit.