How Do You Prepare A Menu For High Tea?

Hosting people can seem a bit daunting at first. From cleaning the house, preparing the menu, to cooking food, the idea of having people over can be overwhelming. Worry not! We will make this process seamless for you. Treat your guest to a high tea party. We have advice for setting your scene, featuring tea and delicious food options.

What is high tea?

The British tradition of high tea is often confused with afternoon tea. Both the phrases are believed to be interchangeable, with no difference between them. We will start with clearing the confusion that they are not. The afternoon tea, served around 4 pm, became fashionable in the early 19th century. This British tradition, started by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, was preserved for society’s upper tier.

Simultaneously, the newly industrialised Britain’s working-class did not have the luxury to sit down while enjoying their tea along with finger sandwiches and dainty desserts. They had to wait after their work to enjoy tea and wanted something substantially more filling than just tea, cakes, and scones. This was named high tea.

Invitations and setting the scene

Setting a date and sending out invites would be a good start. Decide the size of your part based on your budget. Personally, we prefer something small and intimate ourselves. Next on the to-do-list is decorating. Choose an area of your house most appropriate for high tea. Plan sitting arrangements for your guests. Set table and some chairs. You can personalise it according to your theme and aesthetic. Place some flower vases, teas set, napkins, dishes, and play some light background music.

Tea

Many people tend to overlook the tea. It’s a high tea party; people will notice the tea options you provide. It is always a good idea to at least have two options available. Apart from the all-time go-to English Breakfast, you can also choose from chai, herbal tea, green tea blends. More interesting ones can be with chocolate and flowers. You may even add the delicate silver needle tea if you can.

Mocktails

This is the most creative part. Customise your high tea with some unconventional ideas and offer other beverages as an option. Make your High Tea party more memorable with mocktail options like Litchi and coconut cooler, Lemonade, Strawberry fizz, Green Apple Martini (Virgin), Tropical sunrise, and more such exotic options.

Sandwiches

Sandwiches are a traditional must-have at a high tea party. Try grilled corn, capsicum, cheese sandwich, Pesto and Cheddar Cheese Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Cajun shrimps in pita bread, Open bagel with cream cheese and salmon. Having both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options is always a good idea.

Scones

The must-have item on the menu list is scones. Topped with jam and clotted cream, scones are the all-time favourite for any type of tea party. You can have lemon scones, pumpkin scones, Wholemeal date scones, buttermilk scones, cheese and onion scones.

Desserts

Apart from some light gossip, sweets and cakes are the one thing that makes these tea parties appetising. Try various dessert options like caramel tart, macarons, lamingtons, cheesecakes, muffins, etc., to make your party an all-time hit.

The only thing left to do is sit and enjoy the day of the party! Hosting tea parties can be a lot of fun. They are easy to plan and a great way to get together and relax and enjoy yourself with your friends and family.