What to Serve for a High Tea?

Page Contents

What to Serve for a High Tea? A Comprehensive Guide to a Delicious Affair

A high tea spread features a balanced offering of savory and sweet treats, typically including a selection of finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of petit fours and pastries, all accompanied by a curated selection of teas.

Understanding the Art of High Tea

High tea, also known as afternoon tea or sometimes simply “tea,” is a delightful culinary experience steeped in history and tradition. Originally a meal for the working class in the 19th century, it has evolved into a more elegant and leisurely affair enjoyed around the world. Understanding its components is key to hosting a memorable event.

The Essential Components of a High Tea Menu

A well-planned high tea menu offers a variety of flavors and textures, ensuring there’s something to please every palate. The key is to balance the savory with the sweet and to provide a range of options within each category.

Savories: These are the first items presented and typically consist of finger sandwiches, quiches, and other bite-sized appetizers.
Scones: Warm, freshly baked scones are a must-have for any high tea. They are traditionally served with clotted cream and jam.
Sweets: A selection of petit fours, cakes, pastries, and other delectable desserts completes the menu.

A Detailed Look at Savory Selections

Savory items are critical for balancing the sweetness that follows. Focus on using fresh, high-quality ingredients and creating a variety of flavors and textures.

Finger Sandwiches: These are typically crustless and cut into small, elegant shapes. Popular fillings include cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon, egg salad, and chicken salad.
Quiches: Mini quiches are a great addition, offering a warm and savory option.
Other Savories: Consider adding small pastries like sausage rolls or cheese straws for added variety.

The Scone: Star of the Show

No high tea is complete without scones. The quality of the scones can make or break the experience.

Classic Scones: These are the most traditional option and are typically made with flour, butter, sugar, and milk.
Flavored Scones: Explore options like fruit scones (with raisins or cranberries) or cheese scones for a different twist.
Serving: Serve warm scones immediately with clotted cream and jam. Devonshire clotted cream is considered the gold standard.

Decadent Delights: Sweet Treats and Petit Fours

The final tier of a high tea typically showcases a selection of sweet treats, offering a visually appealing and delicious conclusion to the meal.

Petit Fours: These are small, delicate cakes and pastries that are often elaborately decorated.
Cakes: Miniature cakes, like Victoria sponge or chocolate cupcakes, are popular choices.
Pastries: Macarons, éclairs, and mini tarts add a touch of elegance and variety.
Chocolate: A small offering of fine chocolates can also be a welcome addition.

Tea Selection: The Heart of High Tea

The tea selection is just as important as the food. Offer a variety of teas to cater to different preferences.

Black Teas: Earl Grey, English Breakfast, and Darjeeling are classic choices.
Green Teas: Sencha and Jasmine tea offer a lighter, more floral option.
Herbal Teas: Peppermint, chamomile, and other herbal infusions provide caffeine-free alternatives.

Presentation Matters: Setting the Scene for High Tea

The presentation of a high tea is crucial to creating a memorable experience.

Table Setting: Use fine china, linen napkins, and silverware.
Tiered Stands: Display the food on tiered stands, with savories on the bottom, scones in the middle, and sweets on top.
Floral Arrangements: Add fresh flowers to the table for a touch of elegance.

Balancing the Menu: Tips for a Harmonious High Tea

Creating a successful high tea menu is all about balance and variety. Consider these tips:

Variety: Offer a range of flavors and textures to appeal to different tastes.
Portion Size: Keep everything bite-sized and manageable.
Seasonality: Use fresh, seasonal ingredients whenever possible.
Dietary Restrictions: Be mindful of any dietary restrictions or allergies among your guests and offer alternatives.

High Tea Timeline: Structuring Your Service

The order in which high tea is served is traditional and follows a specific structure.

Welcome: Guests are seated and offered a selection of teas.
Savories: The first tier of the tiered stand is presented, featuring finger sandwiches and other savory items.
Scones: Warm scones are served with clotted cream and jam.
Sweets: The final tier of sweets is presented, allowing guests to indulge in petit fours, cakes, and pastries.
Farewell: Guests are offered a final cup of tea and bid farewell.

High Tea Etiquette: Ensuring a Gracious Affair

While high tea is about enjoyment, knowing the basic etiquette adds to the experience.

Tea Etiquette: Always pour tea for others before yourself. Stir gently and never leave your spoon in the cup.
Food Etiquette: Use a knife and fork for scones (if desired), and eat finger sandwiches and petit fours with your fingers.
Conversation: Engage in polite and pleasant conversation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hosting High Tea

While high tea is a delightful affair, certain pitfalls can diminish the experience. Be mindful of these common mistakes:

Insufficient Tea: Ensuring an ample supply of tea varieties is vital. Running out of a popular blend or not catering to caffeine preferences can disrupt the experience.
Dry or Stale Scones: The freshness of scones is paramount. Preparing them too far in advance or improperly storing them can lead to dryness and detract from their delicate texture.
Unbalanced Flavors: Failing to achieve a harmonious balance between savory and sweet items can overwhelm the palate. A menu dominated by sweetness can lead to fatigue.

Frequently Asked Questions About High Tea

What is the difference between high tea and afternoon tea?

High tea was traditionally a meal for the working class, served later in the day and featuring heartier dishes like meat pies and potatoes. Afternoon tea, on the other hand, was a more refined affair enjoyed by the upper class and typically included sandwiches, scones, and pastries. Today, the terms are often used interchangeably, though the more accurate and traditional term for the lighter, elegant meal is afternoon tea.

What kind of tea should I serve at a high tea?

Offering a variety of teas is essential. Include classic black teas like Earl Grey and English Breakfast, as well as green teas, herbal infusions, and perhaps a flavored black tea like a fruit-infused blend. Consider providing both caffeinated and decaffeinated options.

How many finger sandwiches should I plan per person?

A good rule of thumb is to plan for 3-4 finger sandwiches per person. This allows for a sufficient savory offering without being overwhelming.

What is clotted cream, and can I substitute it?

Clotted cream is a thick, rich cream made by heating unpasteurized cow’s milk. It’s a traditional accompaniment to scones. While difficult to perfectly replicate, mascarpone cheese or a whipped cream thickened with crème fraîche can serve as substitutes, though they won’t offer the exact same flavor and texture.

Can I make scones ahead of time?

Ideally, scones are best served freshly baked and warm. However, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake them just before serving. You can also reheat cooled scones briefly in a warm oven.

What is the proper way to eat a scone?

Traditionally, scones are broken in half horizontally, and then each half is spread with clotted cream and jam. Avoid cutting the scone with a knife if possible.

What are some vegetarian or vegan options for high tea?

For vegetarians, cucumber and cream cheese, egg salad, and cheese sandwiches are good options. Vegan sandwiches can include avocado and sprouts, hummus and roasted vegetables, or vegan cream cheese and cucumber. For sweets, look for vegan-friendly cakes and pastries or make your own using plant-based ingredients.

How do I cater to gluten-free guests at high tea?

Offer gluten-free bread for sandwiches and gluten-free scones made with a gluten-free flour blend. Many cakes and pastries can also be made gluten-free using alternative flours. Clearly label all gluten-free items to avoid cross-contamination.

How much food should I prepare in total for each guest?

The amount of food will depend on the length of the high tea and the overall menu. Generally, aim for 3-4 finger sandwiches, 1-2 scones, and 2-3 sweet treats per person. Adjust quantities based on your guests’ appetites.

How can I keep the food fresh during high tea?

Cover the food with damp paper towels or cling film to prevent it from drying out. Keep sandwiches in the refrigerator until shortly before serving. Serve scones warm and sweets chilled as appropriate.

What kind of music is appropriate for high tea?

Soft, instrumental music is ideal for creating a relaxing and elegant atmosphere. Consider classical music, jazz standards, or ambient soundscapes.

Is it necessary to dress up for high tea?

While not always required, dressing up can enhance the experience. Smart casual attire is usually appropriate, but you can encourage your guests to wear more formal attire if you wish.