#highteaideas

Who doesn’t love a good high tea? There’s something universally pleasing about sipping tea and savouring delicate bites while enjoying a meaningful chat with friends or family. While high tea is often associated with grand hotels or quaint tea rooms, you can easily recreate the experience at home. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, planning an intimate gathering, or simply indulging in some downtime, we’ve got creative high tea ideas to suit every event. Get cosy, pour yourself a cuppa, and discover how to make high tea at home a memorable experience for all.

High Tea vs Afternoon Tea – What’s the Difference?

But first, let's answer an important question you might have wondered about. Is high tea the same as afternoon tea? Not exactly! While both involve tea and bites, their origins and styles differ. Afternoon Tea is a quintessentially British tradition, created in the 19th century for the upper class. Served in the mid-afternoon, it features dainty finger sandwiches, scones, cakes, and light teas. Think elegance and sophistication. High Tea, on the other hand, originated with the working class and was served as a hearty evening meal after work. It included more substantial foods like meat pies, stews, and bread—both filling and practical. Nowadays, “high tea” is simply used to describe tea parties, particularly outside the UK. So, whatever you choose to call your tea party, here are some ideas to get you started.

Classic Afternoon Tea

When it comes to high tea at home, you can’t go wrong with tradition. A classic afternoon tea is simple yet elegant. What to Serve A classic afternoon tea typically features a selection of dainty sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of sweet pastries. Finger Sandwiches Think cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon with dill, or egg and cress. Cut into small, crustless rectangles for a polished look. Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam Always a star of the show. Serve warm with indulgent clotted cream and your favourite fruit preserves. Black Teas Offer classic favourites like Earl Grey, English Breakfast, or Darjeeling. Setting the Scene Keep it chic with dainty china, linen napkins, and soft background music for a sophisticated touch.

Garden Party High Tea

Dreaming of something whimsical? Turn your outdoor space into a fairytale setting with a garden-themed high tea. Perfect for spring or summer entertaining. What to Serve Think of summer colours and fruity or floral flavours. Floral-Inspired Treats Delight guests with rose petal cupcakes, lavender shortbread, or elderflower tarts. These passionfruit creams are always a winner. Seasonal Fruit Add vibrant fruit platters or skewers for a fresh and juicy touch. Herbal Teas Chamomile, rosehip, and hibiscus teas pair beautifully with light garden fare. Setting the Scene Decorate your table with fresh blooms, pastel-hued tableware, and vintage teapots for that enchanted garden feel.

Celebration High Tea

Celebrate life’s big and small moments with a high tea that's all about indulgence. This works wonderfully for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because! Elegant, delicious, and perhaps a tad bubbly! What to Serve From savoury bites to sweet treats, a celebration high tea is all about offering a variety of indulgent and beautifully presented dishes. Luxurious Treats Impress guests with rich chocolate truffles, colourful macarons, and mini quiches. Prosecco or Champagne Add a bubbly toast to elevate the occasion. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling elderflower or apple spritzers. Specialty Teas Opt for something more decadent, like a spiced chai or a fragrant jasmine blend. Setting the Scene Fancy glasses and celebratory place settings are a must.

Themed High Tea

Why not inject some fun and creativity into your tea gathering by choosing a theme? Aligning your menu and décor with a cultural or pop-culture idea ensures your party is truly unforgettable. Ideas to Try Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatter Theme Serve themed treats like “Drink Me” potions (mocktails), mismatched teacups, and brightly coloured sweets. Holiday Tea Spice things up for Christmas with gingerbread biscuits, fruit mince pies, and spiced teas like cinnamon or clove blends. Global Tea Journey Explore teas and snacks from around the world. Serve Turkish delight with mint tea or dim sum with oolong tea for an exotic twist. Setting the Scene Encourage your guests to add to the atmosphere with themed outfits or accessories!

Healthy High Tea

For your health-conscious friends, a lighter version of high tea can still be both delicious and Instagram-worthy. What to Serve Think fresh salads and dips, gluten-free options, and green tea to keep things light and nutritious. Wholesome Snacks Fresh fruit skewers, veggie sticks with hummus, and gluten-free scones. Low-Sugar Desserts Consider raw vegan bites, chia puddings, or lightly sweetened muffins featuring natural ingredients. Green Teas and Infused Water Keep the beverages on the lighter side with green tea, kombucha, or matcha lattes. Setting the Scene Beautiful platters and natural-themed tableware (like wooden boards for serving) will enhance the fresh and wholesome vibe.

Kid-Friendly High Tea

Hosting a party for the little ones? Turn your high tea into an exciting adventure that’s as fun for the kids as it is for you! What to Serve Think colourful, playful, and bite-sized treats that are both delightful and easy for little (and big) hands to enjoy! Bite-Sized Treats Make PB&J sandwiches, and mini cupcakes, and serve kid-friendly biscuits such as these handmade freckle bickies. Fun Drinks Fruity iced teas, pink lemonade, or warm hot chocolate with marshmallows. Interactive Stations Kids can decorate their own cookies or build their own sandwiches. Setting the Scene Bright, themed décor and activities like storytelling or colouring will keep the little ones happily engaged.

Cozy Winter High Tea

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like warming up with a hearty cup of tea and comfort snacks with friends. What to Serve Savoury Pies Mini pot pies, sausage rolls, or spinach and feta pastries offer a hearty twist. Spiced Sweets Gingerbread, cinnamon cookies, and sticky toffee pudding are perfect winter treats. These ginger and date biscuits hit the right note. Hot Beverages Chai tea, mulled cider, or even a decadent hot chocolate will keep everyone cosy. Setting the Scene Plaid tablecloths, candles, and soft blankets will enhance the wintery atmosphere.

DIY High Tea