15 High Tea Secrets to Elevate Your Afternoon Elegance

Oh, high tea—just saying those words makes me smile! There’s something magical about pausing in the middle of the day to savor delicate sandwiches, warm scones, and a perfectly brewed cup of tea. My love for high tea started years ago during a trip to London, where I stumbled into a cozy little tea room. The clink of china, the scent of Earl Grey, and the way everything felt just a bit fancier—I was hooked. Now, I love recreating that experience at home, whether it’s for a special occasion or just because. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why high tea is the ultimate treat for slowing down and indulging.

Why You’ll Love This High Tea

This high tea setup is my go-to for turning an ordinary afternoon into something special. Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Effortlessly elegant: The tiered tray makes even simple sandwiches and scones look like a fancy spread.
• Perfect for sharing: It’s designed for lingering conversations—ideal for bridal showers, birthdays, or just catching up with friends.
• Customizable: Swap teas or mix up sandwich fillings based on what you’re craving (or what’s in your fridge).
• Nostalgic charm: There’s something wonderfully old-world about clotted cream and jam on warm scones.

Honestly? Half the fun is watching everyone’s faces light up when you bring out the tray!

High Tea Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create the perfect high tea spread. I’ve broken it down so you can shop and prep without any fuss—trust me, this is the no-stress way to do it!

• For the tea: 4 cups of Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea (loose leaf or bags), 1 lemon (sliced), 2 sugar cubes, 1/4 cup milk (optional—for those who like it creamy)
• For the sandwiches: 8 finger sandwiches (I do 2 cucumber, 2 smoked salmon, and 4 egg salad—but customize to your crowd!)
• For the scones: 4 fresh scones (warm them slightly before serving), 2 cups clotted cream (the real deal, if you can find it!), 1/2 cup strawberry jam (homemade or a good-quality jarred one)
• For the sweets: 6 assorted pastries—think macarons, petit fours, or éclairs (I cheat and grab these from my favorite bakery when I’m short on time)

Pro tip: Prep sandwiches and slice lemon right before serving to keep everything fresh!

Equipment You’ll Need for High Tea

No need for fancy gadgets—just a few basics to make your high tea feel extra special. Here’s my go-to list:

• Tiered serving tray: The star of the show! A 3-tier one works best for sandwiches, scones, and sweets.
• Teapot with cozy: Keeps your brew warm. Bonus points if it’s pretty enough to match your vibe.
• Small plates & teacups: Mismatched vintage ones add charm, but any delicate set will do.
• Butter knives & spreaders: For slathering on that glorious clotted cream and jam.
• Tiny tongs or serving spoons: Makes grabbing pastries feel fancier (and keeps fingers out of the jam!).

That’s it! Honestly, even a cake stand and your favorite mug will work in a pinch—high tea is all about the mood, not perfection.

How to Prepare High Tea

Okay, let’s get to the fun part—putting it all together! High tea is all about timing and presentation, but don’t stress. Follow these steps, and you’ll look like a pro (even if it’s your first time).

Brewing the Tea

First things first: the tea! Bring fresh water to just under a boil (around 200°F—too hot, and it’ll taste bitter). Steep your Earl Grey or English Breakfast for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like it. Set out lemon slices, sugar cubes, and milk so everyone can customize their cup. Pro tip: Cover the teapot with a cozy to keep it warm while you prep the rest.

Arranging the Tiered Tray

Now, the masterpiece! Start with savory sandwiches on the bottom tier—they’re the heartiest. Space them evenly so they’re easy to grab. Middle tier? That’s for the scones, cream, and jam (keep those covered until serving to avoid drying out). Top tier is all about the sweets—pile on those pastries with flair! Leave a little breathing room between items; it looks prettier and makes serving less messy.

And voilà! You’ve just created a high tea spread that’ll impress even the Queen (well, maybe her tea-loving cousin).

High Tea Serving Suggestions

Here’s the golden rule: start savory, then sweet! Encourage guests to nibble the finger sandwiches first—they’re the foundation. Next, move to scones (split them warm, slather with clotted cream and jam—order debated for centuries, but I say cream first!). Finish with those delicate pastries, all while sipping tea. The progression makes every bite shine, and the tea ties it all together. Pro tip: Keep extra napkins handy—things get delightfully messy!

High Tea Variations

Want to mix things up? High tea is wonderfully flexible! Swap in gluten-free scones for dietary needs, or try herbal teas like chamomile for a caffeine-free option. For savory lovers, add mini quiches instead of sandwiches. Feeling fancy? Swap strawberry jam for lemon curd—it’s heavenly with clotted cream. The beauty? Make it yours!

High Tea Storage Tips

Leftovers? No problem! Store pastries in an airtight container at room temp for a day (any longer, and they’ll lose their crispness). Sandwiches are best eaten fresh, but if needed, wrap them tightly in damp paper towels and refrigerate for a few hours. Scones? Pop them in a ziplock bag and reheat gently in the oven—just 5 minutes at 300°F brings back that fresh-baked magic. Clotted cream and jam? Straight to the fridge, no questions asked!

High Tea Nutritional Information

Just a heads up—nutritional values can vary based on brands and how generous you are with the clotted cream (no judgment here!). These are rough estimates per serving, so enjoy your high tea without overthinking it!

High Tea FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the things people always ask me about throwing the perfect high tea:

Can I prep anything ahead? Absolutely! Make sandwiches 2-3 hours early—just keep them covered with a damp towel to prevent drying. Bake scones the morning of, and rewarm them slightly before serving. Pastries? Store-bought ones are fine to buy a day ahead (just skip the fridge—it makes them soggy).

What’s the best tea for high tea? Earl Grey and English Breakfast are classics for a reason—they pair beautifully with both savory and sweet. But feel free to experiment! A floral Darjeeling or even a fruity herbal blend can be delightful.

Can I do this without a tiered tray? Of course! Use cake stands, pretty plates at different heights, or even overturned bowls under a decorative tray. The key is creating visual layers.

How do I keep everything warm? Scones and tea are the only things that need warmth. Keep scones wrapped in a tea towel until serving, and use a teapot cozy. Sandwiches and pastries are best at room temp!

Share Your High Tea Experience

Did you try this high tea setup? I’d love to hear how it turned out—leave a comment or rating below! Your tips might inspire someone else’s perfect afternoon.

Print