There is something classy, chic, and so adorable about high tea parties. The perfect high tea should make us feel like royals, at least for the afternoon, while we enjoy a dainty meal with a cup of tea and with the most important factor, good company!
Before you send out the invitations make sure you read this handy guide to putting on a winner high tea. Follow these simple steps and you’ll make even the most refined jaw drop in awe!
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Get your tableware kit
Dressing to impress doesn’t stop at the wardrobe. Your dining or coffee table is going to be the focal point for the afternoon so give it the same attention as you would when picking out the perfect shoes to match your dress.
Selecting the right tableware kit will be the difference between a run of the mill party and a classy, stylish high tea fit for a queen.
Pick a chic centrepiece: vase or a high tea stand
The first step to adding some flair to your table is to select a centrepiece that will draw your guests’ attention but not overpower your table display. Since this is a high tea party, why not select a high tea stand to present those yummy homemade sandwiches and treats?
Invest time in choosing unique and interesting tableware pieces
Once you have chosen a suitable centrepiece, you can work from the inside out. Choose complementary pieces and table accessories that represent your personality and your sense of impeccable style.
Opt for small, decorative side plates to give the appearance of refinement and elegance. Floral patterns and soft pastel colours also lend themselves well to the sophistication of high teas.
Shop your high tea essentials
Find and try the best high tea recipes in advance
A table top to die for deserves the tastiest of treats and high teas are the perfect opportunity to showcase your culinary skills for sweet and savoury alike. Let’s take a look at some of the staple high tea recipes to get your guests’ taste buds going:
The basics: sandwiches
No high tea spread would be complete without a few finger sandwiches. The great thing about sandwiches is that they are so versatile — you can really let your imagination run wild.
Give the traditional cucumber sandwich a modern twist, by slicing it into thin ribbons and placing them on to whole wheat bread with a zingy, lemon herb butter. Or be experimental and try a little smoked salmon tartare and avocado on some pumpernickel rounds. There is no reason for your bread to be boring!
The British classic: scones
British cuisine doesn’t have the best reputation in the world, but they did give us the scone! This simple but delicious baked good is what makes a high tea. Plain or with fruit, the classic serving of buttery scones with thick clotted cream and fruity conserve is always a crowd pleaser, but why not get a little creative?
You could play with flavours by trying a pumpkin and lemonade scone or go savoury with zucchini and cheddar or sweet potato scones and beetroot jam. Make interesting tweaks and your guests will be begging you for the recipe.
The treats: tea cakes, buns, and patisserie
A high tea is the perfect excuse to forget the diet and delve into some decadent and delicious sweet treats. Give the Aussie favourite, the lamington, a sassy modern twist with some red velvet sponge, or coconut and passionfruit.
Macarons are a high tea must-have, and this delicate French fancy is perfect for experimenting with flavours. White chocolate and raspberry ganache, pistachio and rose cream, or lemon and ginger are a few of our favourites. Plus, macarons look so pretty, and they will be the delight of the table when displayed on that beautiful high tea stand.
Of course, if baking isn’t your thing, you can always outsource it! Gathar is a nation-wide chef and catering service getting rave reviews online and it seems there’s nothing they can’t prepare.
Prepare yourself in advance
The most important thing for any successful party is planning. Not only will preparation pay off in the final presentation, but you’ll also feel calmer and be able to enjoy the day. Your good mood will also make for a pleasant atmosphere, making everyone more joyful and up for fun. As well as prepping the table and the food, there are a few other things to consider when planning the perfect high tea.
Choose a room with a lot of light and beautiful view
You want to create the right ambiance for your high tea party. If the weather allows, a garden setting would be ideal. Or, if it’s a little on the hot (or cool) side, a conservatory overlooking the lawn would be just as perfect.
Decorate with lots of flowers
If your high tea party is taking place indoors, or you don’t have a garden view then bring the beauty of nature inside. Have one statement bouquet of flowers in a designer vase, or a have a selection of single bud-vases around the table to bring a gorgeous fresh, floral scent and show-off your flair for interior styling.
Create a special playlist
What would a party be without some background music to set the tone? Vintage high teas are all the rage and would be complete with some 1920’s swing and jazz playing softly. Or if you’re going for a classier theme, then some classical piano could be the perfect accompaniment.
Do not forget your smile and good mood
If you have followed our simple, no-stress guide, then this will be easy! With this fail-proof plan you’ll be feeling confident and know that everything is in its perfect place. All that’s left for you to do is relax, enjoy catching up with the girls and delight in their compliments on your excellent style and hosting skills!
About the author
Anna is the founder and chief designer of AnnaVasily, a boutique platform for exclusive designer tableware based in Australia. She started her career in France where she learnt the art of silver coating, glass engraving and the secrets of the Venetian mirror making. Anna became increasingly passionate about glass and went to America where she formalised her skills. In 1992, the nostalgia brought her and her husband back to Greece, where they started their own production. Since 1999, the company has been collaborating with hotels and restaurants, as well as industry stars like Gordon Ramsey. But only in 2017, Anna created the brand AnnaVasily as it is today.
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Disclaimer: This post was first published in August 2019 and continues to be updated with latest information. It contains some affiliate links. This means, if you purchase an item we may receive a commission on that sale of the products at no extra cost to you.
