High tea at your home

There’s something timeless and elegant about hosting a high tea at home. From delicate pastries to fragrant tea blends, a high tea offers the perfect mix of sophistication and comfort.

Here's all you need to know

While it may seem like a grand affair, creating your own high tea at home can be simple and stress-free with the right planning. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to plan the perfect high tea, including tips on brewing the ideal teas and pairing them with homemade treats like scones, tea cakes, and more.

The heart of your high tea

The tea is the star of any high tea, so choosing a variety of teas that cater to different tastes is key. Here’s how to create a well-rounded selection:

Black Tea: A strong, classic black tea like Earl Grey or Assam is a must-have for high tea. These robust teas pair beautifully with sweet and savory treats, making them a perfect choice for the centerpiece of your spread.
Green Tea: For a lighter, more refreshing option, include a green tea. It’s a great way to cleanse the palate between bites and offers a more delicate flavor that balances rich foods.
Herbal Tea: Having a caffeine-free option is thoughtful, especially for guests who prefer something more relaxing. Chamomile, rooibos, or peppermint teas are great choices for an herbal blend.

💡 Brew each tea at its ideal temperature and steeping time for the best flavor:

Black tea: 95-100°C (200-212°F) for 3-5 minutes.
Green tea: 75-80°C (170-175°F) for 2-3 minutes.
Herbal tea: 95-100°C (200-212°F) for 5-7 minutes.

Sweet and savory delights

The magic of high tea lies in the balance of sweet and savory treats. From buttery scones to dainty sandwiches, here’s how to craft a simple but delightful menu.

Sweet treats:

Scones: A quintessential part of any high tea, scones are best served with clotted cream and jam. For an extra touch, bake your own classic scones at home. They’re simple to make and pair wonderfully with both black and green teas.
Tea cakes: Light, fluffy, and often citrusy, tea cakes are perfect for balancing out a strong tea brew. Lemon drizzle cake or sponge cake cut into small slices or squares work beautifully for high tea.
Cookies: Add some delicate cookies like shortbread or macarons. These small bites offer a nice contrast to more filling items like cakes and scones.

Savory treats:

Finger sandwiches: Keep these simple and elegant. Cucumber with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or egg salad sandwiches are traditional and easy to prepare. Cut the sandwiches into small triangles or rectangles for a classic high tea presentation.
Mini quiches: For something a bit more filling, mini quiches with spinach, cheese, or ham can add a savory, hearty touch to the menu.

💡 Stick to small, bite-sized portions for all your treats to keep things light and allow guests to try a variety of items without getting too full.

Get the balance right

When pairing tea with food, the goal is to enhance the flavors of both the tea and the treat. Here are some simple pairing ideas to elevate your high tea experience:

Black tea + scones with clotted cream and jam: The rich, bold flavors of black tea balance beautifully with the buttery texture of scones. The jam adds a touch of sweetness that complements the tea’s natural depth.
Green tea + lemon tea cake: The subtle bitterness of green tea pairs perfectly with the light, zesty flavor of lemon tea cake. This refreshing combination cleanses the palate and is ideal for a lighter treat.
Herbal tea + shortbread cookies: Herbal teas like chamomile or rooibos have a natural sweetness that pairs well with the buttery richness of shortbread. The light, crumbly texture of the cookies allows the tea’s subtle flavors to shine.

💡 Experiment with different flavor combinations by offering guests a selection of teas alongside a variety of sweet and savory treats. Encourage them to mix and match to find their favorite pairings.

Elevate your high tea experience

How you present your high tea can make all the difference. The key is to create an elegant, but inviting atmosphere that makes guests feel special. Here are some tips for a beautiful high tea setup:

Use tiered trays: A classic high tea setup includes tiered trays to display your treats. Place savory items like sandwiches on the bottom tier and sweet treats like scones and cookies on the higher tiers.
Matching teaware: If possible, use matching teacups, saucers, and teapots for a polished look. If you don’t have a matching set, mix and match vintage teacups for a charming, eclectic vibe.
Add a floral touch: Fresh flowers can instantly elevate your table. Choose a small floral arrangement for the center of the table or scatter small buds around the teacups for a whimsical touch.

💡 Keep the decor simple and elegant. High tea is all about the tea and the treats, so let them be the star of the show.

Start gathering your teapots

Hosting a high tea at home is a delightful way to bring elegance and relaxation into your day. With the right selection of teas and carefully chosen treats, you can create an experience that’s both special and easy to pull off. By focusing on simple, homemade items like scones and tea cakes, and pairing them thoughtfully with a variety of teas, you’ll impress your guests while enjoying the process of crafting your own perfect high tea.

So gather your teapots, bake some delicious treats, and enjoy a charming, homemade high tea that will leave everyone smiling and satisfied.
Happy brewing! 🍵🍰