High tea, known for its elegance and charm, is a classic British tradition that has spread across the globe. If you have ever thought about hosting your own afternoon tea party, this guide will provide you with all the necessary information. From sandwiches and scones, to cakes and recipes, we will walk you through the elements needed to create the perfect high tea menu.
The heart of an afternoon tea party is, of course, the tea itself. The perfect brew sets the tone for the entire event. With countless types of teas available, it’s easy to tailor your tea selection to your guests’ tastes or to the theme of your party.
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Most traditional afternoon teas will serve a blend of black teas, such as Earl Grey or English Breakfast. However, don’t shy away from offering a variety of green, oolong or herbal teas as well. These can provide delightful contrasts and add depth to the overall tea experience.
Whichever teas you choose, remember to brew them correctly. Each type of tea has an optimal brewing temperature and steeping time. Following these guidelines will ensure that the tea is neither too weak nor too bitter.
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After the tea, the next indispensable component of a traditional high tea menu is the savoury items. Sandwiches and scones form the backbone of this category.
The sandwiches served at a tea party are often delicate, finger-sized affairs, making them easy to eat while enjoying a cup of tea. Classic fillings include cucumber, smoked salmon, egg mayonnaise, or ham and mustard, but feel free to experiment with your own combinations.
Scones, on the other hand, are a quintessential British treat. They are typically served warm, split in half, and topped with clotted cream and strawberry jam. However, the sequence of cream and jam has been a subject of debate for years. Whether you’re a ‘cream first’ or a ‘jam first’ advocate, you can’t deny that the combination is irresistibly delicious.
Once your guests have enjoyed their tea and savoury delights, it is time to move on to the sweet treats. Cakes, pastries, and biscuits are the stars in this category.
A classic choice for a high tea menu is the Victoria sponge cake. Named after Queen Victoria, its layers of soft sponge cake, cream, and strawberry jam epitomize British baking. Lemon drizzle cake, with its sweet-tart contrast, also makes for a refreshing change.
For chocolate lovers, a rich and decadent chocolate cake or a tray of brownies is a must. You could also consider serving macarons, eclairs, or fruit tarts to provide a wider range of textures and flavors.
Remember, the key to a successful high tea menu is balance. Make sure your sweet and savoury options complement each other, and that there is a selection that caters to all tastes.
The presentation of your high tea is just as important as the food and drink you serve. Traditional high teas are served on a tiered cake stand, with the sandwiches on the bottom, the scones in the middle, and the cakes and pastries on top.
In terms of extras, you could consider offering a range of sauces and spreads for the sandwiches and scones. Mustard, mayonnaise, and various flavours of jam and cream can enhance the flavours of your savoury items.
For the sweet treats, a dusting of icing sugar, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream could be the perfect finishing touch.
While it may seem daunting to prepare all these items from scratch, many of them are quite easy to make with the right recipes. Simple sandwich recipes are widely available and can be prepared ahead of time. Scone recipes, while slightly more complex, can also be found with step-by-step instructions. As for the cakes and pastries, there are countless recipes online, ranging from simple to intricate, that can guide you through the process.
Remember, the key to a successful high tea is not only the food and drink you serve, but also the atmosphere you create. So, set out your best china, lay out a tablecloth, and put on some calming music. Your guests are sure to appreciate the effort and enjoy the experience of a traditional high tea party.
When hosting an afternoon tea, it’s not just about what you serve, but also how you serve it. The atmosphere you create can make the difference between a good tea party and a truly memorable one. Traditional English afternoon teas are all about elegance and sophistication, so aim to recreate this in your own setting.
Firstly, invest in a good quality tea set if you don’t already have one. This should ideally include a teapot, teacups and saucers, a cream jug, and a sugar bowl. Don’t forget a cake stand for displaying your various treats. A three-tiered stand is the classic choice, allowing you to arrange your menu items from savoury at the bottom to sweet at the top.
The table setup is equally crucial. A clean, ironed tablecloth provides a great base on which to set your table, and cloth napkins add a touch of class. Consider using a floral centrepiece or some tastefully arranged fresh flowers to bring a touch of nature to your table.
Additionally, background music can enhance the atmosphere. Classical or soft jazz music can provide a calming backdrop to your tea afternoon.
Finally, decide on the guest list. Afternoon teas are traditionally an intimate affair, so you may want to limit the number of attendees. This enables easier conversation and a more relaxed, enjoyable experience for all.
A well-thought-out tea menu is central to the success of your high tea. As we’ve covered, it should include a mix of savoury and sweet items, and of course, a selection of teas. Let’s delve into some specific recipes you could use.
For the savoury section, finger sandwiches are a must. Consider a classic English cucumber and cream cheese sandwich. The key is to slice the cucumber thinly and to use good quality cream cheese. For variety, add smoked salmon and dill sandwiches, and perhaps a savoury tart or two.
For sweets, the Victoria sponge is a no-brainer. Its light, airy texture and fruity jam make it a crowd-pleaser. Lemon curd tarts offer a zingy alternative for those who prefer something less sweet. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try your hand at making macarons? They’re a little tricky to get right, but when you do, they’re a real treat.
Remember, everything should be bite-sized or at least easy to eat with one hand – after all, you’ll be holding a teacup in the other!
In conclusion, hosting a high tea is about more than just food and drink. It’s about creating an experience that your guests will remember. From the tea selection to the ambience and the party menu, every element should be thoughtfully considered and beautifully executed.
Remember to prepare as much as you can in advance, so that on the day, you can enjoy the event as much as your guests. And don’t forget to serve the Earl Grey and English Breakfast tea with a smile, after all, it’s the warm hospitality that truly encapsulates the spirit of the traditional British afternoon tea. Whether you’re an experienced host or trying it for the first time, planning your high tea with care is sure to result in a perfect afternoon.