How to Serve Low Tea

Low tea and high tea are both British traditions. These small afternoon meals are a way to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner. It is also a social gathering for friends and family. There are several traditional items that are used by those who serve low tea as well as a few social conventions that are observed.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Serve low tea in a drawing room or living room. This type of tea is not eaten in a dining room. Outfit the room with all of the traditional items before the guests arrive.
2. Decorate the room with vases of flowers and linen napkins that are placed on top of a coordinating tablecloth. Doilies and small decorative pillows may also be used to lend a delicate look to the room.
3. Brew the tea in a kettle and then pour it into an attractive teapot. Low teas are known for the china pots and cuts that are used, but a silver teapot is also acceptable. The cups should be made of a delicate bone china and should each have a matching saucer.
4. Provide finger foods that the guests can eat easily while socializing. These often include petit fors, scones, cookies, small pastries and finger sandwiches cut into small rectangles. These foods should be presented in an attractive arrangement on platters or delicate china plates.
5. Start at 4 p.m., making sure that everything is available by the time the guests arrive. This will allow the hostess to socialize with the guests and serve tea at the same time. Keep the conversation light and cater to each of the guests requests.

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