How to Serve English High Tea

High Tea first came about to stave off hunger pangs of the British working class between luncheon and dinner. The well-established tradition was named "High Tea" as food and plenty of tea was consumed while sitting on high stools. What was once a rather down-to-earth affair has become a lavish and high-class tradition not only in Britain but worldwide; between three and four o' clock in the afternoon without fail, "everything stops for tea." Read on to find out how to serve and what might be included in English High Tea.

Things You'll Need

• Teapot
• Creamer
• Sugar bowl
• Bread and butter plates
• Napkins
• Sandwiches with assorted fillings
• Scones
• Strawberry jam
• Lemon curd
• Clotted cream
• Indian, Chinese or Japanese tea

Instructions

It's Tea Time!

1. Set a pretty table for your guests: This will include your best teapot, creamer and sugar bowl (matching would help; however don't worry unnecessarily about what you don't have at the time). Cakes, scones, finger sandwiches with the crusts cut off cut in triangles or strips, all manner of finger foods--that is the key; everything should be eaten with the fingers! A three-tier tea tray makes a pretty and functional adornment to display your prepared finger-foods to your tea guests.

2. Prepare your guests sandwich fillings: These may include salmon and cucumber sliced extremely thin. Ensure that real butter (never mayonnaise!) is used on the bread and that it is room temperature so as not to tear the bread as you spread it thinly with your knife. Other fillings may include smoked salmon sliced wafer-thin or egg-salad with watercress.

3. Fill small bowls with scone fillings: These fillings are for spooning out on individual guests' plates to be spread as delicious accompaniments for their scones. Various jams, lemon curd, Devonshire or clotted cream in individual bowls set amongst the fresh scones. Guests will be provided with their own spoon with their table setting which may include a bread and butter plate, dessert fork, spoon and linen napkin in a napkin ring. Of course, you may substitute anything stated in this article for what you have on hand at home.

4. Serve small pastries: Small portions of quiche, fruit flan, danish pastries and other finger-foods may also be served on your tea display. Your creativity is an endless font; serve delicious foods your guests will enjoy eating.

5. Boil water for the tea: When your high tea guests have all arrived safely, it's time to "put the kettle on" so boil water in your tea kettle. It is essential that the water boils in order to steep or infuse your chosen tea correctly to ensure full bodied flavor and strength. When the water is coming to the boil, pour a little of it into your teapot to warm the pot. Next add your teabags or loose tea of your choice. Pour the boiling water over the tea in the teapot and let sit for at least three minutes. Put a "tea cozy" on the pot to keep the tea good and hot. If you used loose tea don't forget to use a tea-strainer when you pour your guests their tea. Allow guests to help themselves to milk and sugar. When the teapot is half-full start boiling more water for another great pot of tea!

Tips & Warnings

• This tradition may be addictive!

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Sandwich Fillings
• How the Tea Tradition Began
• Finger Foods