Rules for a High Tea Party

High tea may be an elegant meal, but it's a bit less dainty than afternoon tea.

If you think of crumpets and delicate teacups when you hear the phrase "high tea," you've been miseducated. Unlike afternoon tea, which is a light snack served in the afternoon, high tea is practically a full meal. The two are, nevertheless, frequently confused, much to the dismay of avid tea lovers.

Elevation

The phrase "high tea" is actually quite literal. As noted in the Los Angeles Times, many people mistakenly think that the phrase refers to high society. It also doesn't refer to the later hour at which high tea takes place. Rather, the phrase actually describes the tea setting. Unlike afternoon tea, which is commonly served on coffee tables and elegant sofas, high tea was traditionally served at a high table or counter, much like a regular meal.

Food

Typical food options at an afternoon low tea include small sandwiches, perhaps filled with a bit of chicken salad, as well as tea cakes, muffins, scones and toast. In other words, afternoon tea was meant to be a light snack, albeit an elegant one. High tea, on the other hand has a much different culinary focus: meat. According to the book, "A Social History of Tea," by Jane Pettigrew, "A 'High Tea' is where meat takes a prominent part, and signifies really what it is, a tea-dinner." Examples of appropriate dishes include fried fish or roasted veal.

Timing

High tea was commonly served after men were home from work and children were back from school. Afternoon tea, on the other hand, was held by women between 2 and 4 p.m. Essentially, high tea actually served as a dinner, although families often had a light snack later in the evening before bed. Serve high tea between 5 and 7 in the evening if you want to be truly authentic.

Other Considerations

Meat isn't the only featured item at a high tea. Other appropriate foods include vegetables, rich baked goods, eggs and sausages. Tea isn't the only appropriate beverage, either. Other possibilities include a stout English ale or coffee. Remember that although high tea isn't quite as dainty and formal as afternoon tea, remember that basic manners and etiquette still apply. Keep elbows off the table and mouths closed while chewing, and use the proper table settings.

References

• Los Angeles Times: Tempest in a Teapot
• "A Social History of Tea"; Jane Pettigrew
• The Food Timeline: Afternoon Tea
• VeeTea: High Tea