A Guide to the Perfect High Tea Set

By Albert - On Aug 16, 2023

As an avid tea enthusiast, you understand the delight of a good high tea service. The delicate cups and saucers, tiered trays of finger sandwiches and pastries, the aromatic loose-leaf tea gently steeping in an ornate teapot – these details come together to create a refined and indulgent experience. However, hosting the perfect high tea at home requires careful preparation and the right set of tools. In this guide, you will learn about the components of a traditional high tea set, how to determine how much tea and food to serve per person, recommended serving times, and where to find a high tea set suited to your tastes. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a luxurious high tea service in the comfort of your home. Transport your guests to a bygone era and give them an experience they will remember. A charming high tea set and a bit of thought are all you need to achieve the pinnacle of courtesy and hospitality.

What Exactly Is a High Tea Set?

A high tea set refers to a traditional afternoon tea service used for the meal known as high tea, which typically consists of tea, scones, finger sandwiches, and sweets. A proper high tea set will include the following:

A teapot, traditionally made of fine bone china or porcelain, is used to brew and serve freshly made tea for your guests. A pot that makes 3-4 cups of tea is ideal for high tea.
Teacups and saucers are also made of bone china or porcelain for drinking tea. Teacups for high tea are usually smaller, holding 4-6 ounces. It is customary to provide a saucer for each teacup.
Serving plates and stands to present the scones, sandwiches, and pastries. A three-tiered serving stand is traditional, with the top tier for scones, the middle for sandwiches, and the bottom for sweets. Individual plates can also be used.
Serving utensils such as butter knives, spreaders, sugar spoons, and tongs. Silver plates or sterling silver utensils are the most traditional, but stainless steel also works well.
Linens like cloth napkins, placemats, and tablecloths complete the setting. Pastel colors and floral prints are typical for a high tea.

A high tea set creates an elegant backdrop for this beloved English tradition. A high tea set provides the perfect ambiance for a memorable afternoon tea when well-orchestrated with delicious tea, scones, finger foods, and sweets. With some planning, you can recreate the high tea experience at home for your guests using a high tea set.

What Time Should You Serve High Tea?

When hosting a traditional high tea, the time of day is important. For most, high tea is best served between 3 and 5 pm. This coincides nicely with the natural daily dip in energy and hunger that occurs mid-afternoon.

3 pm provides an elegant start time after the lunch hour has passed. It allows guests adequate time to travel to the venue. For those with dietary restrictions or coming from work, a 3 pm start ensures no concerns about hunger or low blood sugar.

5 pm is a straight cut-off point before transitioning into the early evening. It prevents high tea from becoming a dinner substitute while allowing an unrushed experience with ample time for socializing. For children or older people, ending by 5 pm makes it easier to maintain a normal sleep schedule.

When determining the time for your high tea, consider the formality and pace you want to set. An earlier start, around 2 pm, will allow for a leisurely multi-course experience, while 4 pm is ideal if aiming for a brisker single-plate format. The specific tea and snack types will also impact timing and duration.

Ultimately, the perfect time for high tea depends on the unique needs and desires of those attending. But following the traditional 3 to 5 pm window and factoring in the variables around formality, pace and menu will help ensure an enjoyable, well-timed high tea experience for all. The most important thing is allowing enough time to relax, unwind and connect with good company over tea.

How to Prepare and Host High Tea at Home

Selecting a High Tea Set

Choose a set with a teapot, sugar bowl, creamer, and tiered plates for scones, sandwiches, and sweets. Vintage-inspired floral patterns in pastel colors evoke a classic British feel. For a stylish modern set, opt for white with gold trim. Buy 2-3 teacups, so you have one for each guest.

Preparing the Tea

Select a bold black tea like English Breakfast or Earl Gray for a traditional English high tea. Use loose-leaf or high-quality tea bags and brew a full pot. As a rule of thumb, use one round teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per teacup. Steep for 3 to 5 minutes based on how strong you like your tea. Provide milk and sugar on the side so guests can customize their cups.

Food Suggestions

Scones: Serve freshly baked scones with clotted cream, lemon curd, and jam.
Sandwiches: High tea typically includes finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg salad, ham salad, or smoked salmon. Use soft bread slices and cut into small triangles.
Sweets: Offer an assortment of petite treats such as mini fruit tarts, lemon bars, macarons, petit fours, truffles, or madeleines. Chocolate-covered strawberries make a lovely addition to the season.
Savories: In addition to sandwiches, savory snacks might include quiche, sausage rolls, cheese twists, mini quiches, deviled eggs, or savory scones.
Fruit: Fresh berries, sliced melon, and citrus segments provide balance. Arrange attractively on plates or a three-tiered cake stand.

Hosting Etiquette

Plan an engaging activity to follow high tea, such as a movie, board game, or craft. Review etiquette for properly handling tea cups and utensils. Greet guests warmly at the door and invite them to sit in your parlor or sunroom. Explain each item on the menu as you serve the tea. Most of all, relax and enjoy this special time connecting with friends and loved ones.

How Much Tea Should You Brew Per Serving?

Determining the proper amount of tea to brew per serving is essential for the perfect high tea service. ###Loose Leaf or Tea Bags?

Loose-leaf tea typically yields a more flavorful brew, while tea bags are more convenient. Use about 2 to 3 grams of tea per 6-ounce serving for loose-leaf tea. For tea bags, use one tea bag per cup.

Water Temperature

The water temperature depends on the type of tea. For black tea and Oolong tea, use boiling water around 212°F. For green tea and white tea, use water between 160 to 190°F. Allow the water to cool slightly after boiling before pouring it over the tea leaves or bags.

Steeping Time

The steeping or infusion time depends on the type of tea and personal taste preferences. In general:

Black tea: 3 to 5 minutes
Oolong tea: 3 to 4 minutes
Green tea: 1 to 2 minutes
White tea: 2 to 3 minutes

Check the tea after the minimum steeping time and taste it. Continue steeping in 30-second intervals until the tea reaches your desired strength. Be careful not to over-steep the tea, especially for green and white teas, as it can become bitter.

Amount of Tea and Water

For a traditional high tea service, use 6-ounce cups. For each 6-ounce serving, brew:

2-3 grams of loose-leaf black, Oolong or herbal tea
One tea bag
6 ounces of freshly boiled water for black and Oolong teas
6 ounces of cooled boiled water for green and white teas

The key is maintaining the delicate flavors of the tea, scones, sandwiches and sweets. You can always offer refills if guests desire a stronger tea. Using high-quality loose-leaf tea and the proper water temperature and steeping time will produce a perfect cup of tea for your high tea service.

Where to Find an Elegant High Tea Set

Online Retailers

When searching for an elegant high tea set, several reputable online retailers offer various options at different price points. For high-quality sets with timeless appeal, consider Teasetbox.com or Wedgwood. Teasetbox’s “Coffee Set” collection features fine bone china embellished with a variety of exquisite floral patterns and designs. Wedgwood offers sets like the “Wild Strawberry” pattern with vintage-inspired floral motifs. Both brands produce sets with teapots, sugar bowls, creamers, cups, saucers, and plates.

Department Stores

Upscale department stores frequently stock high tea sets from prestigious brands. Harrods of London, Fortnum & Mason, and Williams Sonoma all sell a selection of sets ranging from under $100 to $500 or more for a full service for four. In addition to Royal Albert and Wedgwood, you may find sets from Royal Doulton or Lenox. Call or check store websites to inquire about available brands, pieces included, and pricing. Some stores may also offer complimentary gift wrapping for a special presentation.

Antique Stores

For a unique set with history, peruse local antique stores or websites like Ruby Lane and Etsy. Look for terms like “vintage tea set,” “bone china tea service,” or “sterling silver tea set.” When buying an antique, carefully inspect each piece to ensure no cracks, chips or damage. Expect to pay between $200 and $2000 or higher depending on age, maker, condition and materials. A reputable seller should be able to provide details on the set’s origin and approximate era. With care, an antique tea set can become an heirloom for generations.

You can find an elegant high tea set to suit your needs by exploring various options from trusted retailers. Choose from modern designs or vintage treasures to craft an experience as unique as your selected pieces. With the proper set, you’ll be well on your way to hosting a delightful high tea.

Conclusion

As you have learned, hosting a proper high tea at home requires careful planning and preparation. By following the guidelines provided here regarding the ideal time to serve high tea, how much loose-leaf tea to use per pot, and where to source an authentic high tea set, you can confidently host your own high tea. High tea is a time-honored English tradition that, when done well, elicits feelings of warmth, comfort, and connection with friends or family. By preparing finger sandwiches, scones, tea cakes and other delicate treats to share over a pot of premium loose-leaf tea in an elegant setting, you are creating an experience that will leave you and your guests feeling pampered and transported. With the right ambiance, cuisine, and perfectly brewed tea, you have all the ingredients for a high tea to remember. Best of luck and cheers to a most splendid high tea!