Welcome to our latest blog post, where we explore the art of hosting a truly elegant high tea event. Whether you’re planning a birthday celebration, bridal shower, or simply a delightful get-together, styling a high tea event requires attention to detail and a touch of sophistication. In this post, we’ll share our top tips for creating a memorable high tea experience, from selecting the perfect tea blends to setting a stunning table layout. We’ll also discuss how to curate a delectable spread of delicate finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries that will impress your guests. So, if you’re ready to elevate your next event with a touch of class, keep reading for all the inspiration you need!
Key Takeaways:
- Elegance: High tea events should be styled with an emphasis on elegance and sophistication.
- Attention to Detail: Paying attention to the smaller details such as table decorations, crockery, and cutlery can make a big difference in the overall ambience of the event.
- Traditional vs Modern: Balancing traditional high tea elements with modern touches can create a unique and memorable experience for guests.
Planning Your High Tea
Setting the Date and Inviting Guests
When planning your high tea, it’s essential to choose a suitable date and time for the event. Consider the availability of your guests and pick a date that works for the majority. Send out invitations well in advance to ensure everyone has enough time to RSVP and make arrangements to attend. Whether you choose to send out digital invites or traditional paper ones, make sure to include all the necessary details, such as the date, time, dress code, and any special requests.
Choosing the Perfect Location
Deciding on the perfect location for your high tea is crucial in setting the ambiance for the event. Whether you opt for a quaint tearoom, a picturesque garden, or the comfort of your own home, the setting should reflect the elegance and sophistication associated with a high tea. Consider the number of guests, the atmosphere you wish to create, and any specific amenities or facilities required to ensure everyone’s comfort.
For an outdoor high tea, consider a garden with beautiful blooms and ample seating. Indoor venues such as a historic manor or a stylish hotel can convey a sense of luxury and refinement. Keep in mind any special themes or decorative elements you’d like to incorporate into the setting to enhance the overall experience for your guests.
The Art of Table Setting
Table setting is an important aspect of hosting a high tea event. It sets the tone for the entire affair and adds a touch of class to the occasion. Paying attention to the details of your tableware and centrepiece can elevate the overall aesthetic and create a memorable experience for your guests.
Selecting Your Tableware
When selecting your tableware for a high tea event, consider the theme and colour scheme you want to achieve. Opt for vintage or floral patterns to add an elegant touch, and don’t be afraid to mix and match different pieces for a more eclectic look. Ensure that each guest has a teacup, saucer, side plate, and cutlery set arranged neatly at their place setting. Remember that the right tableware can truly enhance the experience of enjoying a lovely cup of tea and delectable treats.
Creating a Stunning Centerpiece
A beautiful centrepiece can be a focal point of your high tea table setting. Consider using fresh flowers, vintage teapots, or ornate candelabras to create an eye-catching display. Height and dimension are key elements in making your centrepiece stand out, so play around with different heights and textures to create visual interest. Just remember that your centrepiece should not obstruct the view or conversation across the table.
The right centrepiece can tie together the theme and style of your event, elevating the overall ambience and leaving a lasting impression on your guests.
Menu and Beverages
Crafting the Ideal High Tea Menu
When planning your high tea event, it’s essential to craft a menu that reflects elegance and sophistication. Opt for a selection of finger sandwiches, savoury pastries, and sweet treats to offer a variety of flavours and textures. Incorporating traditional favourites such as scones with clotted cream and jam is a must, along with delicate pastel-coloured macarons for a touch of whimsy.
Consider the dietary preferences of your guests by including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Be sure to source the freshest ingredients to create a menu that truly stands out.
Tea Selection and Brewing Tips
When it comes to the teas served at your high tea event, the selection is key. Include a range of black, green, and herbal teas to cater to different preferences. Offer a selection of tea flavours such as Earl Grey and Chamomile to provide a wide range of choices.
Provide accurate brewing instructions to ensure that each cup is perfectly steeped. Use proper brewing techniques and equipment to deliver a high-quality tea experience. Any leftover tea can be stored in an airtight container to maintain its freshness for future use.
Dress Code and Etiquette
When hosting a high tea event, the dress code and etiquette play a crucial role in setting the tone for the occasion. To ensure that your guests look and feel their best, it’s important to provide them with clear guidelines on what to wear and how to conduct themselves.
For detailed tips on how to dress and behave at a high tea event, check out this Host an Elegant English Tea Party: Tips and Ideas blog for inspiration and ideas.
What to Wear to a High Tea
For ladies, a high tea calls for elegant and feminine attire such as floral dresses, skirts, or smart trousers paired with a blouse. It’s the perfect occasion to show off your favourite accessories, like hats, fascinators, and pearls. Gentlemen are encouraged to wear smart-casual attire, such as a blazer or sports coat paired with tailored trousers and a collared shirt.
If you’re unsure about what to wear, it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed for a high tea event. Embrace the opportunity to dress up and make a statement with your outfit.
High Tea Manners and Traditions
High tea comes with its own set of manners and traditions that guests should be aware of. It’s important to use good table manners, such as placing your napkin on your lap, stirring your tea gently, and refraining from using your mobile phone during the event. Remember to wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat, and engage in polite conversation with other guests.
Always remember to thank the host or hostess for their hospitality before leaving, and consider bringing a small gift or token of appreciation as a gesture of thanks.
By adhering to these time-honoured traditions, you can ensure that the high tea event is a graceful and pleasant experience for all guests involved.
A Touch of Class – How to Style a High Tea Event
In conclusion, styling a high tea event is all about creating an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere with attention to detail. From the delicate china and tiered cake stands to the floral arrangements and dainty finger sandwiches, every aspect of the event should exude a touch of class. Incorporating vintage touches and pastel colours can enhance the overall ambience and set the scene for an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s for a special celebration or just a casual get-together, styling a high tea event is a delightful way to bring people together and indulge in the finer things in life. So gather your friends, brew a pot of tea, and enjoy the refined elegance of a perfectly styled high tea event.
FAQ
Q: What is a high tea event?
A: A high tea event is a social gathering typically held in the late afternoon, where tea and light refreshments are served. It is often a stylish and elegant affair.
Q: What should I wear to a high tea event?
A: For a high tea event, you can opt for smart casual or semi-formal attire. Dresses, skirts, and blouses for women, and smart trousers and a shirt for men are suitable choices.
Q: What kind of food is served at a high tea event?
A: High tea typically includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, cakes, pastries, and of course, a variety of teas.
Q: How can I style my high tea event to give it a touch of class?
A: To add a touch of class to your high tea event, consider using elegant tableware, such as fine china and silverware. You can also decorate with fresh flowers and tasteful centrepieces.
Q: Can I host a high tea event outdoors?
A: Yes, you can certainly host a high tea event outdoors, weather permitting. Choose a picturesque garden or a beautiful outdoor venue to create a charming and delightful setting.