What Time Is High Tea At Finding The Perfect Time For Your Tea Party

High tea is a popular tradition that has been around for centuries, and it is a great way to spend time with friends and family. If you're planning a high tea party, one of the most important things to consider is what time to hold it. In this article, we will discuss what time is high tea at, and provide some tips on how to find the perfect time for your tea party.

Table of Contents

• What is High Tea?
• What Time is High Tea at?
• How to Decide What Time to Have High Tea
• Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a High Tea Party
• Tips for Hosting a Successful High Tea Party
• FAQ
• Pros and Cons of Having High Tea

What is High Tea?

High tea is a meal that is typically served in the late afternoon or early evening. It originated in the United Kingdom and was traditionally served to the working class as a hearty meal after a long day of work. High tea typically consists of savory items such as sandwiches, quiches, and pastries, as well as sweet treats like scones, cakes, and biscuits. It is often accompanied by a pot of tea and sometimes even a glass of champagne.

What Time is High Tea at?

The traditional time for high tea is between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. However, nowadays, high tea can be served at any time of the day. Some restaurants and hotels even serve high tea as early as 11:00 am or as late as 8:00 pm. It really depends on your personal preference and the occasion.

How to Decide What Time to Have High Tea

When deciding what time to have high tea, there are a few things to consider:

• The occasion: If you're hosting a high tea party for a special occasion, such as a bridal shower or baby shower, you may want to consider holding it in the afternoon or early evening. This will give your guests plenty of time to get ready and arrive at the party.
• The menu: The time of day you serve high tea may depend on the menu you have planned. If you're serving savory items, you may want to hold it in the late afternoon or early evening when people are more likely to be hungry. If you're serving sweet treats, you may want to hold it earlier in the day when people are more likely to have a sweet tooth.
• The season: The time of day you serve high tea may also depend on the season. In the summer months, you may want to hold it later in the day when it's cooler outside. In the winter months, you may want to hold it earlier in the day when it gets dark earlier.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a High Tea Party

If you're planning a high tea party, here are some steps to follow:

1. Choose a theme for your party. This will help you decide on the menu, decorations, and invitations.
2. Choose a date and time for your party.
3. Make a guest list and send out invitations.
4. Plan your menu, including savory items, sweet treats, and tea.
5. Set the table with your best china, silverware, and linens.
6. Create a centerpiece for the table, such as a floral arrangement or tea light candles.
7. Prepare the food and tea ahead of time, so you're not rushed on the day of the party.
8. On the day of the party, dress up and welcome your guests.
9. Serve the food and tea, and enjoy the company of your guests.
10. After the party, clean up and send thank you notes to your guests.

Tips for Hosting a Successful High Tea Party

Here are some tips to help you host a successful high tea party:

• Choose a variety of savory items and sweet treats to please all tastes.
• Set the table with your best china, silverware, and linens to create an elegant atmosphere.
• Provide a variety of teas, including black, green, and herbal teas.
• Consider hiring a professional caterer or baker to help with the food and desserts.
• Don't forget to provide non-alcoholic beverages for guests who don't drink.
• Consider having a dress code to add to the elegance of the event.
• Provide small favors for your guests to take home as a reminder of the party.

FAQ

What is the difference between high tea and afternoon tea?

High tea and afternoon tea are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two different things. Afternoon tea is a lighter meal that is traditionally served between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm. It typically consists of tea, scones, finger sandwiches, and pastries. High tea, on the other hand, is a more substantial meal that is served later in the day, usually between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. It typically consists of savory items like quiches and sandwiches, as well as sweet treats like cakes and biscuits.

Do I have to serve tea at a high tea party?

While tea is a key component of a high tea party, you don't have to serve it if you don't want to. You could serve coffee, hot chocolate, or even champagne instead.

Do I have to serve both savory and sweet items at a high tea party?

No, you don't have to serve both savory and sweet items at your high tea party. You could focus on one or the other, depending on your personal preference and the occasion.

Pros and Cons of Having High Tea

Pros:

• High tea is a great way to spend time with friends and family.
• It's a fun and elegant way to celebrate a special occasion.
• You can customize the menu to your liking.
• It's a great excuse to dress up and feel fancy.

Cons:

• It can be time-consuming to plan and prepare.
• It can be expensive, especially if you hire a caterer or baker.
• Some people may not enjoy the formality of a high tea party.
• It can be challenging to find a time that works for everyone.

Now that you know what time is high tea at, you can start planning your own high tea party. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to spend time with friends, high tea is the perfect way to do it. By following these tips and guidelines, you can host a successful and memorable high tea party that your guests will love.