Easy High Tea at Home: Create a Relaxing & Memorable Gathering

Our High Tea at Home Menu:

~Classic Rotisserie Chicken Salad

~Cucumber and Chive Tea Sandwiches

 ~Orange Cranberry Scones

~Salmon and Dill Bruschetta

~Lemon and Cream Trifle

~Applewood Smoked Ham and Havarti Ciabatta

~Triple Chocolate buttercream Cupcakes

~Pecan Bars

~Madeleines

~Mini Palmiers

Teas: 

Blueberry Lavender Butterfly Pea Flower

English Breakfast

Constant Comment Black Tea

Tangerine Hibiscus

Earl Grey Decaffeinated Black Tea

Decaf PG Tips London Tea

Finalizing our Series on Teatime or Anytime Treats, the feature this week is High Tea at Home. We started this series after we had high tea at the Galvez, in Galveston, Texas. It was relaxing and fun, and we decided we could have our own grand teatime at home. 

A British High Tea is a formal affair that is done in a tea house or hotel. While in London, we had Afternoon Tea at Harrods, an unforgettable experience that we will always treasure. It was gorgeous, refined and elegant with polished teapots, delicate china, and tiered stands. There was formal placement of savory tea sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, petit fours, macaroons, and rich chocolate cakes.

At home, we used our dining table indoors, but a sunroom, lovely breezeway or outdoor porch is ideal for setting an enchanting table with linens and fresh flowers, and those cherished tea sets handed down for generations. Tea at home is meant to be relaxing, yet special. Many times, we have tea over the holidays, or a special occasion that is uniquely meaningful, like Mother’s Day.

We’ve found that it doesn’t matter whether in a tearoom, or at home, there is little difference in that the gathering of friends and family offers warmth and comfort, a time for reflection, and joy for remembered and treasured time with those we love.

To set the table for high, begin with a linen tablecloth, runner, or like we chose, lovely placemats that have been used many times and still work with their flowered border and simple center. We set pacesetting with a cup and saucer, a small plate, butter knife, and napkin. We used trays for sweets, scones, Triple Chocolate Cupcakes and a large formal tray that we’ve had in the family for more than a century. It held the most wonderful rotisserie chicken salad tea cakes, cucumber and chive tea cakes, and Applewood Smoked Ham and Havarti Ciabatta. My mother’s Classic Rotisserie Chicken Salad tea sandwiches are a family favorite that we’ve enjoyed since I was a young child, bringing back memories of serving them for spring luncheons, Easter, Mother’s Day, brunches, and dozens of holiday soirees.

Tea selection is always important and meaningful. We provided regular teas and those that were decaffeinated. We had Earl Grey, English Breakfast, and herbal blends, amongst others.

Our favorite Tea Sets are a blend of old and new: 

This delicate tea set was purchased many years ago at an estate sale,  and as you can see, what a delight it was to realize that if you hold the teacup up to light, it’s the most beautiful image!

This is favorite tea set of mine, Pip Studio, which I saw on the cover of a magazine years ago. I bought this set just outside London in a most lovely shop, Daisy Park.

And finally, this last tea set was purchased a while back on Amazon. And what are the odds, I spotted it in a Hallmark movie last week!

Our tea was much more casual, but typically tea sandwiches are served first, followed by warm scones served with clotted cream and butter, and finishing with desserts and sweets. We also had a lovely Lemon and Cream Trifle. This progression allows enjoyment that builds gently without overwhelming the palate.

Tea is generally served in the afternoon, offering a pause in the day to gather, to savor, and enjoy good food and good company. It has become our most refreshing pause ever.

High Tea at Home is about creating a relaxing and memorable gathering that feels luxurious and intentional that is not about perfection, but care. When tea is poured and conversation begins, it becomes not just a meal but a ritual that you can experience for generations to come. For all of you who adore tea, this is for you.

Let me know in the comments if you would create an easy high tea at home for a relaxing and memorable gathering at home.