High tea is usually only one of those events you read about in Jane Austen or see by watching the newest season of Bridgerton. However, that doesn’t make it just a charming detail from a bygone era. High tea most definitely has a place in our modern society because dainty teacups, tiny desserts, and the excuse to slow down and savor an afternoon with the people you love never goes out of style.
If you’ve ever wanted to host your own high tea but didn’t know where to start, I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re planning a full afternoon tea complete with mini desserts and delicate finger sandwiches or just want to bring a little elegance to your next gathering, this guide will walk you through all the essentials. So put the kettle on and cue the music.
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What is High Tea?
Despite what many people think, high tea isn’t just a fancier version of afternoon tea. In fact, the two are very different. Traditionally, high tea originated in 19th-century Britain as a hearty evening meal enjoyed by the working class after a long day. It was served at a “high” table (like a dining table rather than a low parlor table) and often featured filling dishes such as meat pies, bread, cheese, and, of course, plenty of tea.
Over time, the term “high tea” became more associated with elegance and sophistication, especially outside of the U.K. where it’s often used interchangeably with “afternoon tea”. Today, when we talk about hosting high tea, we’re usually referring to that mix of dainty finger foods, delicate pastries, and beautifully brewed tea all enjoyed in good company. Whether you lean into its rich history or embrace the modern interpretation, high tea is all about slowing down, savoring each bite, and creating a moment of connection.
7 Tips for Hosting a Modern High Tea
1. Steep in Style – Choosing Your Tea Selection
No high tea is complete without a well-curated selection of…well…teas. The beauty of hosting your own tea gathering is that you get to choose a mix that reflects your taste and complements your menu. Whether you prefer the classics or want to experiment with floral and fruity blends, having a variety ensures there’s something for everyone to sip and enjoy.
Here are some options you can consider for your high tea menu:
- Earl Grey – A timeless favorite with notes of black tea and fragrant bergamot, offering a smooth, citrusy aroma that pairs beautifully with delicate pastries.
- English Breakfast – Bold and full-bodied, this traditional blend is perfect for those who love a strong, comforting cup. Serve it with cream and sugar for the quintessential tea experience.
- Darjeeling – Known as the “champagne of teas”, Darjeeling offers a light, floral flavor with subtle muscatel notes which is ideal for pairing with scones and fruit preserves.
- Green Tea – Fresh, earthy, and slightly grassy, green tea provides a lighter option that’s refreshing between sweet bites. Try a jasmine or sencha variety for added depth.
- Chamomile – A naturally caffeine-free favorite with gentle floral and honey notes, perfect for a soothing sip to end the afternoon.
- Peppermint Tea – Cool, invigorating, and caffeine-free, this tea adds a bright contrast to rich desserts and creamy treats.
- Chai – Spicy, aromatic, and cozy, chai blends black tea with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. It’s the perfect option for fall or winter gatherings.
- Rooibos – A South African herbal tea with a warm, nutty sweetness and no caffeine; it’s delicious on its own or with a splash of milk.
- Fruit-Infused Teas – Think berry, peach, or hibiscus blends for a pop of color and a burst of natural sweetness. These are especially lovely served iced in warmer months.
2. Set the Scene
When it comes to hosting high tea, atmosphere is everything. You’re not just serving tea; you’re creating an experience. Think of it as setting the stage for a slow, indulgent afternoon where conversation flows as easily as the tea. Start by choosing a location that feels intimate and inviting, somewhere like your dining room, a sunny garden table, or even a cozy nook on your patio. The key is to create a space that encourages guests to relax and linger.
Next comes the fun part: the table setting. Layer your table with a variety of elegant touches: lace or linen tablecloths, vintage china, tiered trays, and, of course, fresh flowers. A mix of soft pastels or rich jewel tones can help set the tone depending on the season or theme. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns or styles; part of the charm of high tea is in its collected, curated feel.
For the finishing touches, add ambient details that make the moment feel special. Think light background music (a string quartet playlist or soft jazz), polished silverware, and delicate napkins folded just right. A few candles or fairy lights can also add warmth and sparkle. The goal is to transport your guests into a world where time slows down, where every detail matters, and where every sip feels like a small celebration.
3. Savory Dish Options
Every great high tea must balance out the variety of sweet treats with some savory options as well. These small, flavorful dishes add variety to your spread and pair perfectly with your tea selections. These elegant finger foods are easy to eat, beautiful, and full of flavor.
Here are some classic and modern savory ideas to serve at your high tea:
- Cucumber Sandwiches – Light and refreshing, with crisp cucumber slices layered over butter or herbed cream cheese on white bread. Perfect with Earl Grey or Darjeeling.
- Smoked Salmon Bites – Delicate and sophisticated, featuring smoked salmon on pumpernickel or rye with a dollop of dill cream or crème fraîche. Pairs well with green tea or chamomile.
- Egg Salad Tea Sandwiches – A comforting classic lightly seasoned and served on soft, crustless bread. Best enjoyed with English Breakfast tea.
- Mini Quiches – Bite-sized and buttery, filled with spinach, cheese, or caramelized onions. These pair wonderfully with black teas or a spiced chai.
- Chicken Salad Croissants – Flaky, buttery croissants filled with tender chicken salad and hints of tarragon or grapes for sweetness. Try them with a mild green or fruit-infused tea.
- Caprese Skewers – A fresh, modern twist featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze. Great with peppermint or rooibos tea.
- Savory Scones – Swap sweet for savory with cheddar and chive or bacon and herb scones, delicious when served warm with butter. Pair with English Breakfast or chai.
- Mini Lobster Rolls – A coastal-inspired bite that adds a touch of indulgence, especially at summer teas. These pair beautifully with Darjeeling or a light jasmine tea.
When planning your menu, mix lighter, crisp flavors with richer bites to give your guests a balanced experience. Presentation is key; use tiered trays or small platters to make your savory spread as lovely to look at as it is to taste.
4. The Star of the Show – Mini Desserts
Let’s be honest, the desserts are what everyone’s secretly (or not-so-secretly) looking forward to at high tea. This is your chance to impress guests with bite-sized confections that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Mini desserts are the perfect addition to a refined afternoon, offering a touch of sweetness without being overly heavy. Plus, they look absolutely stunning displayed on a tiered tray beside a steaming pot of tea.
Need some sweet inspiration? I’ve got you covered. Below are three of my favorite mini dessert recipes; each one has always been a hit at every event I serve them at (including the high tea I threw for my cousin’s baby shower). Literally, I’ve done all the work for you, so all you have to do is bake, serve, and accept all the praise for your incredible baking abilities. You’re welcome!
#1 Mini Pumpkin Desserts with Caramel Cream
12
servings279
kcal8
Bright, creamy, and perfectly tangy, these Mini Lemon Cheesecakes are a delightful twist on a classic dessert. With a beautiful lemon cake crust and a silky lemon-infused filling, they’re the perfect mini treat for your afternoon celebrations.
Ingredients
1 Dutch Apron® Bakery Lemon Crème Cake Roll
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/4 c. sugar
2 eggs
1/4 c. sour cream
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. lemon zest
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Directions
- Make the Crust
- Let the Lemon Crème Cake Roll thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Once slightly thawed, remove the cake roll from its packaging.
- Place the cake roll into a mixer and blend until it forms a moist, crumbly mixture.
- Place the mixture into the bottom of a 8x8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. The crust should be about 1/4-inch thick.
- Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until the filling is silky and well combined.
- Bake the Cheesecake
- Pour the lemon cheesecake filling over the prepared crust.
- Set your oven to 325°F. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the center is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
- Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- Cut into Mini Cheesecakes
- Once the cheesecake is chilled, use a round cookie cutter to cut them into small, individual-sized cheesecakes.
Storage Information
- Place the Mini Lemon Cheesecakes in an airtight container in a single layer and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
#2 Mini Lemon Cheesecakes
12
servings279
kcal8
Bright, creamy, and perfectly tangy, these Mini Lemon Cheesecakes are a delightful twist on a classic dessert. With a beautiful lemon cake crust and a silky lemon-infused filling, they’re the perfect mini treat for your afternoon celebrations.
Ingredients
1 Dutch Apron® Bakery Lemon Crème Cake Roll
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/4 c. sugar
2 eggs
1/4 c. sour cream
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. lemon zest
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Directions
- Make the Crust
- Let the Lemon Crème Cake Roll thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Once slightly thawed, remove the cake roll from its packaging.
- Place the cake roll into a mixer and blend until it forms a moist, crumbly mixture.
- Place the mixture into the bottom of a 8x8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. The crust should be about 1/4-inch thick.
- Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until the filling is silky and well combined.
- Bake the Cheesecake
- Pour the lemon cheesecake filling over the prepared crust.
- Set your oven to 325°F. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the center is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
- Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- Cut into Mini Cheesecakes
- Once the cheesecake is chilled, use a round cookie cutter to cut them into small, individual-sized cheesecakes.
Storage Information
- Place the Mini Lemon Cheesecakes in an airtight container in a single layer and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
#3 Strawberry Madeleines
12
servings313
kcal6
Madeleines are already a charming little dessert, but, when you add in a Dutch Apron® Bakery Strawberry Cheesecake Cake Roll, they become something truly special! This recipe transforms this signature cake roll into soft, buttery madeleines filled with creamy vanilla buttercream and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. They’re pretty enough for parties and easy enough for a weekday treat!
Ingredients
1 Dutch Apron® Bakery Strawberry Cheesecake Cake Roll
1 c. unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 tbsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. salt
3 1/2 c. powdered sugar, sifted
1 tbsp. heavy cream
Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
- Create the Madeleines
- Let the Strawberry Cheesecake Cake Roll thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Once slightly thawed, remove the cake roll from its packaging.
- Break the cake roll into pieces and place in a stand mixer. Or you can use a large mixing bowl and a hand mixer.
- Mix on medium speed until it forms a smooth, thick, batter-like consistency.
- Lightly grease your madeleine molds and fill each cavity about 3/4 full with the cake mixture. Smooth the tops with a spatula and place in the freezer.
- Make the Buttercream
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, vanilla extract, and salt together until creamy.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar one cup at a time. Mix on low to combine.
- Add the heavy cream and continue beating on high speed for about 3-4 minutes, until light and fluffy.
- Fill and Decorate
- Once the madeleines are solid, pipe or spread a small dollop of buttercream on the flat side of half of the madeleines.
- Top with another madeleine to create little sandwiches.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-perfect finish.
Storage Information
- Madeleines should be stored in an airtight glass container as plastic containers can soften them prematurely. If you store them in multiple layers, place parchment paper between each layer. Place them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
5. Lean into the Details
When it comes to hosting a truly memorable high tea, it’s the little touches that make all the difference. The right garnishes and details add a layer of charm and thoughtfulness that turns an ordinary afternoon into an experience your guests will remember long after the last teacup is emptied.
Start by thinking beyond the basics. Add edible garnishes that bring color and personality to your treats. Fresh mint sprigs, candied citrus slices, sugared rose petals, or a sprinkle of lavender buds instantly elevate the look (and sometimes even the flavor!) of your dishes and drinks. Fresh berries and fruit slices also add a pop of vibrancy that complement both sweet and savory food options.
Don’t forget your tablescape. Mix and match vintage teacups, tiered dessert stands, and delicate linens for a classic, cozy aesthetic, or go bold with modern patterns and metallic accents for a fresh twist. Name cards tied with ribbon, gold teaspoons, and dainty floral napkins add just the right amount of polish.
And for the finishing touch? Create the ideal atmosphere with soft music, floral arrangements, and maybe even a signature scent (personally, I’m a huge fan of vanilla or bergamot) to subtly tie everything together. It’s these small, intentional details that turn your high tea from simple to stunning.
6. High Tea Best Practices
Hosting high tea should feel elegant but never stressful. The key is thoughtful preparation and a touch of flexibility, so you can actually enjoy the afternoon along with your guests. After all, a relaxed host sets the tone for a relaxed (and happy) gathering.
Prep Ahead
Do as much as you can before the big day. Bake or prep mini desserts a day in advance, arrange your tableware the night before, and pre-slice lemons or fruit for garnishes. That way, when guests arrive, all that’s left is boiling the kettle and plating your treats.
Offer Variety (But Don’t Overdo It)
It’s tempting to go all out, but a curated selection always shines brighter than an overwhelming spread. Choose two or three teas, a few small bites, and one or two standout desserts to make your menu feel polished and intentional.
Mind the Details
Have milk, lemon slices, and honey ready, so people can customize their tea choices to their personal taste. Provide both forks and small spoons for layered desserts and include napkins or tea towels for quick cleanups.
Stay Present
Once everything’s in motion, let go of perfection and focus on connection. High tea is about slowing down, savoring flavors, and sharing conversation. The best compliment you can get as a host isn’t about your table setting; it’s hearing laughter around the teapot.
7. Wrap it Up with Party Favors
No matter how elegant or relaxed your high tea may be, there’s no better way to end the afternoon than by sending guests home with a thoughtful little favor. Party favors are the final touch that says, “I’m so glad you came.” They don’t need to be elaborate, just a small, charming token that ties back to the theme of your event. Think mini jars of local honey, loose-leaf tea in pretty sachets, or a few homemade cookies wrapped in parchment and tied with ribbon. These simple gestures feel personal and memorable, especially when presented with care.
For something extra sweet (and easy), place a couple of your mini desserts, like those espresso brownie bites or lemon cheesecakes, in petite gift boxes. They’ll look beautiful on display and give guests a delicious reminder of your lovely afternoon together.
Presentation goes a long way here, too. Arrange your favors on a silver tray or tiered stand near the exit or have each one waiting at the table as part of your place setting. Include a final touch of charm by adding a little creativity to the wrapping with items such as lace, floral tissue, or a sprig of rosemary or lavender. After all, hosting high tea is about creating an experience that lingers long after the last sip of tea, and a small take-home treat is the perfect way to do just that.
About the Author:
Katelyn Helgevold has been the Product Line Manager and editor for Dutch Apron® Bakery since 2019. In her role, she manages the introduction of new products to our portfolio, ensures each and every item meets our strict customer and quality standards, and uses her much-loved English degree to make sure every marketing piece is just as immaculate as our baked goods. In her spare time, Katelyn enjoys touting the benefits of the Oxford comma, spending time with her cat Merlin, and listening to way too many true crime podcasts.
