Reinventing High Tea: A Contemporary Spin on a Classic British Tradition
High Tea, a staple of British culture, is undergoing a modern renaissance. Today’s High Tea blends traditional elegance with contemporary chic, offering an experience that is both sophisticated and accessible. This article is your guide to hosting a High Tea that’s rooted in history yet vibrantly modern.
High Tea Reimagined:
Originally a 19th-century working-class meal, High Tea has transcended its humble beginnings. Now, it’s a fashionable social event that combines the elegance of classic British tea culture with the flair of modern gastronomy and style.
Invitations: Digital and Dazzling:
Kick off with an invitation that’s a mix of classic charm and modern design. Digital invites are not only eco-friendly but can be uniquely personalised, setting the tone for a contemporary High Tea experience.
Setting: A Fusion of Old and New:
Choose a setting that balances traditional elements with modern aesthetics. Think minimalist table settings with a touch of vintage – perhaps a sleek table with a classic floral centrepiece and mixed vintage and contemporary tea sets.
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Elevate your high tea with the Eva Solo Tea Maker. Its elegant design and functional neoprene cover keep your brew at the perfect temperature. This sleek carafe, complete with a drip-free spout and stainless steel filter, is an excellent choice for those who appreciate modern design and want to infuse their home tea party with a touch of contemporary elegance.
Mix and match your pieces at your high tea party that stands out with Marimekko’s Siirtolapuutarha & Räsymatto collection. This striking set, with its bold black and white patterns, brings a contemporary Scandinavian aesthetic to your table. Perfect for serving artisan teas and delicate pastries, these pieces will add a touch of modern artistry to your home high tea experience.
The Marimekko Räsymatto teapot, a creation of designer Sami Ruotsalainen with patterning by Maija Louekari, is a tribute to the nostalgic charm of summer cottages and their iconic rag rugs. Its design, featuring rows reminiscent of traditional rug knots, offers a touch of Finnish heritage to the table. This teapot, part of Marimekko’s Räsymatto range, pairs splendidly with items from the Siirtolapuutarha collection, making it a versatile and stylish addition to any tea service.
Tea Selection: Traditional Meets Trendy:
Offer a range of teas, from timeless favourites like Earl Grey to options like matcha or chai. Present them in a way that invites guests to explore the story behind each tea, perhaps through an interactive tea station.
The Menu: Classic With a Twist:
Update the traditional High Tea menu with modern, creative twists:
• Savoury Selections: Miniature gourmet sliders, avocado toast bites, and spinach and feta pastries.
• Scones Reimagined: Offer classic scones alongside innovative flavours like blueberry-lavender or cheddar-chive, paired with an array of jams and creams.
• Sweet Innovations: Mini desserts like luxury brownies, cake pops, matcha cupcakes, flapjacks, cinnamon rolls, Japanese cheesecake, and pink macarons.
• Hearty Options: Petite quiches, gourmet sausage rolls, or Mediterranean-style mezze platters.Modern Etiquette: Relaxed and Inclusive:
While keeping the essence of traditional tea etiquette, encourage a more relaxed and inclusive atmosphere. It’s about enjoying the experience rather than adhering strictly to rules.
Dress Code: Stylishly Casual:
Suggest a ‘smart casual’ dress code that allows guests to express their personal style while maintaining a sense of occasion.
Entertainment: Contemporary and Interactive:
Consider live acoustic music for a modern vibe. Interactive elements like a DIY tea-blending station or a mini tea-tasting tutorial can add a fun and educational aspect.
Parting Favours:
Send guests home with a contemporary memento, such as a mini jar of artisanal honey or a custom-blended tea sachet.
Today’s High Tea is an exciting fusion of past and present, where traditional British elegance meets modern lifestyle. It’s a chance to celebrate with a touch of luxury, creativity, and personal expression, creating an experience that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
Tea Sets We Love
Shop Wedgwood Butterfly Bloom Tea Set
Elevate your high tea with this exquisite Wedgwood tea set. It includes a teapot adorned with blue and pink florals and a modern checkered base, a sugar bowl featuring a pink lattice pattern with a golden lid, and a cream jug that complements the set with similar floral elegance. Each piece is accented with gold trim, blending classic grace with a contemporary palette, perfect for a sophisticated tea experience.
Shop Wedgwood Paeonia Blush Tea Set Collection
This tea set is a showcase of Wedgwood’s Paeonia Blush collection, which draws inspiration from the opulent peony, a symbol of wealth, honour, and nuptial bliss. The set includes a teapot and two cups, each adorned with intricate chinoiserie patterns featuring the peony, in a vibrant coral and a serene teal blue. Gold trims add a touch of luxury, reflecting the flower’s association with prosperity. Rooted in Wedgwood’s rich heritage, the design elements are a tribute to pattern books from the 18th century. This collection offers a full suite of teaware, perfect for creating an enchanting afternoon tea setting that celebrates both romance and tradition.
FAQ’s
What Are the 3 Main Foods Served at an Afternoon Tea?
The three main foods traditionally served at an afternoon tea are:
- Sandwiches: These are typically small, crustless sandwiches cut into delicate shapes such as rectangles, triangles, or circles. Common fillings include cucumber, smoked salmon, egg mayonnaise with cress, ham with mustard, and chicken salad.
- Scones: Served with clotted cream and jam, scones are a staple of afternoon tea. They can be plain or contain raisins, currants, or other dried fruit.
- Pastries and Cakes: A variety of sweets are served, including cakes, pastries, and biscuits (cookies). This can range from small bite-sized pastries to slices of larger cakes. Traditional options include Victoria sponge, Battenberg cake, lemon drizzle cake, and shortbread biscuits.
These items are often served on a tiered stand, with sandwiches on the bottom tier, scones on the middle, and sweets on the top.
What Do I need to Host a High Tea?
- Tea varieties (black, green, herbal, specialty)
- Milk, lemon, honey, sugar
- Tablecloth
- Tea cups and saucers
- Tea plates
- Cutlery (forks, knives, spoons)
- Teapot
- Milk jug
- Sugar bowl
- Hot water pot
- Tiered stands (for food display)
- Fine china (if available for an elegant touch)
- Flowers (for table decoration)