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High tea is most often, in the United States anyway, an elaborate potpourri of foods, vintage china, teas, and visual experiences. It has moved far from the European roots and original purpose of being a buffer between meals. Because it has changed with the times the ceremony of High Tea is up to individual interpretation within certain standards and, creating a lush, visual and sensual extravaganza for your guests, is limited only by imagination.

First, you may want to choose a theme. Many teas are built around seasonal themes, floral themes, literary themes, even movie themes. An Autumn Tea, for example, might feature autumnal delights such as pumpkin scone with lemon curd, apple and winter squash soup, small sandwiches of caramelized onion and chevre, an assortment of grapes, pears, apples and cheeses, and perhaps several dainty sweets; small nut tartlets, tea infused chocolate truffles, tiny squares of spice cake frosted with cream cheese frosting and garnished with candied ginger. Small sugar cookies cut in theme appropriate shapes are easy and fun. Your tea selections could be anything that you like; Earl Grey (citrusy), Assam (full bodied and winey), Darjeeling (fruity), or a fruit based tisane or herbal tea. As long as the tea is full bodied and robust it will pair well with your autumn theme.
A good rule of thumb for making tea is one teaspoon of loose leaf tea per person and "one for the pot". Warm the teapot with some hot water poured in it and then drained out. Heat your freshly drawn water to the boiling point. Spoon in the desired amount of tea and then steep for 3-5 minutes. Less time will not allow the flavors to be their best and longer time will make the tea bitter. Strain the leaves out of the tea and pour into teacups which have been warmed. If milk is to be used with tea it should always be milk and not cream as cream is to overpowering to the tea.
Next you will want to think about decor. High tea is every bit as much about the eyes as the palate. A lace tablecloth with a rusty red cloth beneath for color will add a lavish touch. You might pull the lace up at intervals with large bows affixed to the under-cloth with pearl headed pins. Floral arrangements can be created from objects found on nature walks...twisted twigs, goldenrod, leaves in all their colors and glory. Place cards can be created with pressed leaves or flowers, or even names written on the leaves themselves with gel pen. Every surface of your room is open to your creativity.
What will you use for china? Maybe you have an entire set of vintage china that has been in your family, or maybe you have bits and pieces that you have collected at garage sales- either will be beautiful. Tiered plates look wonderful with the sweets arranged on them and grapes cascading over the sides. Vintage teapots are inexpensive so pick them up as they catch your eye and you will have an assortment to choose from.
Don't forget to add some soft background music in keeping with whatever theme you choose. Many people like to make small tokens and gifts as remembrances of the party. Anything that adds to the luxury and mood of the tea will make a memory that your guests will treasure for a long time to come.
Planning ahead around a theme can take the guesswork out of serving High Tea and ensure a wonderful time for all.

Learn more about this author, Marye Audet.
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