What is High Tea?

Here in America, any “fancy” tea experience is often referred to as “high tea”, particularly if it involves the traditional three-tiered serving tray stuffed to the brim with finger sandwiches, scones, and dainty desserts. But is it really “high tea”? Surprisingly, no. 

High Tea: The Real Meaning

A true “high tea” is actually a far different event, typically consisting of a heartier meal with meat, potatoes, vegetables and soup. This is the main evening meal for the family and is served in the early evening at the conclusion of the workday for adults and school for children. It is seldom attended by invited guests. (The English are delightfully polite, however, and would include people for tea rather than be rude.)

One might hear someone telling colleagues, “I’m going home to have me tea,” but it doesn’t mean they’re headed home to a cup and saucer – it really just means they’re having an early dinner. Then, they would usually have a snack at the end of the evening around 9:30, just as Americans do.

Enter “Afternoon Tea”

The correct English term for the “high tea” often requested by Americans is actually “afternoon tea”, which is a formal experience that includes lighter, more delicate fare. 

Originally, the high-society afternoon tea was for people that didn’t work, which is why they had their afternoon free to sit around and natter about nonsense, enjoy sandwiches, and sip on tea.  

An English Invitation to Tea

Do keep in mind that an “invitation to tea” is not the same thing as the American experience of “going out for coffee”. You will be expected to either meet them somewhere (at a salon de thé, for example), or to come to their home, and you will want to be dressed a little more formally. 

While today’s more modern lifestyle doesn’t typically accommodate the afternoon tea traditions on display in Bridgerton, you might still receive an invitation to afternoon tea from a friend or acquaintance.

If you don’t know the hosts well and your teatime is 4 o’clock, you might find yourself in the awkward position of not knowing if you’re showing up for an early dinner (high tea) or showing up for a fancy afternoon tea soirée.

However, it’s less common for people to invite you to their house for high tea, so it’s better to err on the more formal side, anticipate the luxurious afternoon tea experience, and dress accordingly.

High Tea vs…Low Tea?

The high tea meal was traditionally taken at a dining room table, which was a higher surface with high-backed chairs. Afternoon tea was typically served on a low table, like a coffee table, while, in true Bridgerton style, guests sat around in plush, comfortable armchairs, nibbling on treats with a plate in one hand and a teacup in the other.

These days, if you go to any of the hotels like the Ritz or the Savoy, they’re usually serving tea in their tea salons, where you sit at a dining table. It’s gracious and grand, but technically inaccurate, as it’s afternoon tea but served at a dining table.

Some hotels serve tea in their lounge, where you’re at a lower table in more comfortable chairs. Afternoon tea could sometimes called “low tea” for this reason, but it is very unusual to use this term.

Tea Time Around the World

In England, both afternoon tea and high tea include savory and sweet options, and they’re often served at similar times of the day but they serve very different purposes. Think of English high tea as early dinner and afternoon tea as a fancy tea party.

In South Africa, formal tea is served in the late afternoon or mid-morning, in a style more similar to English afternoon tea, but it is referred to as “high tea”. It is very common to be invited to someone’s home for tea. This experience comprises pots of tea and a variety of cakes in a casual atmosphere without the grand 3-tier stands. It is often served buffet-style on a large dining or kitchen table and enjoyed in the living room or on the patio.

The French classify their teatime according to the time of day, so the evening tea tradition is a “soiree de thé” (tea service that starts after 4pm) and then tea offered throughout the day is “thé du jour”.

High Tea at Fleur de Thé

Here at our St. Louis tearoom, we offer a combination of the two ideas: Tea is presented in afternoon tea style with dainty sandwiches, baked goods, and desserts, but our sandwiches have the heartier fillings similar to English high tea. (For example, our chicken sandwiches are filled with hearty chicken casserole, which we offer all day as our guests will most likely prefer a heartier sandwich.) 

The unique aspect of Fleur de Thé is that we go beyond the typical English afternoon tea. Our offerings include Indian, French, and South African flavors, all served in the afternoon tea style with luxurious place settings and dressed-up dishes. 

For smaller appetites, we offer English “cream tea”, which is a simplified version of afternoon tea: tea with clotted cream and a couple of scones with jam. You may also select the French “thé gourmand”, which is tea accompanied by a tiny platter of dessert samples.

The End Goal of High Tea

Teatime, regardless of what it’s called, should be a delightful experience filled with beautifully presented, tantalizing tastes, that are graciously served. And if you’re unsure of what wear, err on the side of dressed up. All dressed up and somewhere to go in St. Louis.