Enjoy your own high tea in a classic way

Fancy doing something different with your friends? Surprise your guests and invite them for a cosy high tea! Who wouldn't want to chat endlessly while enjoying airy scones and tasty sandwiches? Did you know that you can easily organise a high tea at home? With these handy tips from KoffiePiraat you can enjoy the most delicious high tea at home!

A serious matter

It probably comes as no surprise that high tea originated in Great Britain. However, did you know that high tea (or afternoon tea, as the British say) is a serious matter? There are special rules for enjoying a high tea. Of course, you decide for yourself how seriously you take these rules. So it doesn't matter if you do something wrong at home, you're among friends.

What do you need?

Sandwiches
In addition to tea, you will find luxury sandwiches at a high tea. These savoury sandwiches are generally small and without crust. They are usually cut into small squares with a toothpick in them. They should be soft rolls. So you can never go wrong with casino bread or the Italian type of bread tramezzini. The only rule is that the rolls must be savoury.

Scones
Scones are of course a must at a real high tea. The sturdy little breads without yeast can now be found in most supermarkets. Don't see them? Then you can easily make them yourself.
The scones come with jam and clotted cream. Officially, you are not allowed to use butter or whipped cream. The clotted cream is also called Devonshire or Cornis Cream.

Sweetness
A high tea naturally includes lots of cakes and other sweets. A high tea is all about spoiling yourself and unpacking so do this too. Cakes, chocolate , mini tompouces and various biscuits . It is all allowed at your own high tea. However, it is important that you have as much diversity on the table as possible. So do not choose three sweet snacks with chocolate because one is more than enough. In addition, it is important that you serve it in small portions. For example, do you choose apple pie? Cut the pieces so small that you can eat them in one bite.

Tea
You don't think we've forgotten the tea , do you? A high tea involves litres and litres of tea. There are hundreds of varieties of tea, each with its own flavour. We recommend choosing a real British tea. This fits perfectly with the theme of a high tea,

Tip from KoffiePiraat: Great Rift by Birchall

Enjoy in moderation by rounds

It is tempting to eat everything at once, but don't rush into it. A high tea is meant to enjoy food and conviviality for a long time. It is important to do rounds so that the food can settle. Of course, the British have also established the rules for the rounds, so a classic high tea goes like this:

Round 1: Sandwiches
We know it's hard, but you have to leave the tempting cakes for a while. The sandwiches are eaten first. It is important that the sandwiches are eaten with the hands. You are not allowed to use the cutlery for this round.

Round 2: Scones
After the sandwiches and a short break we move on to the scones. It is important that the scones are served warm. If this is necessary, do not put the scones on the table immediately, but after the first round.

The scones should be broken in half by hand. It is impolite to cut this with a knife. It is also important to eat each half separately. Putting them together into a scone sandwich is absolutely not done.

Round 3: Sweetness
Finally, it's time for sweets. You've waited long enough and saved the best for last. For the cakes, you can use your hands as well as the cutlery. This way you can enjoy it to the fullest.

Tea, tea and more tea

During the rounds and in the break, tea is of course drunk. Every cup must almost always be full. A mother is chosen for the high tea, this does not necessarily have to be the host. The mother is responsible for the tea and pours for everyone. In the end, she does not have to help with the cleaning up because she has been busy all the time. This also ensures that not everyone grabs the teapot and an accident can occur.

Are you adding milk and/or sugar? Then you should stir back and forth and not in circular movements. While stirring, the spoon should not touch the sides. The cup is held with the thumb and index finger. The handle rests on the middle finger. So don't put your little finger up because that is rude!

It is possible that not everyone drinks the same tea. It is then a good idea to fill the teapot with hot water. This way you can put the loose tea flavors on the table and everyone can enjoy the right taste. Not very British but very cozy. Want to score extra points? Get a special teapot. This pot will be the centerpiece of the table.

Do your own thing

So there are a lot of rules to enjoy a high tea in a classic way. The British way is great of course, but not always necessary. It is important to do your own thing. Change the sandwiches for mini pizzas or make savoury cupcakes from the scones. In the end, it is your own high tea and it is all about the cosiness!

Want to make your own high tea? Get the perfect British tea at KoffiePiraat:

- Birchall Green Tea Peach
- Birchall Lemongrass & Ginger
- Birchall Peppermint Tea

-English Tea Shop Pure White Tea

-English Tea Shop Intense Chai Tea

- English Tea Shop Earl Gray Tea