High Tea Menu Ideas for Home Entertainers
Plan your next high tea party with this modern high tea menu ideas. Featuring a mix of easy sandwiches, pastries, salads, fruit garnishes, desserts, and teas, this guide is intended for home entertainers and small event planners looking to achieve a relaxed afternoon tea get-together. With an American twist on the traditional British fare, these selections are not only mouthwatering but also simple to prepare or purchase, ensuring your high tea is as stress-free as it is elegant.
![High Tea Menu Ideas For Home Pinterest](https://homeandhues.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/High-Tea-Menu-Ideas-For-Home-Pinterest.jpg)
Easy High Tea Menu Ideas for Any Gathering or Celebration
High tea isn’t just a meal; it’s an elegant experience that combines delicious teas with a variety of delicious finger foods. And this high tea menu can be used for any casual catch-up with friends, a fancy brunch, or celebrating special moments like baby showers, birthdays or graduation parties.
So let’s get to some ideas on how can you set up a modern high tea menu, with simple, yet slightly sophisticated recipes. Whether you’re a home entertainer or a small event planner, with this high tea menu ideas you can easily add a touch of elegance and flavor here.
Include Savory Sandwiches And Bread-Based Bites In The High Tea Menu
- Mini Croissant Chicken Salad Sandwiches – Swap out the usual finger sandwiches for these delightful mini croissants filled with a homemade chicken salad. Add grapes and almonds for a crunchy, sweet twist.
![](https://homeandhues.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chicken-Salad-sandwiches-on-platter-jun21v.jpg)
- Cucumber and Dill Cream Cheese on Rye – A classic from the high tea menu, but with a twist. Use rye bread cut into small, decorative shapes and top with cream cheese mixed with fresh dill. Thinly sliced cucumber crowns this refreshing treat.
![](https://homeandhues.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mini-cucumber-sandwiches_-8-scaled-1.jpg)
- Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches – feature Ritz crackers, deli ham, cheese and a kick of Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard and butter over the top before a quick baking. Not the typical high tea sandwiches but these are much quicker to make.
![](https://homeandhues.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ritz-Cracker-Party-Sandwiches.jpg)
- Mini Avocado Toast – Creamy avocado spread on whole grain toast (baguette), topped with crumbled feta, chopped walnuts, and a sprinkling of everything bagel seasoning.
![](https://homeandhues.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/mini-avocado-toasts.jpg)
- Pesto Turkey Pinwheels – turkey breast and smoked provolone wrapped in a pesto cream cheese mixture spread on tortillas then cut into slices. These are my favorite item from my high tea party menu.
![](https://homeandhues.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Pesto-Pinwheels-with-tortillas.jpg)
- Smoked salmon canapés – these smoked salmon canapés are elegant bite-sized appetizers featuring smoked salmon atop cream cheese mixture, garnished with fresh dill on crispy toasted bread.
![](https://homeandhues.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/smoked-salmon-canapes-on-tray.jpg)
- New England Style Shrimp Rolls – perfect for a chilled summer high tea party, featuring roasted shrimp mixed with a dill-infused dressing, celery, and shallots, all served in a toasted, buttery split-top bun.
![](https://homeandhues.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ShrimpRoll-buns.jpg)
Finger Pastries and Baked Bites
- Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Rolls – Easy to make ahead, these flaky pastries are filled with creamy feta and spinach, perfect for a bite-sized snack.
- Sweet Potato Biscuits with Ham and Honey Butter – Give a Southern touch to your high tea with these moist biscuits that pair wonderfully with thinly sliced ham and a smear of honey butter.
![](https://homeandhues.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/high-tea-bites-1024x640.jpg)
- Cheddar and Chive Scones – Add sharp cheddar and fresh chives to your basic scone recipe for a savory twist that pairs perfectly with any tea.
- Mini Quiche Lorraine – These bite-sized quiches are filled with bacon, cheese, and a hint of spices, making them a hearty addition to your tea table.
![High Tea Baked Bites](https://homeandhues.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/high-tea-baked-bites.jpg)
Fresh Portioned Veggie Salads and Fruit
- Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze – For those who want something even simpler, these skewers layer cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves, drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze.
![](https://homeandhues.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Caprese-Skewers.jpg)
- Mixed Green Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette – A light, vibrant salad that adds a splash of color and freshness to your tea spread.
- Arugula Salad with Parmesan and Lemon Vinaigrette – A simple yet flavorful salad that combines peppery arugula with shaved Parmesan and a zesty lemon dressing.
- Minted Watermelon Cubes – Toss watermelon cubes with fresh mint and a touch of lime for a refreshing and hydrating treat.
- Fruit Skewers with Honey-Yogurt Dip – Skewer seasonal fruits and serve with a side of creamy honey-yogurt dip for a healthy, sweet treat.
![](https://homeandhues.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fruit-cubes-and-skewers.jpg)
Desserts: Sweet Endings For Your High Tea Menu
- Lemon Lavender Mini Scones – Infuse your scones with lemon zest and a hint of lavender for a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with your favorite tea.
- Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries – A guaranteed crowd-pleaser, these are not only delicious but also a visually appealing addition to your table.
- Mini Pavlovas with Berries and Cream – These small meringue nests filled with whipped cream and topped with assorted berries offer a light, sweet finish.
- Earl Grey Chocolate Truffles – Infuse your chocolate truffles with Earl Grey tea for a subtle, fragrant note that tea lovers will adore.
![High tea mini desserts.](https://homeandhues.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/high-tea-mini-desserts.jpg)
Tea and Beverage Options
- Classic Earl Grey – With its distinctive flavor, it’s a must-have at any high tea.
- Peppermint Herbal Tea – A refreshing choice that aids digestion and refreshes the palate.
- Chai with a Dash of Vanilla – A spicier tea that adds a warm, comforting finish to your meal.
- Iced Hibiscus Tea – Vibrant and refreshing, a colorful addition that’s as delightful to look at as it is to drink.
![iced hibiscus tea](https://homeandhues.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/hibiscus-tea-recipe-760x1024-1.jpg)
- Jasmine Green Tea – Light and fragrant, perfect for a soothing tea experience.
- Ginger Lemonade – A non-tea option that provides a zesty, refreshing drink suitable for all guests.
- Green Tea Lemonade – refreshing brewed green tea, lemon juice and honey mix. If you want you can add some alcohol to it.
![](https://homeandhues.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/green-tea-lemonade-close-up-shot.jpg)
High Tea Menu Serving Formula
1. Timing and Sequence
- Arrival: Serve a welcoming drink upon arrival. The Ginger Lemonade or a cup of Jasmine Green Tea.
- Savory Start: Begin with the savory selections. This sets a pleasant palate for the guests and pairs well with lighter teas.
- Transition to Sweets: After the savory, introduce the pastries and breads, followed by the desserts. This transition keeps the palate engaged and excited.
![High tea serving timing](https://homeandhues.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/high-tea-serving-timing.jpg)
2. Portion Control
- Savories and Sandwiches: Offer 2-3 pieces of each savory item per guest.
- Pastries and Breads: One of each per guest, ensuring everyone gets to try a bit of everything.
- Desserts: Since these are richer, one of each dessert per guest should suffice, especially if they are bite-sized.
- Salads and Fruits: Serve these in small, individual portions or in communal bowls for guests to help themselves.
![portioned salads for high tea party serving](https://homeandhues.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/portioned-salads-for-high-tea-party-serving.jpg)
3. Tea Pairing
- With Savories: Serve Jasmine Green Tea or Earl Grey Chocolate Truffles with the savory items to complement their flavors.
- With Sweets: Offer Iced Hibiscus Tea or the traditional hot teas with the desserts and pastries, as their floral and sweet notes harmonize with the sugar.
4. Presentation Tips
- Tiered Trays: Use tiered trays for an elegant presentation, with savories on the lower tiers and sweets on the top.
![Tiered plates set-up for party.](https://homeandhues.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/tiered-plates-set-up.jpg)
- Separate Dishes for Special Items: Serve salads and fruit garnishes in separate, smaller bowls or plates to highlight their freshness and color.
- Label Each Item: Especially for more unique items like the goat cheese and fig crostini or the mini Pavlovas, labels can help guests know what they’re enjoying.
5. Refreshing Options
- Continuous Tea Service: Keep a variety of teas flowing throughout the event. Begin with more aromatic and lighter teas and move towards richer or flavored teas as you transition to sweets.
- Water and Alternatives: Always have water available, and consider a non-tea beverage like the Ginger Lemonade as a palate cleanser or for those who prefer a different refreshment.
6. Final Touches
- Cleanup Stations: Set up small stations where guests can dispose of used tea leaves and refresh their cups.
- Parting Favor: Offer a small takeaway, such as a bag of cookies or a few of the Earl Grey Chocolate Truffles, as a thank-you for attending.
![thank you gift for tea party](https://homeandhues.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/thank-you-gift.jpg)
Using this serving formula will ensure your high tea is not only delicious but also flows smoothly and impresses your guests with its thoughtful layout and variety.
Planning a high tea doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With these easy-to-prepare items, you can put together a memorable event that combines classic elegance with contemporary flair. From savory sandwiches to sweet desserts and refreshing teas, each element of your menu is sure to impress your guests.