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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Mini Avocado Toast – Creamy avocado spread on whole grain toast (baguette), topped with crumbled feta, chopped walnuts, and a sprinkling of everything bagel seasoning.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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