A full afternoon tea typically includes the following per person:
- Three to four finger sandwiches.
- Two scones with jam and clotted cream (or double cream)
- Three to five desserts.
- Pot of tea or coffee.
What do you wear to a high tea in London?
Men don’t need to wear a jacket, tie and shoes – unless of course it is specified – just steer clear of trainers and caps. Most gentlemen instead prefer to wear a collared shirt and smart jeans or trousers. It’s also important to wear clean shoes. Ladies on the other hand may prefer to dress up a little bit.
What can I expect at a high tea?
Tea will be served between three and five pm and will consist of tea, sandwiches and a slice of cake. If you are invited to High Tea, it will be slightly more substantial. There will be a strict dress code and you’ll be expected to know how to behave at such an event.
What is the dress code for high tea?
Afternoon Tea Dress Code
Generally, the attire requested for guests to adhere to for afternoon tea is “smart casual,” which falls somewhere between business casual and casual. This will usually mean no trainers, t-shirts, shorts or sportswear. And gentlemen will typically be asked to wear a collared shirt.
What to expect at an afternoon tea in London?
Expect a blend of savory and sweet delights. Finger sandwiches (smoked salmon, roast beef, chicken salad, or cucumber, etc.) are common, along with biscuits and/or scones with clotted cream & jam, possibly a tart (cheese, ham, etc.), and finally an array of sweets (chocolate, cakes, etc.).
Can I wear trainers to afternoon tea?
As a good rule of thumb, if you avoid wearing any of the following you should be okay. Avoid sportswear, shorts, trainers.
Do you tip at afternoon tea?
It’s not your average plated meal, so what’s the appropriate gratuity? “Tea servers are working just as hard as traditional meal servers and have studied diligently to learn the different varieties of teas, the menu, the types of Champagne, etc. So, tip the same as a standard meal,” suggests Mercer.
How long do you stay at high tea?
I think it is reasonable to consider two hours. The afternoon tea starts at 3:30 and you are expected to savour it and enjoy the atmosphere. This would bring you to completion at 5:30 pm. over a year ago.
What should I eat first at a high tea?
The correct order to enjoy the food that accompanies afternoon tea is savory to sweet: sandwiches first, then scones, and sweets last. You can use your fingers to eat all three courses. To eat a scone, you simply break it in half with your fingers.
What should you not do at a tea party?
Tea Party Etiquette
- A hostess gift is not required, but loose tea would always be appreciated.
- Avoid placing too much food on your plate.
- Only pick up your saucer if you are standing.
- Do not leave your spoon in your saucer or on the table.
- Scones are not to be eaten with a fork or knife.
What happens at a high tea party?
High tea is the British tradition of drinking tea while sitting in high-backed chairs at a table full of plated items such as cold meats, vegetables, pickled fish, potatoes, salads, pies, tarts, homemade bread or crackers with butter, teacakes and fruitcakes.
What should you not wear to afternoon tea?
If you want to ensure you’re wearing the proper high tea attire, stay away from anything mini or clingy. You will be seated most of the time, so make sure your high tea dress is comfortable: not too short or tight. Something that hits just above or below your knee will be perfect.
Do men attend high tea?
Tea parties are often stereotyped as women’s events, but there is no reason men can’t attend or host a tea party. However, if you do host a mixed-company tea party, it is probably wise to avoid overdosing on frills like lace doilies, chintz chair cushions and finger sandwiches cut in the shape of fluffy bunnies.
What do ladies wear to afternoon tea?
A dress or skirt is always a good choice for high tea. If you’re wearing a dress or skirt, make sure it is at least knee-length. A blouse or lightweight sweater is an excellent choice to wear with a skirt. Pants or trousers can be worn to high tea, just avoid denim, leggings, and overly casual pant styles.
What are three rules for afternoon tea?
High Tea Etiquette – Top 5 Tips
- Dress Code. Do dress smart casual.
- All About Scones. Scones should be broken apart with the fingers, not cut with a knife and fork.
- Eating Manners. As the name suggests finger sandwiches should be eaten with your hands, but small delicate sweet morsels require a fork or dessert spoon.
What are the 3 main foods served at an afternoon tea?
There aren’t any rules when it comes to the food, but a standard afternoon tea comprises a tier of sandwiches, a tier of cakes and one of scones or teacakes.
Can you ask for more food at afternoon tea?
You can ask for more scones, sandwiches, cakes and tea—not that you’ll need it. Afternoon tea is usually quite filling, which brings us to our next point… Do treat afternoon tea as a meal.
Can ladies wear trousers for afternoon tea?
Afternoon Tea Dress Code for Women
Most afternoon tea venues have a relaxed smart/casual dress code, so there are many different ways you can dress for afternoon tea. You could opt for a relaxed and easy look with a dress or skirt and shirt combination, or you can go slightly more formal with a trouser suit look.
How should you behave at an afternoon tea?
21 Afternoon Tea Etiquette Rules
- Afternoon Tea Etiquette.
- #1: Dress appropriately.
- #2: Keep phones off the table.
- #3: Put your pinkie finger down.
- #4: Hold the teacup by the handle.
- #5: Stir up and down, not in circles.
- #7: Don’t put the teaspoon in your mouth.
- #9: Don’t blow on the tea to cool it down.
Can you wear jeans to afternoon tea?
Most venues have a relaxed ‘smart casual’ dress code these days, so there is no need for men to wear a jacket and tie (unless otherwise specified) – trousers or smart jeans, collared shirt and clean/un-scuffed shoes are acceptable. No sportswear or trainers (sneakers).
Do you wear gloves to afternoon tea?
Tea Attire
The customary attire for men and women attending a tea is semi-formal. Often ladies sport hats, gloves and brightly colored suits and dresses. Black is never appropriate for a tea party. It is okay for a lady to wear her hat at the table; however, gloves should be removed before the tea service begins.