Hosting an Elegant High Tea at Home: A Delightful Afternoon on a Budget

One Saturday afternoon, we decided to host a High Tea at home—purely for fun and a change of pace. While it may not have matched the grandeur of a traditional hotel or café setting, the experience was charming, cozy, and full of laughter.

The Setup: Elegant Simplicity

To set the scene, we dressed the table with a crisp white tablecloth adorned with a pink, sparkly table runner. Each place setting featured crockery delicately wrapped in an embroidered napkin, tied with a pink ribbon and a sprig of fresh rosemary. Rustic floral arrangements added a soft, natural touch to the ambiance.

For a bit of vintage charm, the tea cups and saucers were arranged on a separate coffee table, draped in a lace tablecloth—perfect for a leisurely pour.

Arrival: 1:00 PM

As guests arrived, they were welcomed with sparkling wine and a decadent chocolate fondue accompanied by fresh strawberries and marshmallows—an indulgent start that set the tone for the afternoon.

The High Tea Menu

Our homemade menu struck a balance between elegance and simplicity:

Savoury Selection

Spinach & Feta Pastries
Classic Cucumber Sandwiches
Smoked Salmon Sliders
Shredded Chicken Sliders

Freshly Baked Scones

Plain and Date Scones, served with Raspberry Jam and Double Cream

Sweet Treats

Assorted Macarons
Mini Chocolate Tarts
Mini Lemon Tarts
Mrs. Kipling Mini Cakes

Tea Selection

An assortment of herbal and traditional teas was available, including:

English Breakfast
Green Tea
Peppermint
Hibiscus
Blue Pea Tea

Cost & Preparation

The total cost of the High Tea came to $153.43, excluding the tea and setup. Divided between six people, it worked out to just $25.57 per person—a remarkably affordable way to enjoy a luxurious afternoon.

All ingredients were sourced from a mix of local supermarkets and bakeries, including Coles, Woolworths, Boronia Park Bakery, Yellow Stage Bakery, and ALDI. By sharing the shopping responsibilities, the preparation time on my part was kept minimal.

Final Thoughts

This High Tea at home was a beautiful, budget-friendly alternative to dining out. It offered all the charm of the experience—delicious food, quality time with friends, and a lovely atmosphere—without the hefty price tag.

Would we do it again? Possibly. But of course, nothing quite replaces the magic of dressing up and enjoying High Tea at a venue. However, for those looking to celebrate a special occasion at home, or simply enjoy an afternoon of indulgence without splurging, this DIY version offers a memorable and rewarding option.

Whether you go all out with the menu or stick to a few well-chosen treats, you can create a high tea experience that’s both delightful and economical.