Low Tea Menu for the Most Popular Style of Tea Party

It is called so because of the tables used ~ they are lower than a dining table. It is not unusual now though, to serve a low afternoon tea at the dining room table, especially if you are serving something that may be tricky to eat or that requires silverware other than a spoon for tea.

Most teas offered in tea rooms/shops are low teas because of the nature of the food offered, but are served at a 'high' table.

N.B. A true high tea will be a full dinner with some or all of the following: soups, meats, casseroles, a vegetable dish or two, scones, breads, cakes and other sweets.

Although more food options are served like tea sandwiches, scones, special desserts, candies/chocolates... it is still considered like a snack. Therefore, when helping yourself or being served, do not expect a lot of food. One or two of each item is normally appropriate. Seconds may be passed or a return to the buffet table may be indicated, but the same principle applies ~ one or two of each item.

So, for a low tea party your menu will look like this:

The courses are served in this order:

Savories: Tea sandwiches, seasoned scones, and any other appetizers.

Scones: Plain scones, sweet scones, other tea breads.

Sweets/Pastries: Tea cakes, cookies/biscuits, confections.

Additional Information:
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