High tea might look elegant and elevated, but it doesn’t have to be complicated!
Spring is the most popular high tea season, especially with so many great occasions to celebrate this time of year, like Mother’s Day or bridal showers. I’ve got some great items here from Pottery Barn and Amazon that will show you how to create a beautiful high tea moment at home.
Create your foundation
Start by identifying your colour palette by choosing two to three tones. Today, I’m using soft greens, blush, and cream to reflect the natural beauty of spring.
Layer a plain white tablecloth with a seasonal option to set the tone.
Your place settings should match or complement your chosen colours for a cohesive look. Choose a full set or mix and match items you find in-store, like we did here!
Layer vertically
To achieve the classic high tea look, add height to your table setting by layering vertically with options such as:
- Tiered Stand – this is the most authentic way to serve light refreshments during high tea, and there’s a correct order to placing your food. Your bottom tier should include savoury bites, your middle tier should be for scones or pastries, and your top tier should hold your final course of delicate, mini desserts.
- Centrepiece – to create additional height, use a centrepiece that reflects your colour scheme. This should be a delicate piece, and florals always work well.
- Serving Bowl – if you’re serving additional treats or appetizers, use a serving bowl to display in the centre of the table. This addition also helps to balance your tabletop using an odd number of décor pieces across the table (the 3-5-7 design rule!) You can even shop your own home for antique or vintage pieces to display.
Make your tea set the main character
It wouldn’t be complete without tea! Your teapot and cups should be the main character, so be sure to choose a style that complements your setting but still pops on the table.
Mix modern and traditional for a unique look, like an antique teapot with modern cups, and have fun with mix and matching the colours of your teacups.
As seen on CHCH Morning Live
Watch Jane’s step-by-step guide to hosting high tea on Morning Live.
Final Thoughts
Keep it simple! Layer your table, add a little height, and bring in soft details. That’s how you create a beautiful high tea moment with minimal stress.
If you’d like to bring this spring tea party to your own dining room, I’ve linked all the pieces used to create this look below.
Pottery Barn
- Caterer’s Box Rectangular Tablecloth
- LoveShackFancy Floral Printed Table Runner
- Cambria Handcrafted Stoneware Dinner Plates (Rose)
- LoveShackFancy Garden Floral Porcelain Salad Plates
- LoveShackFancy Rose Porcelain Appetizer Plates
- Eliza Linen Napkins (Pink)
- LoveShackFancy Bow Napkin Rings
- LoveShackFancy 5-Piece Stainless Steel Flatware Set
- Sloan Glassware Collection (Clear)
- LoveShackFancy Pink Rose Serving Bowl
- Faux Hydrangea Bundle (Pink)
- Ceramic Faceted Vase Collection (Small, Pink)
Amazon
- 3 Tier Ceramic Vintage Cake Stand with Beautiful Classic Rose Pattern (Green)
- Sweejar Royal Teapot, Ceramic Tea Pot with Removable Stainless Steel Infuser, Blooming & Loose Leaf Teapot (Rose Flower, 28 Ounce)
- Porcelain Tea Cup with Saucers and Spoon, 2 Sets of 8 Oz Floral Coffee Mug with Gold Trim Holder, Royal Ceramic Teacup Set, Espresso Latte Mugs for Wedding Birthday Table Supplies (Pink + Apple Green)
