How to host a proper high tea

Watch this video tutorial to learn how to host a proper high tea. Technically, high tea in the U.K. includes cooked meats and salad. But in the U.S., it has become synonymous with an afternoon of sweet treats and delicate sandwiches.

Step 1. Invite your guests

Invite guests to come by between 3 and 5 p.m. Afternoon tea is meant to tide people over from lunch to dinner.

Step 2. Set a proper table

Put out a cloth tablecloth, cloth napkins, and your best utensils. Provide each guest with a teacup and saucer, and a small plate. Give each guest two spoons: one for their tea and one for their clotted cream and jam.

Step 3. Pick your tea

Offer a variety of loose-leaf teas; tea bags are a no-no. Either limit your selection to the number of teapots you have, or provide each guest with a tea infuser that allows them to steep tea in their own cups.

Step 4. Prepare your menu

Prepare a menu that includes small scones, miniature pastries, like petits fours, and finger sandwiches – egg or chicken salad, cucumber, watercress, and smoked salmon with cream cheese are all traditional fillings. Cut them into quarters, and remove the crusts.

Step 5. Serve food

Place the sweets and sandwiches on separate platters or tiered serving trays and allow guests to serve themselves with tongs. Place pots of jam and clotted cream on the table for the scones.

Step 6. Prepare your tea

Put the loose tea into the empty teapots. A good general rule is one teaspoon for every cup of water.

Step 7. Add the water

Just before the water boils, add it to the teapots. Cover and let steep for two to four minutes.

Step 8. Serve the tea

Place a tea strainer across each teacup before pouring to catch the tea leaves.

Step 9. Relax

Sit back, relax, and linger over good conversation. High tea is meant to be savored.

FACT: The tradition of afternoon tea was conceived in the 1800s by Anna Maria, the duchess of Bedford, who complained she got hungry b