High Tea or Afternoon Tea? They are NOT the same!

High Tea or Afternoon Tea? The terms are often used interchangeably, especially in America. They are NOT the same! 

Today, we’re diving into the delightful differences between High Tea, Afternoon Tea, and the lesser-known Cream Tea. We'll be exploring their histories, debunking common mix-ups, and celebrating tea’s modern renaissance, thanks to shows like Bridgerton and Downton Abbey. So, steep a cup of your favorite tea, and let’s get started!

 

Picture yourself in a cozy drawing room, sunlight streaming through lace curtains, a delicate teacup in hand, and the faint clink of porcelain as someone passes a plate of scones. The world of tea is steeped in charm, tradition, and a touch of elegance that feels like stepping into a Jane Austen novel. 

But if you’ve ever been invited to “high tea” and you picture dainty sandwiches and tiered cake stands, you might be surprised to learn that’s not what high tea 'actually' is. 

The Roots of Tea: A Brief History

To understand these tea traditions, we need to go back to where it all began. Tea’s story starts in ancient China, where legend has it that Emperor Shen Nong discovered it around 2737 BC when tea leaves accidentally blew into his boiling water. From there, tea became a cultural cornerstone, spreading across Asia and eventually reaching Europe by the 16th century.

In Britain, tea’s rise to fame came in the 17th century. When Catherine of Braganza arrived from Portugal to marry King Charles II in 1662, she brought with her a 'casket' of tea. Since the Portuguese had been importing tea to Europe from the beginning of the seventeenth century, Catherine had grown up drinking tea as the preferred everyday beverage.

She brought tea-drinking to the royal court, and soon, it trickled down to the aristocracy and beyond. By the 19th century, tea was a British obsession, woven into the fabric of daily life.

Catherine of Braganza, who brought tea to England

Tea wasn’t just a drink; it was a social ritual, a status symbol, and a moment of pause in a bustling world. Its affordability grew as trade expanded, making it accessible to all classes. This set the stage for the distinct tea traditions we know today, each shaped by class, time of day, and culinary flair.

Let’s explore them one by one:

The Origin of Afternoon Tea

"Afternoon Tea" is what most people picture when they think of a classic British tea party. It’s the one with the three-tiered stand filled with delicate finger sandwiches, fluffy scones with clotted cream and jam, petite pastries, and desserts. This tradition emerged in the early 1840s, credited to Anna Russell, the Duchess of Bedford.

Back then, dinner was often served late, around 8 or 9 p.m., leaving a long gap between lunch and the evening meal. The Duchess, feeling 'peckish' in the late afternoon, began requesting a tray of tea, bread, butter, and cakes to tide her over.

Tea with scones and other treats had long been served before the Duchess made it popular, so she did not 'invent' the idea of afternoon tea, as is the legend. But when she began inviting high-profile friends to join her, the idea caught on among the upper classes.

One of Anna's friends was none other than Queen Victoria herself. When the beloved Queen became enamored with the idea of Afternoon Tea, her substantial influence helped the trend to gain popularity very quickly.

Anna, Duchess of Bedford, famed for creating the custom of afternoon tea in England.

Afternoon Tea became a fashionable social event, typically served between 3 and 5 p.m. in a drawing room or parlor. It was a light meal, designed to be elegant rather than filling, with a focus on delicate flavors and presentation. The sandwiches might include cucumber, egg, or smoked salmon, cut into perfect, crustless triangles.

Scones were warm, served with the all-important debate of whether to apply cream or jam first (a topic that could spark friendly arguments across England). The sweets, from macarons to Victoria sponge, added a touch of decadence.

The tea itself—often Darjeeling, Assam, or Earl Grey—was the star, poured from ornate teapots into fine china teacups.

Afternoon Tea is also known as 'Low Tea'

The service would normally take place in the lady’s parlour, drawing room, or boudoir and be served on low-decorative tables. Hence this event also became known as “low” tea.

The famed Blue Drawing Room, where Anna Russell would host Afternoon Teas

This was a ritual of refinement, a chance for the wealthy to socialize, gossip, and show off their best china and tableware. It was also distinctly feminine, often hosted by women in their homes. Afternoon Tea’s charm lies in its balance of simplicity and sophistication, a moment to pause and savor life’s little pleasures. And more than a bit of 'tea' was spilled as the ladies gossiped!

High Tea is Actually The Working-Class Dinner

Now, let’s clear up the biggest tea-related misconception. High Tea is NOT a fancier version of Afternoon Tea, despite what many modern invitations or menus might suggest. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

High Tea originated in the 19th century among the working class, who didn’t have the luxury of leisurely afternoon snacks. After a long day of labor, workers would return home around 5 or 6 p.m. and sit down to a hearty meal, often at a high kitchen table (which is why it's called 'high tea--for the table height). This was their main meal of the day, served with strong tea to wash it down.

High Tea was practical and substantial, featuring dishes like meat pies, sausages, cheese, bread, boiled eggs, and hearty stews. Cakes or biscuits might make an appearance, but they were secondary to the savory fare.

Unlike the delicate china of Afternoon Tea, High Tea was served on sturdy dishware, with function trumping finesse. It was a family affair, a time to refuel rather than socialize in a formal setting. The tea was brewed strong, often with milk and sugar, to complement the robust food.

A hearty dish like Shepherd's Pie on rustic ware is perfect for a true High Tea

So why the confusion? In modern times, especially in places like the United States, “High Tea” has been misused as a term for "fancy" Afternoon Tea, likely because “high” sounds posh. Hotels and restaurants often advertise “High Tea” with tiered stands and champagne, but this is actually Afternoon Tea.

True High Tea is more like a hearty rustic dinner with tea as the drink of choice. If you’re invited to High Tea expecting scones and petits fours, you might be in for a surprise when a plate of shepherd’s pie arrives instead!

But really, hardly anyone actually serves the original style High Tea nowadays. It's difficult to even find pictures of it when searching the internet! So the chances of you getting a meat pie or fish instead of finger sandwiches and scones is very low.

Cream Tea: Just the Scones, Please

Cream Tea is the simplest of the three, focusing on the essentials: scones, clotted cream, jam, and a pot of tea. It’s typically served in the afternoon, like Afternoon Tea, but it’s less formal and more regional, with deep roots in the West Country of England, particularly Devon and Cornwall.

This is more sweets than typical of a cream tea, but a general idea.
Photo by Mercedes Morgan Photography

Cream Tea’s origins are less documented, but it likely evolved in the 19th century as a way for farmers and workers to enjoy a quick, satisfying break. Taverns and tea rooms in Devon and Cornwall began offering it to travelers, and it became a hallmark of the region.

The scone is the star, warm and crumbly, served with a generous dollop of clotted cream (a thick, rich cream unique to the area) and strawberry jam. The tea is usually a classic black blend, strong enough to stand up to the richness of the cream.

Cream Tea is perfect for those who want the essence of a tea experience without the fuss of a full Afternoon Tea. It’s cozy, comforting, and deeply tied to the English countryside.

Tea’s Modern Renaissance

Tea has long been prominent in British culture, but it’s enjoying a never-before-seen surge in popularity here in America, thanks to period dramas like Bridgerton, Downton Abbey, and The Crown. These shows have brought the elegance of Afternoon Tea back into the spotlight, with scenes of characters sipping tea in opulent drawing rooms or exchanging witty banter over scones.

Guests love dressing for a formal Bridgerton-themed tea!

Bridgerton’s lavish tea parties, complete with pastel macarons and gilded teapots, have inspired fans to recreate the experience at home. Similarly, Downton Abbey’s meticulous depictions of Edwardian tea rituals have sparked a fascination with the etiquette and aesthetics of the era.

Social media has amplified this trend, with Instagram and TikTok overflowing with tea party inspiration. Influencers share tips on hosting your own Afternoon Tea, from choosing the perfect teapot to mastering the art of the cucumber sandwich. The Queen of Afternoon Tea is a MUST-FOLLOW on Instagram, TikTok, and You Tube! Her honest and sometimes scathing reviews have ruffled a few feathers! She really 'spills the tea'!

Tea rooms and hotels have leaned into the craze, offering themed experiences that transport guests to Regency-era London or a 1920s country estate. In the U.S., where coffee reigns supreme, Afternoon Tea has become a popular outing, with venues from coast to coast, including Austin, serving their own takes on the tradition. There are even Tea Buses that drive around a city while passengers are sipping tea!

This renewed interest isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about connection. In a fast-paced world, tea offers a chance to slow down, gather with friends, and indulge in a ritual that feels timeless. Whether it’s a full Afternoon Tea at a fancy hotel or a simple Cream Tea at a local café, the act of sharing tea and treats fosters a sense of community and comfort.

Bringing Afternoon Tea to You in Austin

We are reimagining Afternoon Tea by bringing it directly to you, whether it’s for a holiday, bridal shower, baby shower, birthday, or just a cozy afternoon with friends. It's like having your own serving staff waiting on you hand and foot, while you feel like a Duchess!

Imagine a mobile tea party pulling up to your doorstep, ready to set up for you with tiered stands, beautiful vintage china, freshly baked scones, all the delicious tea bites, and an assortment of fine teas. It’s Afternoon Tea without the hassle, tailored to your space and style.

What could be more fun than tea with friends to celebrate a special occasion?
Email Celebrate@AustinTeaParties.com to start planning your celebration!

We use the 'correct' term Afternoon Tea for our company. We mean the elegant, light meal Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, would recognize. For most of us, it’s the dainty sandwiches and scones that capture our hearts.

It's certainly understandable why most people confuse the terms 'High Tea' and 'Afternoon Tea'! I was quite guilty of it myself for some time, until I learned the difference. High Tea DOES sound more elegant to the ear, in my opinion.

It's become socially interchangeable, and everyone will understand what you mean. Do not fret. Your innocent misstep of terms will not end up in Lady Whistledown's Society Papers!

Wrapping Up with a Sip

So, there you have it: Afternoon Tea is the elegant, mid-afternoon affair with sandwiches, scones, and sweets; High Tea is the hearty, working-class supper with tea on the side; and Cream Tea is the simple, scone-focused delight of the West Country.

When you’re hosting an Afternoon Tea in your backyard, dining room, or another one of Austin's amazing venues, you’re part of a centuries-old legacy. So, here’s to tea, in all its forms, and the joy it brings to every sip.

Would YOU Love to Host a Tea?

High SocieTEA is your perfect choice to create a gorgeous tea, with lasting memories and happy taste buds.

Please call me, Christy Seguin, directly at 512-842-7833 or email me at Celebrate@AustinTeaParties.com with your contact information, date of party, anticipated guest count, and any other pertinent details, and I'll get back with you immediately!  

For more information, please visit AustinTeaParties.com.

My Story

My name is Christy Seguin, and I am the owner, baker, sandwich maker, and dishwasher of High SocieTEA. 

I spent over a decade as a noted Austin cake artist and owner of Cakes ROCK!!!, featured in Food Network's Halloween Wars, Netflix Sugar Rush, The Cooking Channel, and Cake Central International Magazine. Baking is my passion and most of my recipes are my own creations. 

For a short time, I owned an event venue called Rose Haven, and we had the perfect small room and adjoining rose garden for elegant teas. A friend of mine who is a tea expert approached me about turning it into a tea room. We created a partnership and soon our tea room was very popular. We were even featured as one of Austin's Top Tea Rooms by Culture Map Austin!

I closed Rose Haven but my newfound love of tea parties lingered, as well as my beautiful collection of china and accessories I had accumulated. I couldn't bear to part with my beauties and was considering what to do with them.

Out of the blue, a client whose caterer had canceled on them only 48 hours before their tea party, called me and asked if I could recreate my tea parties at their home. In two days! I agreed, and it was a smashing success! Read the whole story HERE.

Thus the idea of High SocieTEA was born. You get to host tea party of your dreams! And all the work is done for you by a Food Network-level chef and seasoned event professional.