A Guide to Making High Tea Hire an Unforgettable Experience

Last Updated on April 20, 2023 by Project Party

Are you planning a high tea hire event? If so, it’s important to make sure that your guests have an unforgettable experience. From the decorations and table settings to the food and drinks served, everything should be perfect. But before you can start decorating for your high tea event, there are some essential items that need to be taken care of first. In this guide, we will cover all of the essentials for making your high tea hire event one to remember!

Experience the Elegance and Tradition of High Tea

High tea, also known as “afternoon tea”, originated in Britain in the mid-19th century. Anna Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, is said to have introduced the concept of afternoon tea as a way to ward off hunger pangs between lunch and dinner. She would invite her friends to join her for a light meal of tea, sandwiches, cakes and scones, served on elegant china plates and teacups. Soon, high tea became a popular social activity among the upper classes and was often held in the drawing room, where guests would sip tea and chat with one another.

Today, high tea is still enjoyed in many parts of the world, with different variations depending on the country and region. In recent years, high tea hire services have become increasingly popular for weddings, corporate events and other special occasions.

High tea hire fine china
Get ready to dust off your finest tea cups and china because a high tea party is a perfect opportunity to showcase your elegant tableware.

High Tea Hire: Essential Factors to Consider When Planning Your High Tea Event

High tea hire is a perfect occasion for people to socialize and enjoy each other’s company over an elegant spread of tea, sandwiches, cakes, and scones. And with high tea hire services becoming increasingly popular, it’s easy for anyone to recreate this charming tradition for their own special event. Yea, thus it typically be:

  • held in the afternoon
  • involves serving sweet and savoury snacks with tea
  • common at events like baby showers and bridal showers or anniversaries
  • is usually accompanied by elegant decor and beautiful porcelain
  • an indoor or outdoor setting with a relaxed and elegant ambience is perfect
  • best for intimate guest lists but not too small, and
  • can be preprepared prior to the event (except for boiling the water).

So, if you want a sophisticated way to encourage your guests to mingle and enjoy each other’s company, high tea hire is the way to go.

High Tea Hire: Key Items to Consider for a Memorable High Tea Event

When it comes to planning a high tea hire event, there are several factors that need to be taken into consideration. Here is a list of the essential items you will need to hire for a successful high tea event:

  • tea sets (teapots, teacups, sugar bowls, etc.)
  • tables and chairs
  • linens (tablecloths, napkins, runners)
  • serve ware (plates, bowls, cutlery, trays, and most importantly, a tiered stand)
  • decorations (flowers, candles, vases)
  • glassware (wine glasses, champagne flutes, etc.)
  • food and drinks (sandwiches, scones, cakes, tea selections)
  • crockery and cutlery, and
  • music (for added ambience)

High tea has traditionally been served on a classic 3-tiered stand, featuring delightful treats such as sandwiches, cakes, and scones. However, adding an unconventional twist by incorporating new and innovative delicacies such as macarons, meringues, and savouries like freshly-baked pizzas, mini sliders, or other finger foods can make for a memorable experience. The drink selection for a high tea is equally vital, with plenty of choices available including the classic green, black, or white tea, seasonal herbal or fruit-infused options or any other personal favourites. The addition of non-alcoholic beverages like coffee or hot chocolate can further enhance the inclusivity of the high tea event.

By including all of the above items in your high tea hire, you can be sure to wow your guests and create an unforgettable experience.

High tea hire celebration
High tea is a splendid way to commemorate milestones or special occasions because of its elegant, ceremonial character.

Elevate Your High Tea Event with These Simple Tips for Elegant Space Decoration

When it comes to hosting a high tea event, the right decorations can make all the difference. Whether you’re planning a bridal shower, baby shower, or another special occasion, creating an elegant and inviting atmosphere is essential for a successful high tea event. Fortunately, with a few key tips, you can easily transform any space into a sophisticated setting that is perfect for sipping tea, snacking on scones and sandwiches, and enjoying the company of loved ones. From selecting the perfect linens to curating floral arrangements, these tips will help you create a truly unforgettable high tea experience for all your guests:

  • Opt for classic white or ivory linens to create a timeless, elegant look.
  • Choose china that is functional yet stylish and in keeping with the occasion.
  • Create centrepieces with fresh flowers in muted pastel colours.
  • Add subtle lighting such as candles, fairy lights, and lamps to give your event an inviting glow.
  • Incorporate vintage accessories like silver trays, teapots and cake stands to add a touch of nostalgia.

With these tips in mind, you can then make your high tea hire a truly memorable experience for all your guests by making sure that you:

1. Incorporate Your Theme

To make your event even more personalised, consider incorporating your theme into the decorations. For example, if you’re hosting a baby shower, you could use cute and playful accessories, like miniature clothespins or baby bottle vases. If you’re hosting a bridal shower, opt for understated touches of elegance such as feathers or pearls. By incorporating your theme into your decor, you’ll create a cohesive and well-planned event that your guests will love.

2. Don’t Skimp on Flowers

Flowers are a quintessential part of decoration alongside your high tea hire. Fresh, colourful flowers can instantly uplift a space and create a warm, inviting ambience. Besides the centrepieces, using floral arrangements on your tables can add dimension and vibrancy to your event. You can also use seasonal flowers to add a touch of nature to your setting. With floral arrangements, you can never go wrong!

3. Consider Colour Coordination

The colours you choose for your decor can enhance the beauty of your hire tea hire items and event. For a classic touch, you could incorporate shades of soft pink, blue, green or yellow. Alternatively, for a more modern look, you could use brighter hues like fuschia or purple. As for the linens and cutlery, it’s crucial to make sure that they complement the colours of your flowers and the overall decor. With this, you can make your event look stylish and cohesive.

You have two choices: keep it simple and let the food and guests be the main focus, or go all out and create a Bridgerton experience that will transport your guests to a bygone era. If you decide to go for the latter, you can use ornate tablecloths, vintage teacups, and even some flower arrangements to create an opulent atmosphere. But whether you choose to keep it low-key or extravagant, one thing is for sure – the food is the star of the show. So make sure to select the best tea blends and prepare a variety of delicious scones, sandwiches, and pastries. Your guests will appreciate the effort you put into the event, no matter the level of decoration.

High tea custom tea bags
Make your wedding day even more special by creating customized tea bags with your groom for an extra personal touch that guests will surely love.

Ensure a Memorable High Tea: Tips on Hiring and Managing for the Perfect Experience

The perfect high tea hire and event require thought and planning to ensure every detail is taken care of right down to the smallest item. From choosing the right venue and selecting the desired menu items to organise beverages, decorations, and much more – hosting a stunning high tea event can be achieved with proper planning. By engaging experienced providers like caterers or hiring companies, you can have peace of mind that your special occasion will be managed efficiently and properly, creating an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.