Tea has played a role in social and formal events in numerous countries throughout the world for centuries. Depending on the particular customs you prescribe to, your tea ceremony might look a lot different from another culture’s. According to The BonBonerie—a local bakery in Cincinnati, OH—two of the more prominent teas known in the United States are high tea and afternoon tea. While the actual terms are commonly used interchangeably now, they actually came about quite differently.

A Bakery’s Guide to High & Afternoon Tea

High Tea

Before it became synonymous with afternoon tea, high tea was the name of a working-class meal that was served on ‘high’ tables shortly after the workday ended. Unlike afternoon tea menus, these meals were on the heavier side and would consist of dishes, like steak and kidney pie, pickled salmon, crumpets, potatoes, and baked beans. These teas were seen more like a family meal than as an elite social gathering, and today, they are simply referred to as ‘tea.’

Afternoon Tea

Although most people living outside of the United Kingdom will often refer to afternoon tea as high tea, they were not originally so similar. Afternoon tea, also known as low tea, was the initial way people referred to mid-afternoon tea that was served on ‘low,’ elegant tables, often covered in lace. Usually, the tea is accompanied by a light menu of foods, such as scones, finger sandwiches, and lemon curds. Common menu variations include:

• Cream Tea: A meal that includes tea, scones, and cream
• Strawberry Tea: Fresh strawberries added to cream tea.
• Light Tea: If you prefer to add more sweet, bakery items to your cream tea, it will then become known as light tea.
• Full Tea: This is the most elaborate form of afternoon tea, and is usually what Americans think of when they hear the phrase. It will comprise your basic, light-tea menu but will have more savory foods, like finger sandwiches.

If you’d like to plan an afternoon tea for your next social event, The BonBonerie café and tea room are available to rent. They can accommodate parties up to 40 people. You’ll have your selection of over 15 different blended teas, and the bakery will supply three-tiered stands adorned with an assortment of finger sandwiches, buttery tea cookies, French macaroons, and mini scones. For more information about afternoon tea, call (513) 321-3399 or visit the website.