A fancy mid-morning catch-up with friends – featuring finger foods and free-flowing tea – is a fabulous way to celebrate the start of spring. And, while you could take your inspiration from the seventh Duchess of Bedford, Anna Maria Russell (the once-lady-in-waiting to Queen Victoria) and indulge in crustless cucumber sandwiches, for hosts who like to do things a little differently, we suggest skipping the scones with sweet jam and trying these non-traditional unique high tea ideas instead.
Make seafood the star
Looking for a unique high tea idea? Pass on the pastries, and consider a seafood-themed high tea that showcases the ocean’s best edible offerings instead. To start, take inspiration from the spectacular spread served at Sydney’s Vogue Cafe – which features a selection of shrimp-ly irresistible dishes and drinks. Hook your guests in with seared king salmon infused with white soy, fresh ginger, and sweet caramelised shallots. Serve up velvety Hokkaido scallops, drizzled with prawn oil and savoury jamon dressing. Plate up a king salmon avo hash – with creamy avocado, creme fraiche, and punchy salmon roe atop a crispy golden hash brown. And, don’t forget a couple of bite-sized lobster rolls. The ones at Vogue are packed with succulent, sweet lobster, coated in decadent XO mayonnaise, and served in a soft, toasted brioche – making them o-fish-ally irresistible! Or, if this is making your mouth water, go ahead and make a reservation.
Say cheese
If you prefer a cheese-centric approach, we think the following ideas are, well, grate! Start with an artisan cheese board featuring a selection of Brie, Cheddar, and blue cheeses, paired with dried fruits and nuts. Then, add cheese-stuffed mini peppers, bursting with herbed cream cheese, for a pop of colour. Swap traditional scones for savoury cheese scones, infused with rosemary or chives for a cheeky twist. And, cheesy quiche bites loaded with combinations like spinach and feta or caramelised onion and goat’s cheese. Your sweet finale? Mini cheesecake bits, that will make everyone say Cheese!
Vegan vibes
For a plant-based high tea that’s bursting with flavour tempt your guests with a selection of plant-powred palate pleasers. Start with chickpea salad sandwiches, filled with creamy chickpea spread on whole-grain bread, cut into elegant triangles. For a heartier bite, serve roasted vegetable skewers with marinated zucchini mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. Sweet, chewy coconut macaroons, made with shredded coconut and agave syrup, will add just the right amount of indulgence. To finish, offer a selection of raw slices. Or keep it simple with skewers of vibrant seasonal fruits.
An Asian-inspired affair
For a unique Asian-inspired high tea, introduce your guests to a fusion of flavours that tantalises their taste buds. A dim sum platter featuring an array of dumplings, such as prawn har gow, pork siu mai, and vegetable bao, sets the stage for an exciting culinary experience. Complement this with an assortment of sushi rolls. Salmon nigiri, spicy tuna rolls, and vegetable tempura bites are always popualr. Soft matcha green tea cookies offer a subtle sweetness and unique taste that will leave a lasting impression. For a sweet touch, serve up coconutty mango sticky rice cups. Pair this exotic feast with speciality teas like jasmine or oolong, to give your guests a truly tea-riffic Asian high tea experience.
Season to taste
Finally, tailoring your high tea to the seasons keeps things fresh and fun all year round! For Halloween, serve pumpkin spice scones with cream cheese frosting, savoury “witch’s fingers” (herb-stuffed pastry), and ghost-shaped biscuits. Pair with apple cider or spiced herbal tea for a spook-tacular spread. At Christmas, cranberry-orange scones and warm mince pies add festive cheer, while smoked ham and cream cheese sandwiches hit the savoury spot. Don’t forget gingerbread biscuits and mulled wine to keep truly keep your feast festive. For Valentine’s Day, heart-shaped sandwiches and rosewater cupcakes set a romantic mood, with chocolate-dipped strawberries and lemon tartlets for a sweet finish. Jasmine tea or a berry blend completes the love-ly experience.
