Below is the “correct High Tea Brisbane” etiquette as traditionally practiced by high society in the 1800′s and 1900′s. It is great to get a little history on the High Tea and where the tradition comes from.
High Tea Brisbane Etiquette
English high tea Brisbane is a term referring to an elaborate afternoon tea. English High Tea Brisbane is held in the afternoon around 2 p.m. Traditionally, loose leaf is brewed and served in tea cups with milk and lemon on the side. A slice of cake, biscuit or pastry also may be enjoyed on the side. Learning proper etiquette will help you have a better experience during your next tea time.
Holding the Tea Cup
When a tea cup has no handle, place the thumb at the 6 o’clock position and with the same hand use the index and middle fingers opposite at the 12 o’clock position. Slightly raise the pinkie for balance. The pinkie should not be sticking straight up. Pick up a tea cup with a handle by grasping the cup with the thumb in front of the handle, and index and middle fingers to the back. Again, slightly raise pinkie for balance and to avoid spills.
Stirring Tea
Do not stir tea in a circular motion. Rather take the spoon and gently lap the tea from the 6 o’clock position to the 12 o’clock position. Mix the tea gently, moving the spoon two or three times. Always remove the spoon and leave on the right side of the tea saucer.
Saucers
When at a buffet, hold the tea saucer in lap with the left hand while holding tea cup with the right. When not drinking from the tea cup, place back into saucer and hold with the left hand. Only hold the saucer with the tea cup when at a standing reception.
Milk versus Cream
Milk is served with tea and not cream. Cream is too heavy for tea and will cover the flavor. Always pour the tea first and then the milk into the tea cup to measure the appropriate amount of milk.
Lemon
Adding lemon to tea is a common practice. Thin slices of lemon are more appropriate than large lemon wedges. Serve lemon on a side dish with a small fork. Add the lemon to the tea once tea has been poured.
High Tea Brisbane Menu
Below is an example of a traditional High Tea Brisbane menu. We are able to tailor a menu to suit your exact needs;
Finger sandwiches including;
- Cucumber, cream cheese and chives
- Corn fed chicken breast with honey mustard and marjoram
- Free range hen’s eggs and Secretts Farm mustard cress
- Smoked Scottish salmon with horseradish
- Yellow fin tuna, sunblush tomatoes and rocket
- Warm selection of golden raisin scones and plain with Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry preserve
- Selection of French pastries and specialist mini cakes
- Popcorn meringue with salted caramelia
- 64% Valrhona chocolate chantilly
- Rose, lychee and raspberry dome
- Lemon drizzle
- Seasonal tart
