High Tea - the Perfect Celebration, Annie West

High Tea, anyone? Today I thought I'd share with you one of my recent favourite things - the joys of a glamorous high tea. 

I'd heard of high tea for some time but was never quite sure what it entailed. Did it mean simply sitting around over a tea pot and cucumber sandwiches? Do high teas even include cucumber sandwiches? And what if you're not a fan of tea? If coffee is more your style or something else? 

Annie at Claridges high tea, London

What if you don't like to eat between meals? Why bother with high tea? The answer of course, is that high tea is a meal in itself, or can be, when done right.

The first thing to say is that high tea is meant to be something special. After all, how many of us usually fit in time simply to sit and relax with friends for a couple of hours during a busy day? Most of us are too busy for that, so there's a real luxury element in simply taking time out for a bit of pampering, because that's what high tea is - pleasure and pampering.

Second, if you've never indulged in this way before then aim to go somewhere that really knows what they're doing. I had the opportunity to have high tea at the gorgeous and rather exclusive Claridges Hotel in London and I have to say, the staff there definitely know what they're doing! And the marvellous location made the event a real celebration. In fact, the afternoon I spent there inspired the final scene for a recent story: 'Captive in the Spotlight'. I knew some hands on research over high tea would be worthwhile! My hero swept his heroine off her feet in the public rooms where tea is being served, uncaring of their intrigued audience. Sigh. I love that scene. This photo gives you an idea of the setting.

Luxurious Claridges interior, London

So, high tea... What is it? Basically it's a long, enjoyable afternoon tea, preferably with wait staff to provide you with whatever you need. Some start with a glass of champagne - which really ensures you're not going to do anything else productive for the rest of the afternoon!

Our high tea in London began with the choice of tea from a huge menu. We each choose different varieties and received our own teapot. And yes, we could have chosen coffee. The service was amazing. The staff didn't hover so we always felt we had a lovely private afternoon tea, but not once did I get to pour my own tea. Whenever it was time for a top up the waitress would arrive to do it for me. The teapot was refreshed with hot water and just as I thought I'd reached my fill, a fresh pot was brought. High tea isn't something to be rushed, you understand, the aim is to relax and enjoy the company (and refreshments). 

The food was fantastic - a variety of sandwiches including cucumber, of course, Scottish smoked salmon, ham from Yorkshire (the best apparently) and others. Then came scones - plain and fruit, with jam made on the premises and lovely cream. The jam was made from Marco Polo tea! It tasted fruity and delicious. Then there was the serious business of desserts. A whole rack of them - delicate, rich and absolutely decadent. Though we hadn't eaten for hours before, we had to decline whenever the staff offered to bring more food - there was just too much and it was all delicious.

High Tea at home for a celebration

I've had high teas since in a number of places and all have followed a similar theme. All were a treat and such fun. We even put on a help-yourself high tea at home for a recent celebration. Here's our effort complete with sandwiches, various cake varieties, scones and chocolates.

I've also had high tea in a mountain resort shrouded with mist on the sort of wintry day when you want to be cosy and snug inside. It was a special family celebration. Another high tea was in an old and slightly run down guesthouse where the smiles were warm and the home cooking more than made up for the slightly lumpy sofas. But perhaps the reason I've enjoyed each one is the fact it's been a special occasion with special people. I think that's the key to enjoying high tea and the reason I believe we should have more of them!

Have you had high tea? What did you think? Was it as good as you'd hoped? Or if not high tea, what's your favorite celebration meal? I admit I'm a big fan of a leisurely brunch too, especially if it's outdoors. 

Share your thoughts and be in the running to win a copy of IMPRISONED BY A VOW, my August release out now. If you love passionate romances and with lots of emotion, this is one for you. I'll draw a winner at random from those who comment - just check back at the end of the day to see who won.

Annie's latest release, IMPRISONED BY A VOW, is available now from your favorite bookstores. It's about a woman who marries a stranger as a means of escape, only to find she's bound to him in more ways than she bargained for. If you enjoy a sexy, intense romance with a touch of glamour, Leila and Joss's story is one for you. Here are links to grab a copy from The Book Depository (free postage anywhere), Amazon, Amazon UK and Barnes and Noble. You can read an excerpt on Annie's website.


All photographs in this post are copyright to Annie West.