Most people think of “tea” as an afternoon event. However, a tea can be held just about anytime. But just what does one call it?
Elevenses is like an America’s “Coffee Break” and is usually a small snack between breakfast and lunch. This is a good tea for beginners to serve.
Cream Tea is an easy to do event consisting of scones, clotted cream, marmalade, jam, curd and tea. This is a good starting place for a beginner. It is an informal event and is easier to plan and prepare.
Low Tea is also known as Afternoon tea and is really a meal. It consists of scones, sandwiches, and a dessert or two in addition to tea. It is called “low tea” because it is not served at the dining table, but in a more informal setting using side tables.
High Tea is a full evening meal and usually meat and potatoes or other substantial foods are served in addition to the other foods. It was originally a “working class” meal, but now has a connotation of elegance. In earlier times, the”rich and famous” would often have a High Tea on Sundays when the servants had the day off or lighter duties. It is also called a “man’s tea.”
Royal (or Royale) Tea is a social tea with champagne being served early in the meal and sherry at the end of the event.
Tea at the Unicorn Wine Guild 