Elegant high tea recipes to pay homage to the royal family (2024)

This fancy high tea collection worthy of the royals is everything you need to pay homage to the royal family this weekend. Delicate tarts, ribbon sandwiches and shortbread biscuits, all of our favourite dishes fit to honour the Queen.

We’ve put together a collection of the best recipes for you to enjoy for the fanciest afternoon tea.

Looking for more morning and afternoon tea recipes?

How to host a delightfully fancy high tea party

High tea is a lovely, elegant, and intrinsically feminine way to entertain, and while the art of doing it properly need not be stuffy or restrictive, it does require a bit of forward thinking.

“People do expect you to have gone to some effort in terms of decoration and flowers if you are hosting a high tea,” says renowned Australian fashion designer Fleur Wood.

“It’s a really nice opportunity to get out all of your mother or grandmother’s old china and silver tea pots.

“That’s what I like about hosting these sort of events — you get to use beautiful things we don’t use in our daily lives.”

Of course, it’s also a great opportunity to frock up and look glamorous. Wood recommends a floral frock or vintage dress.

For décor, she suggests mixing it up. “You don’t want it to look either too ‘ye oldy world’ or too ‘shabby chic’.”

She also notes that if it’s for a baby shower — a popular event for high teas — you should avoid the traditional blues and pinks.

Flowers are essential — think tea roses or orchids — as is music.

“It’s important to have the right music in the background to create a mood,” says Wood. “In my book I recommend a French band, Nouvelle Vague.

“Ricky Lee Jones is also fitting for this sort of thing, or there’s a ‘So Frenchy, So Chic’ compilation that’s quite good.”

Jill Jones-Evans, owner of The Victoria Room Tea Salon, which provides one of Sydney’s finest high teas, emphasises the importance of the menu.

“It may sound obvious, but with high tea there really is a lot of preparation involved,” she notes. “Give yourself plenty of time if you don’t want to be in the kitchen cutting up sandwiches.

“That said, it is one of the great things about high teas — you can have pretty much everything done in advance.”

The food doesn’t need to be traditional either.

“You could do an Italian-inspired high tea or make another kind of cuisine the focus, even Indian, for example. My grandmother used to serve high teas in the Scottish highlands in the 1960s and then it was all about the pork pies.

“So, feel free to include things like gourmet sausage rolls and pies — it doesn’t have to be all sandwiches and scones.”

Even the scones can be more modern and creative. The new Victoria Room Tea Salon in Westfield Sydney CBD has a ‘specialty scone menu’ with ten flavours ranging from lavender or white chocolate and cranberry to savory pumpkin and ginger or cheddar and thyme.

Jones-Evans says the biggest seller is the date and orange scone served with Sicilian marmalade. Take-home packs of six scones are also popular.

Correct settings are very important too, of course.

“You definitely want to have lovely high tea stands and good tea ware but it doesn’t need to cost a lot,” says Jones-Evans.

“You can mix and match from op shops and Vinnies. I think that mismatched vintage look is great. Definitely use real linen, cloth napkins and flowers. Other nice touches are things like sugar cubes with silver sugar tongs.”

It also ought to go without saying that good quality loose-leaf tea in pots is essential. “Definitely no tea bags,” pleads Jones-Evans. A mix of one black, one herbal and one green tea is a good place to start to make sure all tastes are catered for.

Jones-Evans also suggests a proper invitation in the post, rather than a text or email.

“It’s all a bit old-fashioned and old school so why not start with that? Just think how excited you are when you get a proper letter or invitation in the post these days.”

For some delicious treats, perfect for your next high tea or afternoon tea party, click through the gallery below!

This post originally appeared on The Australian Women’s Weekly.

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01

Raspberry and orange cordial

Bright, fruity and packed with flavour, raspberry and orange cordial is a great base for a refreshing soft drink or used as a mixer for vodka or white rum.

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02

Spelt blini with hot smoked salmon and crème fraîche

Spelt blini with hot smoked salmon and crème fraîche

Entertaining is simple with these quick spelt blini topped with hot-smoked salmon and crème fraîche

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03

Basic scones

This basic scones recipe uses only three ingredients to make. Serve with jam and cream.

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04

Mini quiches

Mini quiches

Bite-sized morsels of fun and flavour.

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05

Pink macarons

Pink macarons

You’ll master these blushing beauties in no time.

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06

Classic chicken ribbon sandwiches

Classic chicken ribbon sandwiches

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Passionfruit melting moments

Passionfruit melting moments

Little sandwich biscuits filled with a bright passionfruit butter cream – these melt-in-your-mouth tidbits make for a great lunchbox snack for the kids. But that doesn’t stop us adults from snacking on them, all the live long day.

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08

Mini pavlovas with vanilla syrup strawberries

Mini pavlovas with vanilla syrup strawberries

You could experiment with a variety of different berry toppings here. Whatever you choose, you just can’t beat a pav topped with whipped cream and berries and drenched in syrup.

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09

Mini lemon almond lamingtons

Mini lemon almond lamingtons

These gorgeous mini lemon almond fingers are a zesty take on the classic Australian lamington. The combination of soft sponge rolled in coconut and drizzled with a sweet lemon syrup will leave you reaching for more.

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Chocolate and caramel macarons

Chocolate and caramel macarons

You don’t have to be in France to indulge in this decadent dessert. Bite through the light outer-layer of these treats to reach the rich chocolate ganache centre.

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Mini blue cheese quiches

Mini blue cheese quiches

Cute little mini quiches that pack a huge blue cheese punch.

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12

Lime and yoghurt cakes with elderflower syrup

These divine lime and yoghurt mini bundt cakes are the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Drizzled with a sticky elderflower syrup, they make the ultimate dessert for entertaining guests at a high tea.

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Chocolate and caramel eclairs

Chocolate and caramel eclairs

Impress at your next party or celebration with these divine home-made eclairs filled with vanilla custard cream and glazed with rich chocolate.

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Over-the-top chocolate and macadamia brownies

Over-the-top chocolate and macadamia brownies

These brownies are only as good as the chocolate used. The more cocoa solids in the chocolate you use, the more intense the chocolate taste will be. Aim for a dark chocolate containing anywhere between 50­-70% cocoa solids.

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15

Baked coconut custard tarts

Sweet and satisfying, these little baked coconut custard tarts have the added nutty depth of both shredded and desiccated coconut, plus a dash of lemon zest.

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16

Strawberry jelly cakes

Strawberry jelly cakes

These pretty little morsels combine the flavours of strawberry and coconut for a wonderful teatime treat that can be devoured in two bites.

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17

Lemon meringue cupcakes

Lemon meringue cupcakes

Mix up the classic lemon meringue pie by creating cute cupcakes that are perfect as party food or a gift.

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18

Chicken and cucumber ribbon sandwiches

Chicken and cucumber ribbon sandwiches

Entertain in style with these elegant ribbon sandwiches

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19

Peach and hazelnut friands

Peach and hazelnut friands

Brighten up your morning or afternoon with these stone fruit and nutty french cake delights.

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20

Lamingtons

Lamingtons

Recreate this classic Australian treat with a light and fluffy cake, chocolate and coconut flakes.

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21

Mini brown sugar and hazelnut whoopie pies

These divine mini brown sugar and hazelnut whoopie pies are wonderfully sweet, nutty and creamy. Enjoy one with a pot of tea for an indulgent morning of afternoon snack with loved ones.

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22

Baked ricotta tartlets

Baked ricotta tartlets

These tasty tartlets can easily be made in advance and quickly prepared for impromptu dinner parties. Don’t be scared of making the pastry; it is very forgiving, so if it cracks press in back together. If it feels too soft to handle, refrigerate for a few minutes.

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23

Little chocolate hazelnut cakes

Little chocolate hazelnut cakes

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24

Blinis with smoked salmon

Blinis with smoked salmon

These light and fluffy mini savoury pancakes make the ultimate dinner party starter or appetiser, and are divine served with a dollop of fresh cream, and tender smoked salmon.

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25

Millionaire’s shortbread

Millionaire’s shortbread

This dessert is worthy of a millionaire! Full of rich, sweet and decadent ingredients, this shortbread is simply divine!

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Sweet and delicate, these strawberry scones are the perfect treat for morning or afternoon tea. Enjoy warm with a dollop of jam and cream.

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Hummingbird cakes

Hummingbird cakes

Delightfully moist tropical flavoured cakes feature pineapple, banana and coconut and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting

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Elegant high tea recipes to pay homage to the royal family (2024)

FAQs

What does the queen eat at high tea? ›

Scones with jam and clotted cream

The queen apparently loved to eat seasonal produce and game from the gardens, rivers and estate of Balmoral. So if you're hosting an authentic Queen Elizabeth afternoon tea, be sure to make your jam by hand from the best of the summer's berries.

What was Queen Elizabeth's favorite tea sandwich? ›

Jam pennies

From the age of 5, Elizabeth was served these in her nursery and they apparently remained a favourite for 90 years. Essentially, these are just jam sandwiches – but we think we'll call them “pennies” from now on too. Alternatively, you could try these little shortbread versions instead?

What are the 3 main foods served at an afternoon tea? ›

What is served at afternoon tea? Afternoon tea comes in three course, the sandwich course, the scones and finally the pastries. Traditional sandwiches would include: cucumber, smoked salmon, coronation chicken, ham and beef.

What is a royal high tea? ›

Royal Tea. This regal meal offers a choice of tea and a four-course menu of finger sandwiches, scones, sweets, cake, and a glass of champagne or sherry. The addition of a glass of champagne or sherry gives this tea the distinction of being called “royal tea”.

What was Queen Elizabeth's favorite meal? ›

Queen Elizabeth adhered to a daily teatime meal; her preference for delicate sandwiches with the crusts cut off was well-publicized. Her favorite version was reported to be smoked salmon with cream cheese. If the old adage is true, one should eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dine like a pauper.

What do you serve at a Royal Tea Party? ›

So what delicious eats are typically served at a Royal High Tea Party? First, start with an assortment of tea sandwiches including the popular egg salad, cucumber and cream cheese, tuna salad, ham and mustard and lastly, smoked salmon.

What was Queen Elizabeth's least favorite food? ›

Starches topped the queen's list of no-no foods. Ever the trendsetter, apparently, the queen was all about the keto diet before it was fashionable. Darren McGrady told The Telegraph that Queen Elizabeth shunned all forms of carbohydrates from royal meals, including starches like potatoes, pasta, and rice.

What was Prince Philip's Favourite food? ›

The Royal Chef Walked Us Through Prince Philip's Very Favorite Recipe — Salmon Coulibiac.

What was Queen Elizabeth's favorite perfume? ›

Queen Elizabeth wore Guerlain L'Heure Bleue, a spicy citrus with a powdery dry down. It's been a classic for the fragrance house ever since the scent was created in 1912.

What is the difference between afternoon tea and high tea? ›

Delectable scones, tea sandwiches, and cakes are the hallmark of an afternoon tea, which is served in midafternoon. A high tea, however, includes much more substantive fare, such as meat, fish, and egg dishes, as well as breads and desserts, and is offered in the early evening.

What is in a traditional high tea? ›

High tea, was traditionally served 'High', meaning at a high table with high back chairs. It was typically a substantial meal of meat or fish, bread, vegetables, and tea to drink, and it would feed the gentlemen and women who had been at work all day. Today, we know this as 'dinner' or 'supper'.

What time is high tea in England? ›

Its origins can be found in the lower classes, who compensated for the lack of a lunch break in their workdays by taking tea — along with cold cuts, cheeses, pies and hearty hot dishes — immediately after work. Today, high tea is generally taken between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

What tea does Buckingham Palace use? ›

Her Majesty drinks Twinings brand tea. She will drink others at State Visits abroad. Twinings has been the Official tea and has had/has a “ Royal Appointment'” I believe since 1837.

What is Princess tea? ›

It's a princess tea and YOU are invited! Put on your tiara and join us in this fabulously fun tea party for all princes and princesses. Watch our performance of your favorite characters in this interactive show! All are encouraged to dress up as their favorite prince or princess!

What brand of tea do the royals drink? ›

The Queen drinks Twinings Earl Grey tea with a splash of milk and no sugar. (You can make shortbread “biscuits” to go with your cup, too.)

What did Queen Elizabeth eat for afternoon tea? ›

The Queen enjoyed a traditional afternoon tea that included finger sandwiches with the crusts cut off; her favourite fillings included choices like smoked salmon and cream cheese or egg mayonnaise. She also had scones with jam and cream – with the jam on first.

What was served at afternoon tea by Queen? ›

McGrady also went on to share the menu for Queen Elizabeth's daily afternoon tea: there were always two types of sandwiches, scones, a small cake, and Earl Grey tea.

What do the royals have for afternoon tea? ›

According to royal experts, afternoon tea is served on a three-tiered cake stand, which is decorated with sandwiches, scones, and a variety of cakes with tea. The traditional afternoon tea involved sandwiches, scones served with cream and jam and sweet pastries along with cakes.

What foods were traditionally served at high tea? ›

Delectable scones, tea sandwiches, and cakes are the hallmark of an afternoon tea, which is served in midafternoon. A high tea, however, includes much more substantive fare, such as meat, fish, and egg dishes, as well as breads and desserts, and is offered in the early evening.

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