What you need for a high tea

A high tea needs more than cakes and tea. Plan separate plates and cups for each course, enough serving pieces for shared platters, and labels for dietary choices. For a three-hour gathering, allow about three to four savoury bites, two sweet portions and two to three cups of tea or coffee per guest. Buy shelf-stable items first, then fresh bread, fruit and dairy close to the day itself.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 32
Serving trolleyqty 2

Tableware

Teacupsqty 36
Tea saucersqty 36
Coffee cupsqty 36
Coffee saucersqty 36
Large platesqty 36
Small platesqty 36
Pastry forksqty 36
Teaspoonsqty 36
Cake knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Serving plattersqty 12
Teapotsqty 6
Milk jugsqty 6
Sugar bowlsqty 6
Water glassesqty 36

Decorations

Table runnersqty 6
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Name badgesqty 36
Menusqty 6
Buntingqty 4

Equipment

Kettlesqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Coolersqty 3

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 3
Measuring cupsqty 2
Kitchen knivesqty 3

Cleaning

Dishpanqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Broom and dustpan
Mopqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- White casino bread - 6 loaves
- Brown casino bread - 4 loaves
- Whole grain bread - 3 loaves
- Mini croissants - 36 pieces
- Plain cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Herb cream cheese - 750 grams
- Smoked salmon - 750 grams
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1,5 kilograms
- Arugula - 4 bags
- Eggs - 30 pieces
- Chicken breast slices - 750 grams
- Young cheese - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 750 gram
- Avocados - 8 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 canister
- Curry powder - 1 tin
- Paprika powder - 1 container
- Butter - 500 grams
- Whipped cream - 2 liters
- Clotted cream - 750 grams
- Strawberry jam - 3 jars
- Raspberry jam - 2 jars
- Honey - 1 jar
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Granulated sugar - 1 kilogram
- Vanilla sugar - 4 sachets
- Baking powder - 2 sachets
- Wheat flour - 2 kilogram
- Eggs for baking - 24 pieces
- Dark chocolate - 500 grams
- White chocolate - 300 grams
- Unsalted butter for pastries - 1 kilogram
- Tea selection - 120 tea bags
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Mint - 6 bunches
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Sparkling mineral water - 12 bottles
- Still mineral water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Strawberries - 2 kilograms
- Blueberries - 1 kilogram
- Bananas - 2 kilograms
- Cinnamon - 1 canister
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Disposable gloves - 1 box
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 pack
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls

Tips

Allow 3–4 savoury bites and 2 sweet portions per guest. Include sandwiches, cakes or pound cake, fruit, herb cheese and toppings so the table has both filling and lighter options.
Plan 2–3 cups of tea or coffee per guest for a three-hour high tea. Provide water as well, and chill other drinks before guests arrive rather than trying to cool them during setup.
Count one cup, saucer, small plate and pastry fork per guest, plus at least 10% extra. Add large plates, serving platters, tongs, cake knives and teaspoons; these shared items are easy to overlook.
Check dietary requirements before shopping and prepare visible diet labels. Keep separate serving utensils for special-diet dishes so they are not mixed with the regular food.
Buy non-perishable ingredients several days ahead, but get bread, fruit, dairy and other fresh groceries no earlier than 1–2 days before the high tea. Set up the tea and coffee station before guests arrive, including kettles, coffee equipment, milk and sugar.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need per person for a high tea?: Plan for 3–4 savoury bites and 2 sweet portions per guest. For 20 people, that means roughly 60–80 savoury pieces and 40 sweet portions, with a little extra for popular items.
How much tea and coffee should I buy for a high tea?: Allow 2–3 cups per guest over a three-hour event. For 20 guests, prepare capacity for about 40–60 cups and offer water alongside the hot drinks.
What tableware do I need for a high tea?: Provide one teacup, saucer, small plate, pastry fork and teaspoon per guest, plus at least 10% extra. You will also need serving platters, tongs, cake knives, milk jugs, sugar bowls and water glasses.
When should I buy groceries for a high tea?: Buy non-perishable products several days in advance. Shop for bread, fruit, dairy and other fresh ingredients 1–2 days before the event, then prepare sandwiches and cut fruit on the day itself.

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