Here’s the thing with high tea. It’s a freakin’ big meal. Maybe you’ve noticed on British shows that they refer to ‘dinner’ as ‘tea.’ And, yes, it’s confusing but now I know why. Afternoon Tea is code for A. Lot. Of. Food… and tea. But also, champagne. Sometimes the food is all buffet, sometimes it’s served and sometimes there is a combination. I’ve done high tea at a couple of different places and the main thing to expect is that there will be both savory food and desserts. Unlimited tea, and champagne.
In my opinion, it’s an event: an indulgent, fun event and one should dress for it. The last time I did a high tea was at The Mount Nelson which is a fancy hotel in the middle of Cape Town. It is gorgeous and perfectly hits the tone of refined opulence.
The key is to look dressed but not like you’re trying too hard. It is the middle of the afternoon after all. I wore an Ulla Johnson silk dress, and block heels (from Target, shhh). And it felt right on point. If I were to adjust anything, I might have worn nice flat sandals (think K Jacques lace-ups or Ancient Greek sandals). See my suggestions below!
Suggestions for what to wear:
- Ulla Johnson skirt here 2. Splendid tank here 3. K Jacques sandals here 4. Sam Edelman dress here 5. Ancient Greek sandals here
As always, you looked super stylish! Is Afternoon Tea and High Tea the same thing?
Thanks Melina!!! High tea and afternoon tea are basically the same thing now, though they have different backgrounds. My understanding is that afternoon tea was traditionally served on a low table with finger foods, doilies and tea. High tea was traditionally served on a high table after 5 with heartier foods.