At Furn-store, we've always believed that a home is more than just a collection of beautiful objects—it is a stage for life's most cherished moments. The laughter of friends gathered around your dining table. The quiet stillness of a morning coffee by the window. And perhaps one of the most delightful rituals of all:
the ceremony of high tea.
There is something undeniably special about high tea. It is not merely a meal or a beverage break; it is an occasion. A pause. An elegant interlude in the rhythm of ordinary life. Whether shared with loved ones or enjoyed in solitary splendour, high tea transforms the simple act of drinking tea into something deeply meaningful.
But what exactly is high tea? And how can you bring its warmth, elegance, and intention into your own home? Let's steep ourselves in this beloved tradition.
A Tale of Two Teas: High Tea vs. Afternoon Tea
Before we go further, let's clear up a charming misconception. Many of us use the terms "high tea" and "afternoon tea" interchangeably—but historically, they are quite different.
Afternoon Tea
, also called "low tea," was born in the 1840s among the British aristocracy. Served on low, comfortable chairs and low side tables, it was a delicate affair of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and petits fours, accompanied by elegant cups of tea. It was designed to bridge the long gap between lunch and dinner.
High Tea
, by contrast, was the working-class evening meal. Served at a high dining table on high-backed chairs, it was a hearty spread of meat pies, bread, cheese, and vegetables—all accompanied by strong, robust tea. It was not a luxury; it was sustenance after a long day's labour.
Today, the lines have blurred. What we now lovingly call "high tea" is often an amalgamation of both traditions: the elegance of afternoon tea with the warmth and abundance of a proper meal. And honestly? We adore it.
Why High Tea Belongs in Your Home
In our fast-paced world, high tea offers something increasingly rare:
permission to slow down.
There is no rushing through high tea. You pour the tea. You wait for it to steep. You breathe in the fragrant steam. You take a small bite of a warm scone, then another sip. Conversation meanders. Laughter lingers. The clock seems to soften its demands.
This is why high tea is not just for hotels and tearooms. It is for your home. For your table. For the people you love.
1. It Elevates Connection
hen you serve tea from a beautiful pot and arrange treats on a tiered stand, you are telling your guests: Y
ou are worth the extra effort.
High tea transforms a casual catch-up into an occasion. It honours both the company and the moment.
2
. It Encourages Mindful Eating
U
nlike the hurried desk lunch or the distracted dinner in front of the television, high tea invites you to savour each bite. Small portions, thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented, remind us that eating is not just fuel—it is pleasure.
3.
It Brings Beauty into Daily Life
H
i
gh tea is an excuse to use your prettiest teacups, your loveliest linens, your most elegant serving platters. It is a celebration of the objects we often save "for good." But why wait for good? Every day you are alive is good enough.
4.
It Creates Tradition
Ch
i
ldren remember the high teas you hosted. Friends remember the laughter shared over scones. Partners remember the quiet Sunday afternoons when you set out the good china for no reason at all. These are the threads that weave a home into a legacy.
Buil
ding the Perfect High Tea at Home
Crea
ting a memorable high tea does not require a silver service or a professional pastry chef. It requires intention, warmth, and a few thoughtful touches.
The
Tea Selection
Off
e
rat least two varieties. A classic black tea like Earl Grey or English Breakfast is essential. Complement it with something lighter—perhaps a jasmine green tea or a caffeine-free herbal infusion. Serve it loose-leaf in a beautiful teapot, and let guests strain their own cups.
The T
hree-Tiered Stand
This
i
s the signature of any proper high tea. Arrange your tiers with intention:
Bottom
Tier: Savou
ries. Finger sandwiches (cucumber, smoked salmon, egg mayonnaise), miniature quiches, or savoury scones.
Middle
Tier: Scone
s. Warm, buttery, and served with clotted cream and strawberry jam. The eternal debate: cream first or jam first? Let your guests decide.
Top Ti
er: Sweet
s. Macarons, miniature cakes, fruit tarts, or chocolate-dipped strawberries. Bite-sized and beautiful.
The Se
tting
This
i
swhere your Furn-store home comes to life. Drape your dining table with a crisp linen cloth. Arrange fresh flowers in a simple vase. Pull up your most comfortable dining chairs—the ones that invite guests to linger long after the tea has gone cold.
The Atm
osphere
Soft l
i
ghting, a gentle playlist, and perhaps a few candles as the afternoon deepens into evening. High tea is a feast for all the senses.
A High T
ea for Every Season
One of t
he great joys of this tradition is its adaptability.
Spring H
igh Tea: Light f
loral teas, delicate finger sandwiches with pea shoots and lemon butter, lemon drizzle cake, and a vase of fresh daffodils.
Summer H
igh Tea: Iced te
a in tall glasses, berry-topped scones, stone fruit tarts, and a table set on the balcony or in the garden.
Autumn H
igh Tea: Spiced
chai, pumpkin scones with cinnamon honey butter, apple and blackberry crumble, and amber leaves scattered along the table runner.
Winter H
igh Tea: Rich As
sam tea, toasted tea cakes with melted butter, mince pies, and the glow of candlelight against early darkness.
The Most
Important Ingredient
We could
speak at length about the perfect scone recipe or the correct way to brew Assam. We could debate clotted cream versus whipped cream, or whether the cucumber sandwiches should have their crusts removed. (Spoiler: they should.)
But the truth is, the most important ingredient in any high tea is not on the table. It is in the room.
It is presence. It is attention. It is the willingness to set aside your phone, your worries, your endless to-do lists, and simply be with
th
e people around you.
That is what high tea has always been, from the drawing rooms of Victorian England to the dining tables of modern Singapore. Not perfection. Not pretension. Just warmth, shared over a cup of tea.
Creating
Your Own High Tea Ritual
You do n
ot need a special occasion. You do not need a full tiered stand or a dozen guests. You can begin today, this afternoon, with just yourself and one beautiful cup.
Set it on your favourite side table. Add a small plate with a single biscuit. Arrange a flower in a tiny vase. Sit down. Breathe. Sip.
That is high tea. That is home.
We'd lov
e to hear from you: Do you have a high tea tradition in your home? What's your essential item—the one thing that makes it feel truly special? Share your stories and tips with our community in the comments below.