Dine out on the elegance of high tea for that special occasion

Fashionable once more, high tea has made a big come-back. You can splash out for your visitors or family gathering and be so in vogue, you'll shine.

In fact, for any refined celebration, like a baby shower, birthday celebration or anniversary, high tea is now the go-to option.

The tradition of high tea began in Britain in the mid-1700s. It was an afternoon meal usually served between three and four o'clock. Initially, it was a meal for the working man, taken standing up or sitting on tall stools, thus 'high'.

Tea with cakes, scones, even cheese on toast were served. In 1840, afternoon tea was made fashionable in England by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford. The Duchess would become hungry around four o'clock in the afternoon. She asked that a tray of tea, bread and butter and cake be brought to her room during the late afternoon. This became a custom of hers and she began inviting friends to join her. This pause for tea became a fashionable social event. During the 1880s upper-class and society women would change into long gowns, gloves and hats for their afternoon tea that was served in the drawing room.

Your choice of a delicate bone china tea cup is critical; cups with gold rims just seem to make the tea taste that much better.

If you fancy putting on your own high tea, as opposed to going out and being royally waited on, here is what you will need.

Essentials

Fine linens, or silver service are not necessary. Just take the time to set your table to create an elegant ambience. It's as simple as cutting fresh flowers from your garden or making handmade place cards for your guests. It's a lovely opportunity to be creative without costing a fortune.

Keep it light and fresh. Make bite-sized cucumber and ribbon sandwiches, scones, macaroons, quiches or tartlets. The most important ingredient is good company. So take the time to relax, laugh and enjoy a taste of yesterday.

A good quality tea leaf tea, tea grown in Nerada in Queensland, or a choice selection from India or Ceylon, is recommended.

When pouring, use your best teapot, preferably silver, and a silver tea strainer with it's own drip spoon is prefereable.

Your choice of a delicate bone china tea cup is critical; cups with gold rims just seem to make the tea taste that much better.

The Devonshire Cream Tea is famous worldwide and consists of scones, strawberry jam and the vital ingredient, rich, golden Devon clotted cream, and of course, all served with tea.