Of all the stereotypical tokens of England, like the London Bridge, Buckingham Palace and double-decker busses, and tea tops the list. Tea is to England what apple pie is to America. English tea is steeped in tradition and more than a beverage of choice; it's also an important element in the social history of Britain. English High Tea is one of these traditions that are still an important element in the life of the British elite.

The practice of serving English high tea is often imitated, but never duplicated. In North American resorts, hotels and tearooms, English high tea is often served in early afternoon with an array of sweets and pastries. While certainly elegant, these are not true "high teas".

To explore the proper method of serving English high tea, you must first understand a little bit about the history of England. The practice of taking high tea was first introduced when the people of England enjoyed two main meals each day: breakfast in the morning, and dinner in the evening.

Breakfast would typically consist of beef, bread and ale. The evening meal, on the other hand, was a veritable smorgasbord. This feast was served as the sun began to set, and came to be known as "high tea".

English high tea, as we know it, was introduced by a woman named Anna, Duchess of Bedford. The duchess was fond of inviting friends to visit for dinner, where she would practice with the menu and serve high tea. Other ladies of society began to follow suit, and eventually "high tea" became a popular time for social gatherings.

Popularity of the English high tea gained momentum during Industrial Revolution, the second half of the Victorian Period. Working men and women returned home exhausted and prepared high tea for refreshment.

Quick and easy food choices were served for English high tea. Tables were set with bread and butter, meat, cheese, pickles and of course, a pot of tea. There were no of the rich desserts, fancy finger foods or tiny sandwiches that adorn today's mock "high tea" tables.

As a final note, the evening dinner tea was served at a high dining table, rather than on lower tea tables. This presentation may have been the basis for the name of "high tea".

If you want to impress your North American friends with a high tea party, some fancy sandwiches and sweets should do the trick. But if you're ever called to task and serve high tea to British guests, wait until the afternoon sun begins to fade, and serve your tea with some hearty fare. You'll score high points for your English high tea.