High Tea vs. Low Tea and my menu

I have been talking with lots of people about weddings and Teas. It is traditional that a High Tea is served at a High Table and a Low tea is served at a low table.

However, did you know that the food types also differ.

Typically if a tea is served at around 3:00pm this would be a LOW tea and with very light snacks and treats. This is the least expensive method.

A High Tea is a full dinner with 2 to three courses and is served around 5:30pm. And Usually has waitstaff.

A Low Tea consists of scones, buscuits, chocolate treats of some sort and curd and is usually served by the Hostess

I am doing a combination of the Two:

I am serving my guests. I hate having wait staff and I want to be sure everything is just perfect ie COMFORTABLE. My friends have offered to help me bring things out and pop things into the oven as needed.

Now let's talk about the Food

I will be having a small selection of cheese and Crackers,  Deviled Eggs and fresh fruits scones and muffins available while I prepare the next course

1 hot appetizer Mediterranean Crescent Rolls

First course

2 Soups Chicken and Beef stew

1 salad Garden

Tea Sandwiches 2 standard triangle point: Watercress w/Cucumber slices, cranberry Chicken and Pecan Salad

1 specialty tea sandwhich cut with a scalloped edge cutter: Roastbeef with a horseraddish scallion-creamcheese dressing and a bit of dandilion leaves

Second Course main Entree

Shepherd's Pie w/ side of steamed vegetable

Desert:

Peanut butter-Chocolate Drizzel Cheese Cake and assorted Cookies

Wedding Cake - Marble Pound Cake with a Brandy Cheesecake filling and Cream Cheese Frosting

Drinks

There will be tea of course and Coffee

The Hot Cocoa Bar and kid friendly punch

The Wine/Beer and Spiked Punch Bar

let me know what you think about the menu

I had no clue about the High and Low teas..Are you (family) preparing the food or will you have a caterer? the menu food looks pretty good.

I am cooking ALL of the food myself and will only have people help me take things out as required and my hands are full.

monche, Do you have any suggestions on the food?

You said, "pretty good", which tells me there is a lot to be desired.

Please let me know what you think would make it better?

I think the menu looks good, but I have a question about the Shepard's pie. I was told by a friend that it contains vegetables within so I am wondering if you would want to consider a different side (assuming this is true)?

I think the menu looks good, but I have a question about the Shepard's pie. I was told by a friend that it contains vegetables within so I am wondering if you would want to consider a different side (assuming this is true)?

Well, it contains two starches Corn and Potatoes and a little celery and onions, but not much, so a non starchy veggie I thought was a good idea.

If I do not do this then the other option would be Beef Bourguignon over Egg Noodles

You are right, Shepherd's Pie does have vegetables in it, usually a small amount of peas, carrots and onions mixed in with the meat, but it is still often served with vegetables such as broccoli...in England it is anyway!!

I am using my Grandmother's recipe and hers never had peas nor carrots. I am shocked if this is true. She lived in England for awhile.

Mine is a layer of meat a layer of mixed onions corns and celery a drizzle of lamb gravy a layer of mashed potato topped with Chaddar cheese.

Traditionally it's lamb mince and contains carrots and/or peas but there are so many variations of it now - I use beef mince (so its really Cottage Pie) and don't add carrots because FI doesn't like them, my sister adds rinsed baked beans & carrots!

Yours sounds delish and cheese topping is an absolute must. Your guests will love your menu!!

I may have to try making it with peas and carrots. I am practicing every dish on a few Guinea pigs oh I mean friends hehe
I wish I could send you samples and get your opinion.