Afternoon Tea Course Order – Your Guide to High Tea

Afternoon tea is more than a charming tradition—it’s a thoughtfully arranged experience.

This quick guide walks you through the classic three-tiered course order, so you can enjoy your high tea the proper way: from savory to sweet.

The Structure of the Three-Tiered Stand – From Bottom to Top

A proper afternoon tea is typically served on a three-tiered stand, with each level representing a distinct course.

The stand acts as both a practical serving tool and a visual centerpiece, elegantly displaying the full spread of the tea service.

The tiers are designed to be enjoyed from bottom to top, following the natural progression of a light meal.

Check out these 15 Easy Tea Party Food Ideas for inspiration!

Here’s the traditional layout:

• Bottom Tier – First Course: Savories and Tea Sandwiches
  This tier includes bite-sized sandwiches and savory pastries, offering a light, salty beginning to awaken the palate.
• Middle Tier – Second Course: Scones with Jam and Cream
  The heart of afternoon tea, this layer features warm, freshly baked scones served with jam and clotted cream.
• Top Tier – Third Course: Sweets and Pastries
  A selection of small desserts, such as fruit tarts, mini cakes, or éclairs, to round out the tea with a touch of indulgence.

First Course – Savories and Tea Sandwiches (Bottom Tier)

The bottom tier of the afternoon tea stand sets the tone for the entire experience.

It’s the first course you should enjoy, offering a light, savory beginning before the richer items appear. This tier typically includes an assortment of finger sandwiches and small savory bites, all designed to be eaten neatly in two or three bites—no cutlery required.

Traditional Tea Sandwiches May Include:

• Cucumber and cream cheese – The most classic option, known for its cool, crisp bite.
• Egg salad with watercress – Creamy and peppery with a soft texture.
• Smoked salmon with dill or horseradish – Delicate, briny, and slightly luxurious.
• Ham and mustard or cheese and chutney – Heartier options that still stay light.

Read this guide for recipe ideas for tea sandwiches!

Sandwiches are usually made with soft white or brown bread, crusts removed, and cut into small rectangles or triangles. The focus is on subtlety and elegance—not bold seasoning or heavy fillings.

This course pairs well with classic black teas like Darjeeling, Assam, or a gentle Earl Grey, which complement the savory flavors without overwhelming them.

Second Course – Scones with Jam and Cream (Middle Tier)

Moving up the stand, we arrive at the centerpiece of the afternoon tea experience: freshly baked scones.

Flaky, golden, and warm, scones are served plain or lightly flavored (with currants, lemon zest, or seasonal ingredients), and always accompanied by clotted cream and fruit jam—usually strawberry or raspberry.

How to Enjoy Them Properly:

• Break the scone apart gently by hand—don’t slice it with a knife.
• Spread jam and cream on each half individually.
• Eat with your fingers, one half at a time.

The Great Debate: Cream or Jam First?

• In Devon, it’s cream first, then jam.
• In Cornwall, it’s jam first, then cream.
  There’s no “correct” answer—it’s a matter of regional tradition and personal preference.

The richness of the scone course is a natural midpoint to the tea service, and it’s often paired with slightly stronger teas like English Breakfast or Ceylon, which complement the buttery texture and sweet toppings.

Third Course – Sweets and Pastries (Top Tier)

The top tier of the afternoon tea stand is reserved for the grand finale: delicate pastries and sweets designed to satisfy your sweet tooth without overwhelming your palate.

Common Sweets You Might See Include:

• Mini fruit tarts – With crisp pastry shells and glossy seasonal fruit
• Petits fours – Tiny, layered sponge cakes with icing
• Macarons – Crisp on the outside, soft and chewy within
• Éclairs or cream puffs – Filled with pastry cream or whipped cream
• Lemon bars or chocolate truffles – For a zesty or indulgent bite

Each item is meant to be enjoyed in one or two bites, allowing guests to sample a range of flavors without feeling overly full. Presentation is important—pastries are often garnished with fresh fruit, edible flowers, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

As the final course, sweets pair well with lighter, aromatic teas like Jasmine, Darjeeling, or a fruity herbal infusion. These teas cleanse the palate and enhance the desserts’ more delicate notes.

How to Have Afternoon Tea in the Correct Order

Afternoon tea isn’t a rushed meal—it’s a ritual. The correct order of courses creates a sense of flow and balance that enhances the experience. The proper sequence is:

1. Start with the bottom tier – Savories and sandwiches first.
2. Move to the middle tier – Enjoy your scone warm, with jam and cream.
3. Finish with the top tier – Sample the sweets to end on a light, elegant note.

Pacing Tips:

• Don’t rush. Enjoy small bites, sip tea in between, and take your time.
• One tier at a time. Avoid jumping around—finish one course before moving on.
• Refill your tea between courses or when your cup is low—not during a bite.

Following the course order isn’t just about tradition—it enhances your appreciation of each tier and keeps the flavors in harmony. Up next: a few timeless etiquette tips to help you sip and snack like a seasoned tea guest.

Modern Variations on the Three-Tier Tradition

While traditional afternoon tea remains timeless, modern interpretations are becoming increasingly popular—adding creativity, seasonal flair, and cultural twists to the classic format.

Popular Variations Include:

• Themed afternoon teas – From floral spring teas to Christmas-inspired spreads, themed teas add fun and seasonal variety.
• Regional influences – Modern tea menus may feature international flavors, such as Moroccan mint tea, matcha scones, or Mediterranean-inspired savories.
• Sparkling or boozy tea – Some venues offer a glass of Champagne, Prosecco, or even a tea-infused cocktail to accompany the meal.
• Dietary accommodations – Vegan, gluten-free, or low-sugar versions of traditional afternoon tea are becoming more widely available and equally elegant.

Despite these creative twists, most modern teas still honor the bottom-to-top serving order, preserving the balance of flavors and the timeless rhythm of the experience.