Have you wondered what the difference was between “afternoon tea” and “high tea”? (If you haven’t, aren’t you wondering now?) Us, too. So, we tapped The Tea Kettle Café’s Kari Dangler to, well, give us the tea on tea.
TWCL: What first drew you into the tea world, what did you find most captivating about it?
KD: Tea kind of found me; the business that is. Ten years ago my husband bought the business on a whim as a good investment. It showed up at a time when I needed something calming and something creative, as if it was meant to be. The more I played with different tea types and herbs and learned how different ingredients talk to each other as a unique artform, the more I realized I wasn’t just interested in tea, I’d fallen in love with it.
TWCL: Could you explain the difference between traditional British afternoon tea and high tea, and which style is most often recreated in American tea rooms today?
KD: Traditional British afternoon tea and high tea are often mixed up, but they’re actually very different. Afternoon tea is the classic, elegant experience most people picture: finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, little pastries, and a pot of tea served mid‑afternoon as a light, social treat. High tea, on the other hand, was historically an evening meal for working families, with dishes like meat pies, eggs, bread, and vegetables. In the United States, almost every tea room recreates afternoon tea, even when some places call it “high tea,” because the tiered trays, scones, and pretty china are what guests expect and enjoy.
TWCL: What teas are must-haves at your tea room, and which selections do your guests tend to return for again and again?
KD: One tea that has been with us from the very beginning is Old Town Spice. It’s one of those blends that feels like the heart of our tea room; warm, cozy, and a little nostalgic. It’s become a must have on our menu. Guests discover it once and then keep coming back for it again and again.
TWCL: What is your personal favorite tea? What do you love about it?
KD: My personal favorite has to be one of our signature Tea Kettle Café blends, Berry Kiss Comfort. It’s an herbal blend we created with wellness in mind, and it just hits all the right notes for me. It’s fruity, soothing, and naturally caffeine‑free, so it feels like something you can enjoy any time of day.
TWCL: For readers who want to host a tea party at home, could you share a few key tips for creating an elegant experience—without getting overwhelmed?
KD: A common misconception is that afternoon tea is supposed to be rushed or formal. In reality, it’s meant to be slow, cozy, and conversational and a chance to unwind, not a performance. People also tend to think tea is limited to black tea with milk and sugar, when in truth there’s a whole world of herbals, florals, fruits, spices, and wellness blends that surprise them once they start exploring. In my opinion, hot tea should never be overly sweetened or have too much milk as it takes away from the flavors of the tea leaves and herbs.
TWCL: How important are tableware and ambiance—tea sets and tablecloths, music and décor—to the overall tea experience? Is there a particular detail that makes all the difference?
KD: Hosting a tea party at home can be surprisingly simple if you focus on a few key elements. Start by choosing just one or two teas you really love. Choose something comforting, something fruity, or something floral. Don't overwhelm yourself with too many options. Keep the food easy: a few finger sandwiches, store bought or homemade pastries or desserts dressed up on a pretty plate, and warm scones (homemade or from a bakery) are more than enough. What truly creates the “elegant” feeling is the presentation, not the complexity. Use your favorite teacups, add a small vase of flowers, and set everything out on a tray or tiered stand if you have one. And most importantly, don’t rush. Afternoon tea is meant to be slow, cozy, and conversational. If you keep the atmosphere relaxed and thoughtful, your guests will feel the charm instantly!
TWCL: Do you have any final tips or wisdom to share?
KD: When it comes to afternoon tea, the tableware and ambiance matter more than most people realize. The teacups, the tablecloth, the music in the background, the little touches of décor; they all work together to set the tone long before the first sip or bite. In many ways, it’s all about the experience. The food and tea is only the second act.