Owatonna Arts Center

Celebrate May Day with a 'Low Tea' style Tea at the Owatonna Arts Center's Historic

Performance Hall. 

Come sit with friends, family, colleagues and enjoy a cup of tea while you relax at the end of the week.  Savor finger sandwiches and sweet May Day delights as your wind down for the weekend!

What is "High and Low Tea"?

The terms "High Tea" and "Low Tea" are often confused. High Tea or "meat tea" referred to dinner. During the Victorian Period, working class families ate a substantial evening meal, served family style, consisting of meat, bread, butter, potatoes, pickles, cheese and, of course, tea. The meal was called "high" tea because it was eaten at a high dining table rather than a low tea table.

On the other hand, afternoon tea, was called "low tea" because it was usually taken in a sitting room or drawing room. Low tables were placed near sofas or chairs. Since low tea wasn't a meal, but like an afternoon snack meant to stave off hunger, finger foods were the common fare. Low tea can be served at engagement parties, showers or as a complement to business meetings and other gatherings.