Mother’s Day High Tea Ideas with Tree Nuts: Elegant Recipes for a Memorable Celebration

• Date posted:  04/29/2026 
• Posted in:
• Nut Usage Ideas,

Two wonderful late afternoon traditions began in England in the 1800’s – high tea and afternoon tea. Though these days high tea is seen as a luxurious special event, it was actually the working classes that initiated high tea as a substantial hot meal served between 3pm and 6pm after a hard day of work and usually eaten on high tables in the kitchen.

Afternoon tea was established for the wealthier classes of the time who had begun eating dinners late at night and needed a snack, usually cake or bread and butter, between lunch and dinner.

Nowadays, the tables have turned, and high tea features a multitude of delicacies including scones, finger sandwiches, cake and, of course, tea. So, this Mother’s Day, why not treat your mother to a special afternoon celebration. Here are some classic high tea recipes that will make her feel pampered:

Fruit and Nut Scones – Jazz up your scone recipe with some tree nuts and dried or fresh fruit – try walnuts and banana, pecans and cranberries, hazelnuts and currants, or go savory with pistachio nuts and grated carrot.

Finger Point Sandwiches – Make a creamy nut butter, such as cashew or pine nut, and spread with Crème Fraiche on sliced white bread with the crusts removed– fill with cucumber or smoked salmon and dill.

Mini Quiches – Try making a tree nut pastry such as walnut pastry with veggies, or macadamia pastry with goat cheese.

Shortbread – Scottish shortbread can be made with tree nuts – almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts and macadamias are great – you use less butter and they are just as luxurious. Here’s a base recipe you can make with any nut.

Citrus Cakes – These are often seen on high tea menus – they are simple to make, not too filling and bursting with the fruits of the season, and richness of tree nuts. Here’s one with Orange and another with Lemon and Olive oil.

Mini Pancakes – Called blini or pikelets in Australia, mini pancakes are delicious with the crunch of nuts and served topped with jam and cream. Try this one with pecans.

Chocolates – These could be given to Mom in the morning as a gift or served with your high tea. Try truffles with almonds, a delightful nut brittle, or a decadent fudge.

Most importantly, make sure the day is full of hugs, laughs and love, as your mothers, grandmothers, step-mothers, mothers-in-law and all mothers in your life are true treasures. Find more tree nut recipe inspiration and nut health resources.