High Tea Hire Hamilton - Waikato
What is high tea?
In the UK, high tea was traditionally a working-class meal served on a high table at the end of the workday, shortly after 5 p.m. Afternoon tea was held earlier and included delicate sandwiches and scones, with jam and cream.
High Tea has now become an "anytime of the day" event - morning, lunchtime, afternoon or evening, and increasingly popular for a wide range of celebrations and events.
Refreshments such as quality teas, coffee, punch, iced tea champagne/bubbles and cocktails are typically served at a high tea. The food usually includes a variety of petite sweet and savoury food items, delicate sandwiches, scones and/or pikelets with cream and jam.
The key feature of any high tea is the use of beautiful fine china, lace or linen tablecloths, often accompanied by silverware and crystal/glassware accessories and flowers.
All Occasions provides a flexible and cost-effective option for high tea parties
We also hire a range of other party items, such as glasses, drink dispensers, platters, tablecloths and more!
Scroll down for the frequently asked questions about high tea hire Hamilton & Waikato
Life is like a teacup - to be filled to the brim and enjoyed with friends and family ... Tim St Mount
FAQ's Frequently asked questions...
What do you hire?
A huge range of items listed on our hire page link. This includes everything for a high tea or party - fine china, crystal, glassware, silverware, lace and linen tablecloths as well as many other party/celebration items such as wine/drinking glasses, drink dispensers, traditional platters.
Either choose our 'complete package' option or select individual items. It's your choice!
Not sure what you need? Contact us and we'll help you.
How do I hire from you?
Inquiry and booking process
Please click on the enquiries and bookings link and complete the online inquiry form or you’re welcome to phone us to discuss your plans - phone 021 209 0251. We're available 7 days a week 9am to 7pm.
Our usual process is:
We receive an enquiry online or by phone
From the details provided an initial quote is provided, with all options specified - at this stage it's often based on estimated number of guests
Booking confirmed once quote has been accepted - email confirmation sent by us. We do not require a deposit.
Approximately, one week before event (timing discussed with client) we'll contact the client to finalise all arrangements and confirm number of guests. Revised quote (if needed) and confirmation checklist emailed to client.
Do you deliver?
Yes! We deliver and collect hires - we know you’ll be busy organising and setting up your event - our convenient and reliable delivery/collection service is direct to your venue, 7 days a week.
How much will it cost?
We are committed to providing an affordable and cost-effective option for high tea events and other parties/celebrations.
Each hire package is customised to your preferences. Cost is dependant on the quantity hired and location.
Please contact us through our inquiry form or by phone for a free/no obligation quote. A list of what is typically used for a high tea is on our hire page, along with a price list. Please note our hire packages are the most economical way of hiring from us.
What is your hire period?
The hire period is flexible - usually we deliver one day and collect the next day, at times convenient for you.
For hires outside of Hamilton we often deliver and collect the same day to save clients travel costs.
Delivery and collection available 7 days a week.
Can you work directly with my event organiser and/or caterer?
Yes, we love to collaborate and frequently work with event organisers and/or caterers.
Do you ask for a bond?
Yes, for most hires we ask for a bond ($30-$100) to cover any damage and/or losses. The bond is refunded upon the return of all hire items, in good condition, without damage.
We'll confirm the bond details when providing a quote.
What payment options are available?
Payment can be made via internet banking and or cash payment - invoice/receipt available on request.
If your event is in the next 6 months, you're welcome to book now, and start regular weekly/fortnightly/monthly payments. From your first payment, the total cost is fixed and hire prices will not increase.
Our bank account details are:
All Occasions Ltd
01-0450-0480865-00 Please use your name as reference.
Please note: As at 1 July 2024, we are not registered for GST. Net prices are shown on our pricing list.
All hires and usage of items provided by All Occasions Ltd are subject to our terms and conditions. A copy is available on the Inquiries/Booking and Hire pages of our website.
Do you offer a set up and styling service?
Yes, it's part of our standard package. Alternatively, we can drop off for you to set up or we can set up together. We're flexible!
Is a deposit required at time of booking? What's your cancellation policy?
No deposit required and no cancellation fees. We'd appreciate at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel.
What precautions do I need to take with the fine china and other high tea accessories?
Firstly, relax and enjoy the beautiful china, silverware and crystal/glassware - we deliver, collect and clean high tea items which greatly reduces the likelihood of breakages.
There are some precautions that we ask clients to take:
Please warm the teapots - fill with very warm water from a tap, wait for approximately 5 minutes, tip out the water and then fill with boiling water. This reduces the likelihood of cracking.
Please do not place any items on a stovetop, in an oven, microwave, dishwasher or freezer.
Cake stands should always stay upright - they don't like lying on their sides.
Leave the washing up to us! Just remove any food scraps - don't rinse or wash.
We understand that accidents will sometimes happen - we just ask you to take the above precautions to reduce the risk.
If you have a breakage please return the pieces to us for recycling into mosaic artwork.
All hires are subject to our terms and conditions (link on the inquiries/booking page). This includes breakages.
Can you recommend or find a caterer and venue for us?
We can recommend venues taking into account your event location, the type of event, your budget and number of guests attending.
Clients often hold their high tea in their own home, a family member's or friend's place, or workplace.
We can also recommend caterers or you may wish to self-cater or ask friends/family to help.