High Tea, the tradition
The term high tea is sometimes used in North America to refer to afternoon tea or the tea party, a very formal, ritualised gathering (usually of ladies) in which tea, thin sandwiches and little cakes are served on the best china. This usage comes from understanding the term "high" to mean "formal". Most etiquette mavens advise that such usage is incorrect; (Judith Martin's tongue-in-cheek interpretation is, "It's high time we had something to eat.")
This form of tea is occasionally served in high-end American hotels, often during the holiday season, where it is usually correctly described as Afternoon Tea (see the meal's history, below).
The Tea Party is still occasionally given in North America, either for a special occasion or in honor of a visiting celebrity or guest. This occasion is a formal one in which ladies wear "good" afternoon dresses or suits and gentlemen wear business suits, but otherwise afternoon tea is an informal gathering of friends. In 1922 Emily Post wrote that servants should not enter the room during afternoon tea except if summoned to bring fresh hot water or removed soiled dishes, so as not to interrupted the intimate nature of the gathering and its conversation.