How to Prepare a Formal Tea

Set a nice presentation for formal tea.

Tea is not just a beverage, it is also the basis for a formal event that has been around for centuries. Legend has it an English lady-in-waiting, Duchess Bedford, was the first to develop the habit of having an afternoon tea. From that point on, holding a formal tea to socialize and have a light meal became a social craze enjoyed by high-society ladies or those wishing to emulate them. Today a formal tea is a polite afternoon event that evokes the genteel society of generations past.

Things You'll Need

• Formal tea service
• White table cloth or cloths
• Linen napkins
• Luncheon-size plates
• Small butter knives
• Full-size butter knives with knife rest
• Centerpiece
• Tea sandwiches and light, savory food selections
• Scones and pastries
• Dessert-serving tier or platters
• Tea selections in a tea box or small baskets
• Lemon wedges
• Milk
• Sugar

Instructions

1. Clear the serving table or large table if everyone will be seated together.

2. Lay out a white table cloth. It can be lace or have a pattern, though white-on-white or light-colored patterns are preferable.

3. Set out the tea service. The tea service should consist of a tea pot, a milk pitcher and a sugar bowl with spoon. It can be silver or fine china.

4. Prepare the savory selection of food. Savory items can include tea sandwiches made of cucumber or watercress, triangle toasts or crackers with a selection of small sliced meats and cheeses, or small finger appetizers. Choose selections that are not too messy and relatively light. A formal tea is a small meal between larger meals, not a main-course-type affair.

5. Set up a dessert tray or tier with scones, sweet biscuits, small cakes and cookies. Place dishes of different-flavored jams in small china bowls with serving spoons. Have a covered butter dish ready with soft butter. For a very elegant look, purchase butter rosettes or another molded design.

6. Place a luncheon-size plate at each setting. Make the plate location uniform and centered, with 1 inch between the plate and table edge. If forks are necessary, use the smallest size available and set to the left of the plates. The napkin can be folded in thirds and laid beneath the fork, or you can put it in a pretty ring and set it next to the fork on the outside.

7. Set butter knives crossways across the top of the plates. If you don't have small butter knives, use regular-size knives placed on a knife rest, as they will be too large for the luncheon plates. Place teaspoons to the right of the knives or plates themselves. Tea cups on saucers go to the right of the spoons. If separate dessert plates are being used, set them above the spoons.

8. Place the centerpiece on the table, making sure it does not obstruct conversation and the scent does not overpower the food or tea. Choose something light that adds to the atmosphere yet blends in.

9. Just before guests arrive, lay out the food and dessert selections. Place the butter and jam selections last so they are not too warm when guests eat. If the table is not large enough where the tea is being served, set up a small side table. You will want to offer to serve each guest rather than have them serve themselves buffet-style.

10. Place the hot water in the tea pot as guests arrive. Lay out the tea selections with the tea pot, along with the milk, sugar and lemon wedges.

11. Decide who will serve the tea, and set up the service closest to her spot at the table.

References

• Tea Party Girl: How to Set the Table for Tea -- Eight Helpful Tips
• What's Cooking America: History of High Tea - History English Afternoon Tea