How to Set the Table for Tea

So you've decided you who would like to have tea with. You've sent out invitations, bought and set up decorations, and have all the menu prepared. What comes next? Setting up your table for tea.This will step you through the process so that you have an elegant and properly set table.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tea
• Teacups
• Teapot
• Light snacks
• Salad plates
• Light silverware
• Small spreaders
• Small napkins

1. Since afternoon tea is only a light meal, small salad plates are the best option for a tea place setting. Start with putting the small plate in place as the primary focus for the setting.

2. You are now going to put the teacup to the right of the plate with the teacup handle pointing out to the right. It is important that it is pointing out.

3. You should put small napkins (instead of dinner-sized) to the left of your plate. They should be folded neatly, or placed in a napkin ring. To use a small spreader instead of a regular knife, make sure it is pointing towards the plate. For the rest of the silverware, only set up what is necessary for this light meal. Forks are place on the left and knives and spoons should be on the right.

4. Water glasses, to accompany your tea, should be placed on the right, beyond the knife. It is helpful to decorate the table with sophisticated but muted things. Don't go with anything that is too loud and avoid scents as the focus should be on the tea.

5. Invite your guests in and enjoy the fruits of your carefully prepared tea party.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time for preparation. Although a tea lunch is small in scope, the mood and decor is an essential part of a tea experience.
• Don't be afraid to ask the guests for suggestions. People tend to have their pre-conceived notions of what a tea party is.
• Enjoy yourself. A tea party is meant to bring up memories of playing pretend and sophisticated extravagance.
• Don't use scented candles or heavily perfumed flowers. It's a tea. The fragrances and attention should come from excitement over the tea itself.
• Make sure to do things properly, but don't let the atmosphere around the tea be anything other than light-hearted and well-mannered.