How to Set a Formal Table for Tea

Serve tea from a china pot at afternoon tea.

Afternoon tea, a staple of British culture the world over, has become popular in the United States. Relaxing with a cup of tea is a restful way to catch up with friends, but afternoon tea is a formal affair. Whether you plan to serve a high tea with many courses and types of food or a less complicated low tea, you must observe certain rules of etiquette, including the proper way to set the table.

Things You'll Need

• Table cloth
• Centerpiece
• Tea cups and saucers
• Luncheon plates
• Bowl
• Napkins
• Silverware
• Teapot

Instructions

1. Remove all items from the table.

2. Spread a clean table cloth over the table. Center it. White lace or linen table cloths are the best choices for a formal tea. Smooth out wrinkles by running your hands over the cloth.

3. Situate your centerpiece in the middle of the table. Choose a floral arrangement to evoke an English mood.

4. Center a luncheon plate, which is smaller than a dinner plate, on the table in front of each chair. Put the plate an inch from the table's edge.

5. Place a bread plate to the right of and above the luncheon plate and center the dessert plate above the luncheon plate. Situate a dessert fork horizontally under the dessert plate. If a dessert spoon is also needed, position it below the fork with the bowl, or bottom, of the spoon opposite the tines of fork.

6. Lay a napkin, folded into thirds, to the left of the plate. Put the fork on top of the napkin. Position the butter knife to the right of the plate with the blade facing it.

7. Set the tea cup and saucer to the right of the spoon and place the teaspoon on the saucer. Put a small bowl to the left of and above the napkin and fork. Deposit tea leaves and lemon in this waste bowl.

8. Decide who will pour the tea and place the teapot to the right of the knife within easy reach.

Tips & Warnings

• It is not necessary that all the plates and cups match. Feel free to mix and match as long as the tea cups match the saucers and you stay within a theme, such as a floral pattern. To save money, purchase pretty china cups, saucers and plates at yard sales, consignment shops and donation centers like Goodwill. If you are serving only finger food at tea, the only utensil you need is a spoon to stir the tea.

• Plan a tea for specific events like bridal showers, baby showers and birthdays.

References

• Tea Party Guide: Your Guide to Table Setting Etiquette for Afternoon and High Tea
• Tea Muse: Tea Party Recipes
• Chron: Miss Manners -- Follow These Simple Rules for Hosting a Tea Party