How to Decorate for a High Tea

Porcelain or bone china cups are elegant and maintain proper temperature.

Americans consider high tea to be an elegant, afternoon affair filled with finger sandwiches, small pastries and, of course, tea. According to the What's Cooking America website, an English high tea was actually called "meat tea" or simply "dinner." It is afternoon tea that has all of the associations that are now expected. No matter what high tea's history or proper terminology is, hosting a tea party requires creating a setting filled with quiet ambiance, comfort and natural beauty in which to serve your tea.

Things You'll Need

• Fine linen or lace, white, cream, pastel-colored or soft floral-patterned tablecloth
• Porcelain or bone china cups and plates
• Porcelain or bone china teapot
• Silverware or flatware
• Sugar tongs
• Fresh flowers
• Colorful china or crystal vases
• Raised cake plate (optional)
• Table decorations
• Artificial flowers and ivy
• Artificial butterflies and birds
• Pastel ribbons, various sizes
• Extra china cups (optional)
• Vintage teapots (optional)
• Candles, various sizes and types
• Ceramic and/or crystal candle holders

Instructions

1. 

   A lace or fine linen tablecloth sets the stage.

   Place a tablecloth on the table. A fine linen or lace tablecloth is essential. Stick with a tablecloth that is white or cream colored or has delicate pastel colors or soft floral patterns. Because the tablecloth is the background palette for china and decorations, it should not overwhelm or overshadow the other pieces that you will put on the table. You may use more than one tablecloth.

2. 

   Mixing and matching patterns is perfectly acceptable at a tea party.

   Set the table with your best china service and silverware or flatware. Include sugar tongs on the table because lump sugar is a common tea party practice. The china pieces do not have to match. You may combine different patterns of cups and saucers on the table. Mixing and matching floral patterns gives a garden party appearance to the table. Vintage china pieces obtained from antique or second-hand shops can give the table an authentic English tea party appearance.

3. 

   A raised cake plate filled with roses can serve as a centerpiece.

   Enhance the table with fresh flowers. Place them in colorful china or crystal vases. You may fill a raised cake plate with roses and use it as a centerpiece. Add items to the table such as a white wooden birdcage covered with artificial ivy. Attach artificial butterflies or artificial birds to the flowers or other decorative items on the table. Use pastel ribbons to tie the flowers. Leave the ribbons long to drape across the table. Extra china cups or small vintage teapots can be filled with flowers, too. Spreading flower petals across the table adds an elegant touch.

4. 

   Floating votive candles in crystal is an inexpensive, yet elegant, table decoration.

   Decorate your table with candles. You may float votive candles in a crystal bowl filled with water or even in crystal glasses, or use a variety of candlesticks of varying heights to create a dramatic centerpiece. Wrapping artificial ivy around the centerpiece gives it a natural appearance.

Tips & Warnings

• The United Kingdom Tea Council, which rates and monitors tea outlets in Great Britain, provides the standards for tea service. Its recommendations apply to even an informal party: "Afternoon tea should be treated as an 'experience,' therefore you should offer your customers a relaxing, interesting and enjoyable environment in which to enjoy it."

References

• What's Cooking America: History of High Tea -- History English Afternoon Tea
• The Tea Party Club: Decorations for a Tea Party
• The Afternoon Tea Table: Homepage
• United Kingdom Tea Council: Tea Guild Membership

Resources

• JoyOfBaking.com: English or Afternoon Tea Party Recipes
• United Kingdom Tea Council: Make a Perfect Brew