Teatime Tips: Hosting the Ideal Afternoon Tea

Setting the Table

Some might argue that planning the tablescape is equally as significant as designing the menu. Carefully selecting which china patterns to display, linens to utilize, and décor to add can be both fun and challenging. “The setting should reflect harmony and balance,” Bruce says. “When guests approach the table, they should be aware that the host has honored them by paying attention to every detail. For example, the silverware should be appropriately set, and the napkins placed with care. Even the handles of the cups should be turned in a uniform fashion.”

Another decision at hand is choosing whether guests will be seated around a table in the dining room or seated in armchairs, sofas, and chaise lounges in a drawing room—the traditional location for afternoon tea. Jane Pettigrew, TeaTime’s London-based contributing editor, explains the proper British setting, “On the day of the event, if guests are to be seated around a dining table, cover the table with a linen cloth and place a small afternoon-tea plate at each guest’s place, a cup and saucer at the top right of each plate, the spoon in the correct position (placed on each saucer under the handle of the cup and with the teaspoon handle pointing towards the person who will use the cup), a small napkin to the left or right of the small plate, and a tea knife and pastry fork to the right or left of the plate.” Many Americans, however, enjoy setting their tea tables with multiple plates to add visual interest as well as to allow for a change of plates for each course of afternoon tea. Choose whichever presentation best suits your space, aesthetic, and dish supply.

Lastly, when the occasion is near, it is of the utmost importance for the host to enjoy the event that has been so meticulously planned. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s for decorating the table, making and assembling the food, or serving the tea,” Lorna urges. “Because we do care and want the best for our guests, there will always be some stress involved in hosting afternoon tea.” All wonderful things, including the cherished tradition that we love, require great thought, some sacrifices, and fantastic friends to help along the way.

Once the tea party has commenced, make sure to greet everyone and warmly welcome them to the location. “When all the guests have arrived and have been introduced to each other, if they are not friends already, the host must make sure that conversation is already flowing,” Jane remarks. “Then it’s time to go into the kitchen to brew the tea.”