Tea Party Table Setting

Try a creative tea party table setting when hosting your next luncheon with friends. Make the day an elegant experience for all your guests by knowing the proper way to host a tea and set the table.

Set the perfect table for tea!

A great way to gather with your friends is over a cup of tea. Why not go a step further and host a tea party in your home. This is an elegant way to get everyone together to spend a lovely afternoon. To host a party, all you need is a teapot, cups and saucers and, of course, tea. A tea party can be casual or elegant depending on your preference. If you choose to go casual you can set the party up much like a cocktail party and allow the guests to serve themselves. If the party is more formal, be sure to have a table set accordingly and give your guests a traditional tea time experience.

A tea party is all about the table and setting looking beautiful and welcoming to your guests. A nice centerpiece of flowers is all you need in the center of your table. For a formal tea party, you are going to want to have a properly set table. In doing so be sure to keep the following in mind:

• A decorative place mat can be used for each guest.
• Always place the teacup to the right of the place setting.
• The teacup handle should point out.
• Use a saucer with each tea cup. The saucer goes under the tea cup.
• If serving food with your tea, set the table as you would for any dinner party. Place a fork to the left of your plate along with a napkin. The spoon and knife are placed to the right, making sure that the knife blade is facing in toward the plate. There is no need for any extra utensils.
• A lunch size plate works well for a tea party. Foods are usually kept simple and consist of tea sandwiches, scones, cookies or anything light and refreshing.
• Have sugar and cream on the table for your guests. Other additions to serve with the tea can be fresh lemon or mint.
• A glass of water is nice to serve along with tea. Place the water glass to the right just above the knife.
• A final touch would be a place card in front of each setting. A handwritten card with each guest's name is the perfect special touch to your tea party table setting.

Since there are many styles and patterns when it comes to tea cups, there is no set rule that all of your cups have to match. It can be interesting to have mismatched settings at your table. Use a mix of antique cups or cups with various themes to add an element of interest to your table.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to decorating your table for a tea party. Depending on the season, your table setting can go along with a holiday theme. If it is around Christmas, use Christmas tea cups and place a poinsettia in the center of the table to serve as a centerpiece. You can serve holiday flavored teas as well. For a tea party in the summer, use fresh flowers that are in season for your centerpiece and select colorful tea cups to brighten up the table. Be creative and make the table reflect your own individual style and personality.

A tea party can be a great idea for any occasion from baby showers to birthday parties. Of course any time you plan to get together with your friends is a great reason to host a tea. It can be a relaxing afternoon to sit back and talk over a cup of tea. Don’t stress over the table setting; use what you have on hand, be creative and have fun.

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