How to Create the Perfect Setting For Afternoon Tea

This week has seen the 100th Anniversary of the Women’s Institute so what better way to celebrate than to share with you some hints and tips of how to create the perfect setting for a spot of afternoon tea. Get your creative and crafty fingers moving for a spot of sewing, baking and cooking that will create an elegant and relaxing setting that all of your friends and family can enjoy.

Food

The first step in preparing your afternoon tea is deciding what to make and serve to your guests. Traditionally an afternoon tea is made up of a selection of cakes, sandwiches and pastries and of course a classic scone with jam and cream. Try and think of inventive ways to serve your food so that is not only tastes amazing but looks stylish and elegant. Instead of traditional triangles try rolling your crust less bread until it is flat and thin, add your fillings and then roll to form a ‘sushi’ style design that can be garnished with a slice of smoked salmon or cress.

Decorate cakes with edible flowers or create cute mini tea cups and tea pots using icing that will look fabulous as cupcake toppers. Place jam, marmalade and cream in small glass jars and finish with a gorgeous vintage patterned fabric lids tied with ribbon or twine for a rustic yet elegant finish.

Prepare the table

The next step is to prepare your table depending on the location and amount of guests that are expected. For large groups of people a circular table can be more effective and more sociable as it allows all of your guests to see and speak to each other. Alternatively select traditional square or rectangular tables or a small bistro set if your afternoon tea is for two! Select a table cloth that is pastel or plain white or features classic floral or shabby chic style patterns and designs. You can also layer this with a traditional lace cloth for added femininity. Don’t forget if you are serving your tea outdoors you may need to use table cloth clips to ensure that your table stays neat and tidy.

Decoration

It is important to make the space look welcoming and inviting therefore try your hand at creating some fabric bunting that can be draped around the edge of the table, from the walls or hung from trees in an outdoor garden space. Create a centrepiece in the middle of your table using a large cake stand or a tea pot filled with a selection of flowers such as roses, chrysanthemums and gypsophila that makes a great alternative to a traditional vase. If you have invited a large number of guests then design some vintage place cards and place a selection of napkins with lace and floral patterns for a co-ordinating garden look.

Crockery

When selecting crockery for your afternoon tea, remember that only the finest china will do! Select matching tea pots, cups, saucers, jugs and plates in floral print designs, vintage patterns or polka dots in feminine pastel tones, or botanical colours with a hint of metallic gilding for an added splash of glamour. Choose co-ordinating china cake stands or opt for silver stands for a truly vintage feel.  You can stick to one overall theme or mix and match your patterns and prints for added visual variety. Place silver cutlery, sugar tongs, cake slicers and tea strainers at the table for a refined and traditional finish.

Drinks

Finally when your table is laid you can serve tea to your guests. Place a small ornate box or a selection of tea cups on the table containing a selection of tea bags such as earl grey, Darjeeling or fruit infusions to give your guests a variety of choices. Also place a selection of tea pots containing ready brewed traditional tea and milk jugs around the table so your guests can serve themselves using a strainer to catch the leaves. If you are indulging a spot of bubbly during your afternoon tea place crystal flutes at each place setting and add a silver wine bucket to the table or on a stand located by the side to ensure that your Champagne or Prosecco remains chilled.

For more ideas on creating the perfect setting for afternoon tea and guides on how to lay your table and arrange your cake stands, take a look at our latest Pinterest board - Pinterest - Afternoon Tea