The Table

When I invite friends to my home for afternoon tea, I don’t spend too much time thinking about how I will set the table.  I generally follow a simple routine and then embellish with accessories to match the occasion. So I would like to share with you some of the basic items I use to set the table for tea.

The Linen

I always dress my table with a cloth because I feel it turns the occasion from the everyday into something special for my guests. But instead of the usual white, I will either use my dark blue or green linen tablecloth. Nice quality tablecloths are expensive so I keep my eye out for sales. I’ve owned mine for at least 11 years so I definitely got my money’s worth.

My favorite blue linen tablecloth.

While it may be more convenient to use printed paper napkins, or serviettes, I prefer cloth ones for my guests. I am fortunate to have two sets of very special cloth napkins to choose from in my collection. My good friend, Verlain, and I shared a love of reading and tea so she turned remnants of cloth she had in storage into reversible napkins.  I like to use them with my green tablecloth.  My sister gave me the other set after she saw the napkins Verlain had made.  She had never sewn napkins before so she surprised me with a set of red and blue ones for my birthday.  I love the bright colors and whimsical print.  I use these with the blue tablecloth.

My good friend, Verlain, made these reversible cloth napkins. There are books on one side and tea/coffee pots on the other.

My sister made these reversible cloth napkins with birds and flowers on one side and red and white dots on the other side.

While placemats add extra color and texture to the table, I use a neutral-colored woven placement because I like to accessorize with colorful linens and ceramics.  Sometimes, I will use wooden trays as placemats for a different look.

I bought these wooden trays for serving and as placemats.

The Dishes

I prefer plain white dishes so I have the freedom to create the look I want by accessorizing with a vast array of colors and designs from other items. You can find these dishes from Crate and Barrel on “My Favorites” page.  They are lovely as well as economical.

The Flatware

The flatware I choose depends on what food I’m serving. But the most common ones I set on the tea table is a knife to spread jam and cream on scones and little spoons to stir the tea.  One holiday, a friend of mine gave me a set of silver cocktail or butter spreader knives I like to use.  A table knife is perfectly acceptable.  I also have a collection of little demitasse spoons I’ve received as gifts over the years that I place directly on the saucer with the teacup.  A teaspoon works just fine as well.

The Tiered Stand

Several years ago, my husband bought me a 2-tiered stand made from pewter and glass from a local shop for our anniversary.  It’s gorgeous and I’m so glad after so many moves, it’s still in one piece.  However, the plates are not removable making cleaning a little bit difficult.  I purchased this 3-tiered stand because I am able to use any type of dinner plate on the tiers so washing isn’t a problem.  The only draw-back is the tall size.  It really needs to be set at the end of the table or else it can block guests from seeing each other. The other problem is finding a place to store it!

The plates on this tiered stand are removable to allow me to use any type of dinner plate I wish and cleanup is super easy.

However, I don’t always use a tiered stand.  A cake stand or any pretty plate or platter works just as well.  I often use a combination of both a tiered stand and a white or patterned platter.

This simple white platter by Pillivuyt is my favorite round platter that’s simple for everyday or a special occasion.

The Teapot

I’m a big fan of the Brown Betty teapot. But there are a couple rules I always follow. First, I never wash the teapot with soap.  I simply rinse it out to allow the tea residue to remain in the interior of the pot to “season” it.  I’ve discovered how much better the tea tastes after doing this.  Second, I always temper the Brown Betty with hot tap water as I wait for the kettle to boil. This ensures the teapot won’t crack with the sudden change of temperature.

My 6 cup Brown Betty teapot by Cauldron Ceramics.

Tea Strainer by Fortnum & Mason and Sugar Tongs (Amazon)

The Milk & Sugar

I’ve listed my favorite milk and sugar set under the “My Favorites” link.  There are many styles and brands on the market but I’ve learned from experience to make sure you feel comfortable with how the milk pitcher pours.  I get very annoyed when the milk runs down the lip and front of the pitcher, rather than in my cup.

I also purchased very inexpensive sugar tongs from Amazon but a small spoon would work just as well. I enjoy sugar cubes, but they’re not available everywhere and they can be quite expensive.

My sugar and milk set from Le Creuset

The Extras

Flowers are probably the most common addition to the tea table.  You will be surprised to learn I generally never use fresh flowers because my husband is allergic to them.  Instead, I may add a table runner to bring some extra color to the table as well as pretty candle holders to bring some varying height to the table scape.

I try not to fill the table with too many decorations because once I add water glasses, food, the bowls of cream and jam and curd to the table, the table can become quite full.

My favorite (and very inexpensive) water glasses I purchased at a tea room that also sold antiques and vintage kitchenware and decor.

I love to entertain because I enjoy everything it entails, from the baking to setting the table. It also gives me the opportunity to use some of the “fancy” dishes I usually save for special occasions or rarely use. But as a friend once told me, “The Queen is not coming to tea.” Use what you have and enjoy it.