How to Set a Table for a High Tea: A Step-by-Step Guide to Elegant Entertaining
Hosting a high tea is a delightful way to impress your guests with elegance and sophistication. But the success of your high tea hinges not only on delicious treats but also on the presentation. A beautifully set table elevates the entire experience, transforming a simple afternoon gathering into a memorable event. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to setting the perfect high tea table, ensuring your event is flawlessly elegant.
1. Choosing the Right Table and Linens:
The foundation of your high tea setting lies in the table itself. Opt for a table that's large enough to comfortably accommodate your guests and all the tea accoutrements. A round or rectangular table works best for this type of gathering.
- Tablecloth: A crisp, elegant tablecloth is crucial. Consider using a tablecloth in a light, pastel color or a sophisticated neutral like ivory or cream. Linen or cotton damask are excellent choices for a formal touch. Ensure the tablecloth hangs evenly and reaches the floor or nearly so.
- Placemats: While optional, placemats can add another layer of elegance and protect the tablecloth. Choose placemats that complement the tablecloth and the overall theme of your high tea.
- Napkins: Cloth napkins are a must for a high tea. Choose napkins in a coordinating color or pattern to your tablecloth. Fold them neatly, perhaps using a simple fan fold or a more intricate design if you're feeling ambitious.
2. Setting the Tableware:
The arrangement of your tableware plays a significant role in the overall aesthetic.
- Dinner Plates: Place the dinner plates at the center of each place setting. Use your finest china or a set that complements the occasion.
- Salad Plates/Dessert Plates: For high tea, you'll need smaller plates for pastries and sandwiches. Position these to the left of the dinner plates, slightly overlapping.
- Cutlery: Arrange the forks to the left of the plate and knives and spoons to the right. For a high tea, you might only need a dessert spoon and a butter knife.
- Teacups and Saucers: Place the teacups and saucers to the right of the dinner plate. Make sure there's enough space for guests to comfortably hold their cups.
3. Adding the Finishing Touches:
The little details can make a huge difference in creating a truly memorable high tea.
- Teapot and Creamer: Position a teapot and creamer at the center of the table, within easy reach of your guests. A pretty sugar bowl is a welcome addition as well.
- Cake Stand: A tiered cake stand is iconic for high tea, presenting a visually stunning display of your delectable treats. Arrange your sandwiches, scones, and pastries beautifully across the tiers.
- Flowers and Decorations: A centerpiece of fresh flowers adds a touch of natural beauty to your table. Choose flowers with a delicate fragrance and pastel colors to complement your table setting. You can also incorporate other elegant decorations, such as candles or small decorative items, but avoid anything too overpowering.
- Name Cards: For formal high teas, consider using name cards to personalize the experience for your guests. These can add a touch of elegance and help guests find their places.
4. High Tea Etiquette Considerations:
- Tea Service: Offer a selection of teas and allow your guests to choose their preferred variety. Provide milk, sugar, and lemon wedges.
- Serving Order: Typically, sandwiches are served first, followed by scones, and then pastries.
- Cleanliness: Ensure all your tableware is spotlessly clean and polished before setting the table.
By following these steps, you can create a stunning and elegant high tea setting that will delight your guests. Remember, the key is to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere where your guests can relax and enjoy the delightful experience of a traditional high tea. Focus on thoughtful details and elegant presentation, and your high tea will be a resounding success!
