The evening meal is properly referred to as “high tea,” although the term is frequently misused to mean any type of tea.
Provide steak knives if meat is served. Provide butter knives for each guest when serving jams or other spreads, located to the right of the steak knife if present. Note that each spread should still have its own serving spoon. If serving a full evening meal with multiple courses, provide appropriate utensils for each course, arranged so the guests begin with the utensils furthest from the plate, and end with those nearest.
Because the waste bowl is one of the most specialized components of the tea service, only the most formal guests are likely to be surprised if you do not own any.
This is not required for small, sweet snacks provided for the guests to help themselves.
Use your judgement when placing a buffet-style table: if space is a concern, move it against a wall. If you have plenty of room, consider placing it so the table is accessible from both sides, allowing more guests to access the food at one time.
A creamer, or small pitcher, containing milk A bowl of sugar containing sugar cubes and sugar tongs, or granulated white sugar and a small spoon A pitcher of hot water for people who prefer to dilute their tea[6] X Research source A tray of lemon slices for floating in tea, or thicker lemon wedges covered in gauze or other material to prevent spurting when squeezed[7] X Research source
Provide all the necessary tea additions on both ends of the table. If serving coffee, only sugar and cream are necessary at the coffee station.
If you do not own enough tea cups, consider borrowing them from neighbors or hosting a casual “bring your own teacup or coffee cup” party. Many inveterate tea or coffee drinkers have favorite cups at home, but be prepared to provide a few extras for guests who do not bring one.
If you are not certain which foods to serve, see the suggestions below. Typically, an afternoon tea party does not serve food that requires cutlery. This makes it easier for guests to serve themselves at the table, and to walk around and talk while holding a plate of food.
If using three-tiered cake stands instead of trays, the traditional arrangement is to place scones on the top tier, tea sandwiches and savory snacks on the middle tier, and sweet food on the bottom tier. [9] X Research source
Another tray of snacks may be provided on this side table if desired.
Make sure not to block access to the food or overcrowd the table with large or unwieldy decorations. Decorating after you’ve placed the food and drinks on the table allows you to adjust to the remaining space on the table.
One option for large tea parties is to set up smaller coffee tables with a few chairs at each one. Cover each table with a matching tablecloth if possible.
