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The afternoon tea can be a simple get-together with friends, a sophisticated event, or a small celebration in the afternoon. To do well and be a good host, here are several tips to help with the organization, indispensable items, suggestions of what to serve, and ideas to perfect the decoration with great care and elegance.
How to organize an afternoon tea
- Set the schedule: The famous five o'clock tea time is famous in English tradition, but afternoon tea can be held any time between 4 pm and 7 pm.
- Choose the location: You can set up a table at your home, in the garden, on the veranda, or in the dining room. Afternoon tea looks lovely outdoors, so take advantage of the daylight.
- Include flowers in the decoration: Flowers are very welcome in the decoration. To save money, invest in arrangements with seasonal flowers or artificial flowers.
- Think about the dishes: for a classic look, bet on porcelain tableware, Provençal elements, and pastel shades. if you prefer a more modern style, use printed tableware, add a touch of color with tablecloths and napkins, or invest in a themed table.
- Plan the service: It is possible to have tea with American service and set up a table just for the guests and another for the food and drinks. There is also the possibility of using a tea cart and only one table, if it is a gathering of few people.
- Arrange the table: For the arrangement of dishes and cutlery, follow the rules of etiquette, forks on the left and knives on the right, with the cut facing the plate, and the spoon next to the knife. The cup should never be arranged upside down and must be accompanied by the saucer and spoon.
Checklist of utensils for an afternoon tea
To prepare a nice afternoon tea, some utensils are essential, check the checklist:
See_also: 50 cake ideas of Our Lady of Aparecida for a blessed party- Cups with saucers
- Cups or glasses
- Teapot
- Jug or Jug of Juice
- Dairy
- Dessert plates
- Cutlery (fork, knife, coffee and teaspoon)
- Napkins
- Boleira
- Sugar bowl
- Butcher block
- Trays and platters
The list can vary depending on what you are serving and the quantity should be according to the number of guests. If you don't have a tea set, no problem, see what you have at home that can be adapted for the occasion.
See_also: Fill your home with beauty and fragrance by growing lavender with these practical tipsMenu: What to Serve for Afternoon Tea
The afternoon tea calls for light food and drinks, and does not require an elaborate menu, here are some suggestions:
Drinks
- Tea is the star of the party, so offer at least two types, a good suggestion is to serve one herbal tea and one fruit tea;
- Secure milk, honey, lemon slices, sugar or other sweetener to accompany the tea;
- Also prepare at least one cold drink, such as a juice or flavored water.
Salty snacks
- Serve bread, croissants, snacks such as canapés, barquets, and sandwiches;
- To go with it, include butter, pâtés, and some cold cuts such as cheeses, hams, and salami.
Sweets
- To sweeten your afternoon, make sure to offer a variety of cookies, macaroons, and fruit jellies;
- An excellent choice is to serve two or three flavors of cake, at least one with frosting. Cupcakes are also great options.
The choice of menu can be increased according to your creativity and taste, but the main tip is to go for a selection of practical foods and individual snacks.
70 Afternoon Tea decoration ideas to enjoy good times
Here are some inspirations to ensure the perfect climate and make the most of it:
1. afternoon tea is a lovely reception
2. invest in the beauty of flowers
3. that make wonderful arrangements for the table
4. the utensils are also full of charm
5. a simple porcelain can add a lot of elegance
6. use an outdoor space for your meeting
7. use a tea cart as support
8. and ensure impeccable organization
9. the afternoon tea buffet is full of delights
10. that can be arranged by the main table
11. or be placed on a sideboard
12. you can plan an afternoon tea with friends
13. or organize a more intimate event
14. decoration can be simple and creative
15 - Innovate on how to serve the sweets
16. use an old teapot to place the flowers
17. a beautifully set table impresses the guests
18. you can have a children's party
19. invest in colorful American games
20. go for sweetness with pink
21. bet on the softness of blue
22. use the classic black and white combination
23. bring a relaxed look with prints
24. a sophisticated look with gold details
25. or ensure the refinement with silver-plated tableware
26. there are several styles for the afternoon tea table decoration
27. which may vary according to the type of event
28. it is possible to organize a birthday afternoon tea
29 - Compose an environment with delicacy
30. receive your guests with great care
31. and with a special space for all the delights
32. dishes with flowers and butterflies stand out
33. as well as the use of pastel shades
34. crochet details are used a lot
35. and the lace brings a romantic air
36. floral prints give a touch of delicacy
37. and white porcelain dishes are preferred
38. but you can also use colorful pieces
39. or add color with the placemat and napkins
40. afternoon tea can be a fun program for the elderly
41. for sure, a nice idea to celebrate grandparents' day
42 - Do your best to decorate with flowers
43. even the artificial ones can be used
44 Don't forget the star of the party: the tea!
45. also serve various delicacies to the guests
46. afternoon tea can be simple and quick
47. and even have a picnic style
48. personalize your reception as you like
49. small details make everything more charming
50. organize a table in the open air
51. enjoy a beautiful sunny afternoon
52. on colder days, the company of the fireplace is perfect
53. provençal furniture is pure charm in the composition
54. choose a nice tablecloth
55. or use a practical American game
56. beautiful cakes steal the show
57 What about a delicious macaron tower?
58. an Eye-Catching Afternoon Tea
59. use more traditional tableware
60. dare with colorful utensils
61. or, if you prefer, mix pieces of several styles
62 - Explore your creativity in the composition of the table
63. use a napkin ring with flowers
64: Light freshness with seasonal fruits
65. use a guiding color for decoration
66. explore the combination of two tones
67. or abuse white
68. and leave the colors for the details, candies and flowers
69. a meeting to enjoy good food and friendships
70: Enjoy every moment of your afternoon tea!
Get inspired, show all your care in the organization, and prepare a nice gathering to enjoy good company and fun conversations.
