SIX AFTERNOON TEA ESSENTIALS

AFTERNOON TEAS HAVE ONCE AGAIN BECOME FASHIONABLE, AND SERIOUSLY, WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE?

Getting dressed up with friends to sip champagne and tea, and gossip over gorgeous little sandwiches and petits fours is a perfectly lovely way to spend an afternoon!

Over the last month or so, I've organized one huge afternoon tea for 140, and helped out with another for 80 - both for charity - so I've been up to my ears in catering and decorations and delicacies, and I can safely say that I now know my teas!

So for the next week or so, I'm going to be sharing lots of tips and recipes for throwing the perfect afternoon tea, starting with my top six essentials today!





1. TABLE CLOTHS

I always go with classic white, but anything dainty and pretty will work, and much as I loathe ironing, it really is essential that you iron your table cloths!

2. LAY THE TABLE

Depending on the food, a knife-fork-spoon might be in order, or just a dessert spoon and fork.

Add in a sideplate, napkin, teacup and saucer, and water/champagne glass and you're good to go.

Place names are a delightful little touch too.

3. CHINA

Speaking of crockery, this is the time to get out those gorgeous rose teacups your grandmother gave you!

If you don't have a tea set - and many of us don't, have a look through the op-shops where they're readily available.

Individual cup-saucer-plate sets don't have to match, in fact it gives a lovely eclectic feel if they don't!

And it wouldn't be afternoon tea without a teapot!

Pots, creamers and sugar bowls - often in the most gorgeous floral patterns - are again, easily thrifted items.




4. TEA LEAVES

Always use leaves rather than bags for afternoon tea, and if one of the guests can read them for you afterwards, then all the better!

5. FLOWERS

Don't forget to add flowers to the table - small and dainty is best as the food will generally take center stage.

You could always add a flower sprig to each napkin or place setting too.

6. THE CAKE STAND

Last but not least, is a tiered cake stand.

You don't have to use one, but for many people, this is the piece de resistance in the centre of the table - and your guests will be sure to ooh and aah over the delightful little treats you serve up!


There you go - my top Six Afternoon Tea Essentials to make sure your event is just as gorgeous and elegant as afternoon tea should be!

All the best,

Eliza.