Afternoon Tea Set Up. I love traditions, but sometimes I can be a bit of a rule breaker. My afternoon tea set up is a good example of adding a modern touch to a time loved tradition. Royal wedding or not, I’m always up for a cup of tea. Even better if it’s afternoon tea, so let’s get to it!
Afternoon Tea Set Up
As usual I love mixing in vintage pieces, such as the silver flatware, the silver trivet, and the silver footed glass bowl. These are family pieces that add charm and a sense of tradition to the tablescape.
Use Modern Conveniences
Breaking with tradition are the practical tea mugs. I’m a big tea drinker and have found the slender mugs are more efficient in keeping tea hot a wee bit longer. The porcelain tea mugs and the bone china bird motif mugs are my modern substitutes for the traditional cup and saucer.
Mix Your Patterns
White on white is so elegant and pretty, but sometimes I crave color and pattern. On this table I used 4 different patterned cup towels (aka kitchen towels), under the plates. Then I added two different cloth napkins, one with bright colors and tassels, the other with navy and white stripes.
For an amusing twist, the napkins with their silver napkin rings were placed across the plates. I think they look like bow ties.
Use What You Have In Different Ways
Instead of using a traditional cream and sugar duo, I used a white ramekin for a sugar bowl and a vintage iron stone creamer. Of course I’m not telling if there was really cream or rum in there. 😉 Let’s just say there’s always someone who wants to start happy hour early.
Remember ramekins can be used for more than just baking. Use them for dips and side dishes too.
You can’t have afternoon tea without the appropriate nibbles of fruit, biscuits and scones. I made a decent attempt at strawberry hand pies. Thank goodness the pies tasted better than they looked, and disappeared quickly.
Add Flowers Anytime
I have to mention the beautiful flower arrangement of hydrangeas, peonies, and lilies, was a lovely birthday surprise from the Mister. They are the whole reason behind the, “hey let’s have afternoon tea and I’ll bake something!”
Thank you for stopping by today for afternoon tea. By the way what’s your favorite flavor of tea? My top four are Earl Grey, green, oolong and sleepy time.
Cheers!
©2018 Afternoon Tea Set Up first appeared on Thistle Key Lane.
What a lovely table and the flowers are beautiful. What a woderful husband you must have. Afternoon tea on a rainy day. (Been raining here all weekend)sounds like a good idea.
Thank you Kathy, afternoon tea on a rainy day sounds good to me too!
Love you’re casual, or simply formal setting…. we need to get together and go to The Cultured Cup in Dallas for a fun tea tasting experience.
Thank you, that sounds wonderful!
I love afternoon tea and while I don’t normally get too fancy alone I love to have friends over when possible!
Thanks for stopping by Janet! Tea is always better when shared with a friend.
I love that you mixed vintage heirlooms in with you tea setting.
Thanks Sandy! The vintage pieces always have the most character.
Love how light and fresh the setting is! Perfectly charming!
Thanks Julie! I need to do this more often.
Hi Michelle, I love how clean and bright your tablesetting is! Really pretty!!! And your hand pies look delicious!!! Pinning several photos onto Pinterest.
Would love to come over for tea,
Hugs,
Barb 🙂
Thanks Barb! I working on a new recipe for hand pies that I hope to share soon. Gotta have hand pies with tea!
Lovely afternoon tea. I love your napkins and the hand pies look yummy!
Thank you Lisa! I love to mix and match patterns. Keeps it fun and casual.
Michelle, this looks relaxing and delicious!
Thanks Stacey, it’s always time for tea!
I love a tea party! You’re table and design are absolutely beautiful. I found your post through the Dream, Create, and Inspire blog hop! Its nice to meet someone else that love a good cup of tea!
Thank you Sarah! Dream Create and Inspire is a wonderful link party!