Afternoon Tea Set Up

Michelle Meyer

6 years ago

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!

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Add A Vintage Touch

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.

Looking for a recipe? Check out my Blueberry Hand Pie recipe!

Add Flowers Anytime

I have to mention the beautiful flower arrangement of hydrangeas, peonies, and lilies, was a lovely birthday surprise from the husband. 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!

This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. I may make a slight commission however that doesn’t affect the price you pay.

To shop the look, see the source list below of my favorite tableware.

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