Tea parties have become popular over the years because of its light and refreshing format. It’s such a pleasure to see tea parties hosted for special events such as baby showers, bridal showers, or a special get-together with friends. Your tea party can truly be a special experience when you add these five tips for the perfect, traditional tea place setting. 

Tip #1 - Plate Selection: Size Matters

For your tea party, you should select a smaller dessert or salad plate, typically between 6 and 8 inches in diameter. This plate is perfectly sized for smaller food portions that are offered for traditional tea service: finger sandwiches, scones, and small pastries. A larger plate would overwhelm the table and the food itself.

Tip #2 - Teacup & Saucer Placement

Proper placement of your teacup and saucer will create a consistent and elegant trio with your dessert plate. Based on your preference, there are two ways of placing your teacup and saucer for guests. 

My personal preference is the trio. You position the saucer directly above the dessert plate, centered in the 'top' space of the setting. The teacup rests on the saucer, with its handle turned outwards, pointing to the right (the 3 o’clock position). 

You can also place the teacup and saucer to the upper right side of the dessert plate above the knife. Again, the teacup rests on the saucer, with its handle turned outwards, pointing to the right (the 3 o’clock position).

The teaspoon can be placed on the saucer, directly beneath the teacup handle, resting at the 6 o'clock position. You can place the teaspoon to the right of the knife.

Tip #3 - Silverware (Cutlery) Arrangement

The simplicity of a Tea Party calls for minimal, correctly placed silverware (cutlery):

• Fork: The small pastry fork or dessert fork is placed on the left side of the dessert plate (for scones and pastries).

• Teaspoon: The teaspoon can be placed on the right side of the knife or under the teacup handle, resting at the 6 o’clock position.

• Knife: The small butter knife or standard knife is placed on the right side of the dessert plate (for spreading jam or cream). The blade of the knife must always point towards the plate.

Tip #4 - The Napkin Choice

There’s nothing wrong with paper napkins but in my personal experience, fabric napkins really add that elegant detail to your plate setting. The luncheon-sized napkin (approximately 9-inch square) is the ideal size for a tea party. 

For simple elegance, fold the napkin in half or into a neat rectangle and place it directly on top of the dessert plate. The napkin can also be placed on the left side of the fork. As a hostess, choose the presentation that best fits your tea party theme.

Tip #5 - Personal and Polished Touches

Include small, classic items to add a special detail to your place setting:

• Tea Strainers and Drip Bowls: If serving loose leaf tea, a small, elegant tea strainer and drip bowl (often silver or gold) can be placed just behind the teacup. These elements include your guests to the ritual of tea service and also help keep your tablecloths clean.

• Place Cards: For a personalized and welcoming touch, beautifully handwritten place cards can be placed at each setting. Place cards  can be put on the plate or on place card holders. This small detail guides your guests, adds a personalized touch and help structure the seating arrangement.

Want to learn more tea secrets and master the art of hosting? Join us at our next event.