Each country has its own traditions of tea drinking, but regardless of whether you invite guests for tea, or whether evening tea drinking has become a tradition in your family, you need to know how to properly set the table for tea so that everything looks beautiful.
Design of the table
First of all, pay attention to the tablecloth – it is best if it is made of natural fabric, cotton. Any festive tablecloth will do, but make sure to choose napkins that match it. It is better not to put large bouquets that will cover the faces of the guests, because tea drinking is, first of all, sincere conversations. For table decoration, delicate compositions of simple flowers, for example, field flowers, are best suited. In winter, these can be dry bouquets.
Cutlery, food, drinks
Correct table setting for tea requires a separate dessert plate, fork and knife for each guest. Nearby, you need to put a rosette for jam, in the middle of the table a vase with fruits and sweets, dishes with sweets will be very appropriate. If there is a cake on the table, there must be a spatula for it, as well as special tongs for other sweets, fruit knives and forks. A sugar bowl, additional tea utensils, boiling water for tea and everything like that should stand next to the hostess – after all, it is she who will pour the tea into cups and transfer everything necessary to the guests.
In addition to sweets, some alcoholic beverages may be appropriate for the tea table, in particular, wine, liqueur, good cognac or rum. As a snack for alcoholic beverages, you must first prepare salty sandwiches. For example, with cheese, butter, sausage or fish.
Tea drinking after the main meal
For him, you need to remove all the dishes from the table and put new appliances. If alcoholic beverages are expected, add glasses, wine glasses and glasses. It is customary to serve jam in rosettes, sweet sauces in special gravy boats, and fruits and sweets in vases. If you plan to serve cream and ice cream as a dessert, then you must first put them in the bowls.
If you plan to serve cream for tea, do not forget to pour it into the milk jug and place it on a plate in the center of the table. Be sure to put a spoon or special tweezers for lump sugar in the sugar bowl.