Although it is not a typical Italian custom, the fashion for "tea-parties" is also spreading in Italy: the classic afternoon tea time reception so expensive in Anglo-Saxon countries. This tradition does not require the respect of rigid rules if it takes place among friends and in an informal way; however, it is good to know how to present the sugar, milk and other elements on the table. If you have to prepare a large event, it becomes essential to know the exact layout; if instead you want to organize a sort of buffet where everyone can serve themselves, then read the section dedicated to food immediately.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Formal Arrangement
Step 1. Decide what kind of reception you want to organize
Most people associate the term "tea time" with the afternoon, an event that takes place between main meals and during which snacks, such as sandwiches or scones, can be enjoyed. In some cases these are buffets and do not require a set table, or they may be meetings that take place seated at the table with a limited selection of cutlery and utensils, as a full meal will not be served. If you are hosting a formal event, you will probably need a variety of accessories based on the type of food served. In any case, read the following steps carefully to understand everything you need for your tea party.
The afternoon meal is called "high tea" although the term is often misused for any tea
Step 2. Spread a nice tablecloth over a large table
If the reception is seated at the table, the table must be large enough to allow all guests to eat together. In most cases, the food is placed in the central area of the table. If you have decided to serve a full meal, usually called "high tea", rather than just afternoon tea, then you need to have enough room for one course at a time.
Step 3. Place the plates in the center of each place
Unless you are about to bring a meal with more than one course to the table, guests are given only one dish. Usually a 23-24cm diameter dining set is used, but you can also vary the size if needed.
Step 4. Fold a cloth napkin for each diner
It must have a square, rectangular or triangular shape and must be positioned to the left of the plate with the open edge to the right. However, if you need to maximize space, you can also place each napkin in the center of the plate.
Step 5. Arrange the cutlery
You will probably only need one or two utensils for each guest, depending on the dishes you bring to the table. At the very least, however, there will have to be a teaspoon to the right of the plate to be able to mix the tea. If there are sticky cakes or hard-to-handle foods, set the table even with small forks to the left of each plate and one or more knives between the plate and the teaspoon, remember that the blade must be facing the plate.
- If there is any meat, the knives must be steak knives.
- If jams or other spreads are made available, remember to add a butter knife to the right of the meat knife (if present) in each place. Remember that any spreadable food should be brought to the table with its own serving spoon.
- If you have thought of a complete meal with several courses, provide the appropriate cutlery for each plate and arrange it so that diners can start with order from the tools furthest from the plate: those for the first courses will be more external, those for the last courses more internal.
Step 6. Arrange the cups and skates
Each diner should have a cup resting on their saucer to the right of the spoon (s).
Step 7. If you have any, provide each guest with a small litter bowl
This is usually the smallest piece of the service, positioned to the left of each seat, on top of the napkin or fork. The diners put the used tea leaves or lemon wedges in this container.
Since litter bowls are one of the more specific pieces of a tea table, only the more formal guests will be surprised if you don't use them
Step 8. Arrange other glasses as needed
Place a glass for water in front of each diner's knife or in front of the tea cup, if the knife is not present. If your party includes other drinks, such as lemonade or champagne, choose the right glass and place it to the right of the water one.
Step 9. Consider adding another dessert plate
Arrange a dessert plate or bottom plate if there is going to be a special dessert like a birthday cake. You have to place it in the center in front of the main dish and add an appropriate fork / spoon horizontally between them.
This is not necessary for sweet snacks that diners can help themselves
Part 2 of 2: Arrangement of Food
Step 1. Choose a suitable table to put the food on
It should be large enough to hold the tea set, cutlery and food. If it's not big enough to also guarantee a seat for diners, then take out the chairs and offer a standing buffet. This is a less formal reception, more suited to afternoon tea than high tea.
Trust your critical sense when setting up a buffet table: if space is a problem, lean it against the wall. If you have a lot of space, consider placing it so that it is accessible from multiple sides, so that multiple guests can serve at the same time
Step 2. Choose a beautiful tablecloth with its accompanying napkins
A clean and beautiful tablecloth gives more elegance and demonstrates attention to detail. Although white is the traditional color, you can use a color of your choice. For a formal tea party, the napkins need to be matched.
Step 3. Arrange the tea set at one end of the table
Make available different types of infusions, including a black tea and a decaffeinated herbal tea. Each type of infusion must be placed in a separate teapot, the leaves must be removed or the teapot must be equipped with a small filter to prevent the guests from finding the cup full of residues. You don't need a matching tea set or silver tray if you don't have them, but don't forget a few essential details:
- A milk jug or a small jug with cream.
- A sugar bowl with diced sugar and tweezers or with granulated sugar and a teaspoon.
- A jug of boiling water for those who prefer to dilute their tea.
- A tray with lemon slices to add to the infusion or larger wedges covered with gauze or other material to prevent them from splashing when squeezed.
Step 4. Place the coffee, hot chocolate or another tray of tea at the other end of the table
Unless you have a small number of guests, prepare these two zones and let the diners serve themselves the hot drinks. Coffee or hot chocolate will be very popular with those who do not like tea, however if you know that all guests drink tea, you can limit yourself to offering only this drink, but in different it will vary.
Take care to put everything you need in the hot drink areas. If you have also thought about coffee, you will only have to add milk and sugar in this area
Step 5. Arrange the saucers, cups and spoons
If you're having a sit-down reception, read the previous section to learn how to set each seat. For a casual tea buffet, stack the cutlery and plates neatly at both ends of the table, or in a single central group if the table is small. It is advisable to prepare extra covers in case of "accidents" or unexpected guests.
If you don't have enough mugs, consider borrowing them from your neighbors or throw a very casual party where "everyone brings their own mug." Many tea or coffee fanatics are fond of their cup, however be prepared to have more for those who show up without
Step 6. Depending on the food you will be serving, remember to add knives and other cutlery
For dishes that cannot be eaten with your hands, place your forks and / or knives next to the rest of the place setting. For soups, remember that there must be bowls and spoons, as well as for puddings and other spoon desserts. Jams and spreads that go with toast and scones should each have their own serving spoon.
If you're unsure what food to offer, read the tips below. An afternoon tea usually does not serve a meal that requires cutlery. This makes it easier for diners to serve themselves at the table and walk around the room with their plate in hand
Step 7. Prepare both savory and sweet dishes and place them in the center of the table
Sandwiches (without crust) are a classic of afternoon receptions, as are spicy eggs (in the southern United States). Remember to put at least one tray or large serving platter with this type of savory appetizer. In another area of the table, place the trays and plates with sweets, biscuits, small cakes and sweet scones.
If you have decided to use three-tiered risers instead of trays, usually you put the scones on the top floor, the sandwiches and savory snacks in the center and the sweets on the bottom
Step 8. Also remember some cold drinks and place them on a side table or main table (if there is only one)
If you have a second "service" table, arrange it in a rather secluded area from the central one, so that the guests do not get in the way of each other. Usually lemonade or iced tea is available; alcohol is not traditionally included in a tea party, but in the case of an important celebration you can serve champagne, white wine, sherry or port.
If you wish, put another tray of snacks on the side table
Step 9. Decorate the table (optional)
Usually it comes with something bright and joyful, but you can decorate the table however you like. Flowers are widely used, but try to avoid very fragrant bouquets that can annoy diners and trigger allergic reactions. Try sprinkling the table, here and there, with rose petals or place a vase of odorless and bright flowers.
Make sure that the decorations do not prevent access to food or that they are too bulky to fill the table. Arrange them after setting and placing the food, so you will realize the space available
Step 10. Make sure there is more seating (optional)
Many afternoon teas only include "finger food", that is, small snacks the size of a bite that can be eaten with your hands. These include scones, biscuits and sandwiches. Since they are simple dishes to eat standing or sitting away from the table, there is no need to set up a formal table with seating. If you have enough space to accommodate all the seated guests, you can have chairs or sofas in the living room or in the garden.
For large receptions, it is worth setting up some coffee tables with some chairs. Cover each table with matching tablecloths
Advice
- Instead of the classic teapot you can try a Russian samovar for serving tea. Also replace the cups with tall and thin glasses just to respect the Russian style; But make sure they are heat resistant.
- Using old-fashioned doilies gives a touch of classic elegance to the reception. You can find artisanal ones, handcrafted in antique shops or in online auctions under the heading "antique linen."
- Foods suitable for an afternoon feast are small sandwiches, biscuits and canapes, cakes, cupcakes, brittle, pavlova, lamington and tarts.
