Home » Food & Cooking » Coffee & Tea » Tea Accessories

Pretty Tea Sets Create Charming Tea Parties

53 Comments

123 Like

Like 123

Pin It

Ranked #1,020 in Food & Cooking, #19,897 overall

Tea Party Time: Use your beautiful porcelain and fine china for an elegant afternoon tea

Holiday celebrations are a great time for an intimate tea party with close friends and family. Saturday afternoons can be very enjoyable. Or April's royal wedding can inspire a tea party featuring English afternoon tea with scones and clotted cream.

Any warm afternoon can be a good time, and charming dishes will make the event even more special. Your creative table setting ideas will sparkle with pretty dinnerware and tea sets.

Really beautiful teapots, tea sets or china dinnerware to go with them are so much fun to use. Just like the tea parties with your dolls when you were a girl, only now you can use the real thing, with real tea, sweet treats, tea sandwiches and other party foods, and enjoy and afternoon with friends.

An event like Valentine's Day or Easter can be your theme. Or a motif like roses, flowers or gardens. There are so many ways to make your party special by careful choice of the dishes and tea setting. Let your creative table setting ideas come out and make for a beautiful day!

Photo by kimbesa

Contents at a Glance

Afternoon Tea Comes Back
Beautiful Lenox China Tea Set
How to Create Tea Parties
Enjoy a Beautiful China Tea Set
Serve Cream and Sugar at Your Tea Party
Select Classic Creamers and Sugar Bowls
Entertaining with a Charming Tea Party
Napkins and Napkin Rings Are Practical a...
Napkin Rings Add Bling

If It Ever Left

Womens clubs have held tea parties for years to raise funds for charity. And these events in your community can be a great place to learn and socialize around an afternoon tea.

What can you learn? Some of the long-term members joined in the days when they came to inspect your home as part of the approval process. Can your house stand up to the white glove test? These ladies have some wonderful stories about their days as young women, mothers and homemakers.

Books on tea parties are on the market, too. They can give you a lot of how-to information and recipes to help you plan and create your own tea party at home, a tradition that is as enjoyable as ever.

Beautiful Lenox China Tea Set

A Pretty Pattern for Your Tea Party

All the china you need for an intimate tea for two. Beautiful and functional, charming china by Lenox.

Lenox Butterfly Meadow 7-Piece Tea Set, Service for 2

Amazon Price: $99.95 (as of 05/30/2012)

How to Create Tea Parties

Enjoy a Special Occasion or Create One

Enjoy a Beautiful China Tea Set

Showcase Your Charming China Dishes

Serve Cream and Sugar at Your Tea Party

And Make an English Cup of Tea

Elegant china creamers and sugar bowls help you serve your guests in comfort and style. Some drink their tea black, but you can make a British cup of tea easily and let the guests add their cream, sugar or both.

How to Make a British Cup of Tea

To get started, you will need the tea, as well as a tea kettle, teapot, cup, milk and spoon. Start with cold water and bring to just boiling in the kettle.

China teapots cannot go on the stove top (unfortunatley we've heard of this happening). Use the kettle to boil water, and the teapot to steep the tea.

Pour a little of the hot water into the teapot and swirl it around to warm the china, then add the tea and the rest of the water.

Steep the tea according to directions on the package. We follow the instructions for a medium brew, so our tea is not too strong, and not too weak.

We also like tea bags, instead of loose tea, for convenience. If you prefer loose tea, you will need a strainer or tea ball as well.

Never pour the hot water directly from the tea kettle into your teacup, as you risk cracking the cup, especially fine china and porcelain cups.

If you plan to add milk, fill the cup only 2/3 full with freshly brewed tea. Then add milk until the tea turns a warm golden brown, about the color of the caramel candies you get in the fall to make Caramel Apples.

Stir and enjoy!

Select Classic Creamers and Sugar Bowls

Match or Mix with Your Favorite China Patterns

Entertaining with a Charming Tea Party

They're Talking Via Google Blog Search

Jumeirah Carlton Tower Rolls out Jubilant Afternoon Tea Menu: DUBAI, UAE, May 29, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Chinoiserie at Jumeirah Carlton Tower continues its partnership with master patissier Eric Lanlard by unveiling its new 'Jubilant Afternoon Tea'. The tantalising tea menu, created especially for a ...
Tea Time: 10 Proper Spots To Celebrate The Queen's Jubilee (PHOTOS): There's really nothing more English than afternoon tea, and so in honor of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee this June, we've rounded up some of our favorite spots to indulge -- in London and the Commonwealth. We found scones, clotted cream and smoked salmon ...
Historic Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs Hosts Titanic Centennial Ball and ...: On June 30, the historic Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs will host the Titanic Centennial Ball and Afternoon Tea, a rare opportunity for guests to experience the events of the final night aboard the Titanic: the opulence of the Victorian age, ...
Meals often described in detail in Austen tales: Once monthly, the Louisville Chapter of the Jane Austen Society of North America gathers to do just that, enjoying period clothing, presentations on Regency Era subjects, and, of course, an elegant afternoon tea. Evansville librarian (recently retired) ...

Napkins and Napkin Rings Are Practical and Elegant

An Extra Special Touch

Add a really special touch with linen or cloth napkins.

Grandma had some beautiful napkins put away in a drawer. In today's society, we don't often use cloth napkins, especially linen ones, except for very special occasions.

Make your tea party special by choosing from many classic napkin sets on Amazon.

Many of these are easy to care for, and there are plenty of styles, colors and weaves to complement your china and dinnerware.

The napkin rings add an extra special touch, too!

Napkin Rings Add Bling

Lots of Colors and Materials Are Available

These examples are just a small selection of the many beautiful napkin rings available on Amazon. You can choose the type that will add subtle texture and charm to your table setting, or others that stand out with bold contrast.

Choose a Two or Three Tier Serving Tray

New or Vintage Examples Add Class to Your Tea Table

Your tea party will stand out from the rest if you use a two or three tier china serving tray to display and serve the food.

Many charming examples of two and three tier china serving trays are available on Amazon and eBay. Some of these are hard to find or must be custom crafted.

The photo shows a two tier tray made from a salad plate and dinner plate in a china pattern that is made for mix and match. The coordinating cup shows how china that doesn't match can work together if the colors or patterns harmonize.

And the yummy treats...you can make your own or pick up tempting, tasty party treats at local bakeries.

Photo by kimbesa

Serving Trays in Tiers

Great to Show and Serve Sweet Treats

Fine China Serving Trays

Always in Style

Kimbesa's Closet on Facebook

My Fan Paage About Dinnerware and China

My stores are Kimbesa's Closet and Kimbesa's Closet 2. I've got a page on Facebook devoted to information about using dishes and dinnerware. Really anything related to using your china, having parties, or tabletop goods.

Facebook Fan box widget may not always appear in the Workshop. Please preview or publish your lens to see the widget.

My Blog: Diary of a Dishie

Love Your Dishes and Use Them Often!

My blog, at Diary of a Dishie, has lots of information about dinnerware, glassware and related items. I also feature tips on table setting for special events, mixing and matching your china and tableware.

Enjoying Tea...

Some of My Tea Experiences

A British Cup of Tea: Make a cup of tea the way they do in England.
Tea at Adare Manor: Memories of a beautiful tea at a classic mansion in Ireland.

I'm Kimbesa on Squidoo

What's Your Favorite Tea or Treat?

And Do You Have Tea Parties Often?

Reply

KidsToyTeaSets May 19, 2012 @ 12:04 am | delete

Aren't the Lenox childrens toy tea sets gorgeous. Thanks for a lovely visit.

Reply

Irenemaria May 17, 2012 @ 3:48 am | delete

I rememter my Mothers tea party. All the china and all the cookies you can imagine

Reply

favored1 May 15, 2012 @ 2:53 pm | delete

Not any more ... but plan on having them again. I have many favorite teas depending on my mood.

Reply

LaraineRose Apr 1, 2012 @ 12:27 pm | delete

Pretty, pretty. Blessed.

Reply

goo2eyes Mar 25, 2012 @ 11:18 am | delete

congratulations for winning the purple star and angelblessings for the winner.

Reply

JoshK47 Mar 23, 2012 @ 10:04 am | delete

Such pretty sets - thanks for sharing!

Reply

megabu717 Jan 27, 2012 @ 4:53 pm | delete

I love tea! Being all the time in hurry and having daily sea of tea from mugs I forgot how good it is to make it a bit more special and relaxed. Thanks! Personally I like fine china. Great lens. Congrats on the making to the front page. Have a nice day.

Reply

jmillerepps Jan 26, 2012 @ 10:18 pm | delete

OMGoodnes!!!! I love tea time! This lens is so pretty and informative even! My daughter had a tea party last year....so much fun! thanks

Reply

jmillerepps Jan 26, 2012 @ 10:18 pm | delete

OMGoodnes!!!! I love tea time! This lens is so pretty and informative even! My daughter had a tea party last year....so much fun! thanks

Reply

WhiteSockGirl Jan 25, 2012 @ 9:21 am | delete

Beautiful lens. Now I want a proper cup of tea!

Reply

jsr54 Jan 25, 2012 @ 9:01 am | delete

Instead of a set of tea cups/saucers/pots, I love to collect individual cups and saucers. They not only serve a function, they look beautiful on display on my antique sideboard. The most fun usage was for my 7-year olds birthday party. We decorated the tables as if they were having high tea in a real tea room. Was it risky? Yes! Was it worth it? Yes! Those little girls acted very sophisticated!!! Nice lens.

Reply

servantoftheLord Jan 24, 2012 @ 4:12 pm | delete

Lovely lens . . . congrats on making Squidoo's first page! I am a tea enthusiast myself, and love good scones!

Reply

gigglinggranny Nov 30, 2011 @ 7:59 pm | delete

I love the idea of afternoon tea. Little tea sandwiches and tiny desserts!
I keep meaning to host one, but never make the time.

Reply

skeffling Nov 22, 2011 @ 3:46 pm | delete

Absolutely love tea parties, this lens makes me want one right now so I have blessed this lens!.

Reply

tokyonights7 Oct 22, 2011 @ 9:49 am | delete

I'm a big tea drinker, so these sets could prove useful!

Reply

sousababy Oct 15, 2011 @ 11:39 am | delete

My little girl just attended a fancy tea party with all of her friends. It's so cute. These sets remind me of my grandmother. Thanks for sharing. Good to see this has a purple star too, congrats!

Reply

partybuzz Sep 21, 2011 @ 5:50 pm | delete

I love tea parties! And, your beautiful china tea sets! I've featured this lens on my Appomattox Tea Room lens. :)

Reply

GrammaLinda Sep 5, 2011 @ 9:53 am | delete

I love tea sets. My favorite souvenier is to purchase a tea set in each place I visit. Doesn't have to be location specific, but it is fun to discuss with family and friends where each set came from.

Reply

Auntiekatkat Jul 31, 2011 @ 6:06 pm | delete

Great lens great idea, now all I have to do is finish the scone lens I started this afternoon. And then check out Inspector Lewis, a great TV series

Reply

GonnaFly Jul 26, 2011 @ 5:42 am | delete

My daughter had a tea party for her 16th birthday :-)

Reply

blackspanielgallery Jul 23, 2011 @ 7:56 am | delete

nice lens

Reply

elyria Jul 20, 2011 @ 8:08 pm | delete

My family in Russia had so many fancy teapots and tea sets made from expensively decorated china. Somehow we were never allowed to drink from them unless guests were over or it was a holiday. Now I have my own and I make sure to use it daily :)

Reply

MrsPotts Jul 17, 2011 @ 12:39 am | delete

Great lens! I particularly enjoyed the thought that napkin rings are bling for the table. :-)

Reply

BeyondRoses Jul 12, 2011 @ 10:47 pm | delete

I once stood in line two hours, at a store closing, to get the last pieces of Royal Albert Old Country Roses. I now have Old Country Roses tea sets, china settings, and many keepsake pieces. My favorite tea is herbal tea, Honey Vanilla Chamomile. Sweet idea!

Reply

clouda9 Jul 10, 2011 @ 1:47 pm | delete

Ahh! Memories of teatime with Grandma...you got the how-to make a spot of tea just right :)

Reply

whitemoss Jul 7, 2011 @ 2:01 am | delete

I love my Lake district tea bread with afternoon tea. Lovely lens.

Reply

Tolovaj Jul 5, 2011 @ 3:20 am | delete

Lovely stuff. Nothing better than a nice cup of tea with grat company:)

Reply

kinworm Jun 24, 2011 @ 11:05 am | delete

I love to have afternoon tea with a slice of homemade cake - coffee cake ironically goes wonderfully with tea! Also scones with butter and jam. Delicious. Great lens.

Reply

sorana Jun 5, 2011 @ 6:14 am | delete

Beautiful lens. I love porcelain and fine china tea sets.

Reply

Sylvestermouse Jun 2, 2011 @ 2:13 pm | delete

Oh, I do love beautiful china and I am especially fond of tea sets!

Reply

CHalloran May 27, 2011 @ 11:12 pm | delete

I am a big fan of tea. Very good selection here.

Reply

UKGhostwriter May 26, 2011 @ 2:25 am | delete

Beautiful! fantastic lens, well done

Reply

vallain May 25, 2011 @ 6:25 pm | delete

This are quite pretty. I love the idea of a tea party (not the political kind).

Reply

CruiseReady May 23, 2011 @ 4:00 pm | delete

I love cinnamon tea!
The things you have selected to show here are just beautiful. Lensrolling to my Mugs, Cups, and Steins.

Reply

JoanneOtt May 17, 2011 @ 4:10 pm | delete

I love Royal Albert. I have lavender rose and some Old Country Roses. I like to use my nice china when I have guests. The Empress Hotel, in my home city of Victoria, has served afternoon tea for years. It costs about $60 though, but they are always busy.

Reply

Tipi May 8, 2011 @ 9:29 am | delete

t looks to me like you have everything available for a lovely tea party. In the land of teas I really like a variety and especially an orange tea that I recently discovered.

Reply

janeaustengirl May 5, 2011 @ 10:43 pm | delete

I love Rose Chintz!

Reply

gottaloveit May 4, 2011 @ 2:15 pm | delete

My mom likes afternoon tea and you've inspired me to step up the game and serve her in some of the fine china I've been handed down. I have some gorgeous stuff that sits behind a china cabinet window - time to dust it off. Love this lens.

Reply

DessertLover Apr 25, 2011 @ 10:10 am | delete

I love adding cucumber sandwiches to the mix at a tea party! So much fun :)

Reply

ShirleySunshine Apr 23, 2011 @ 12:34 pm | delete

What a beautiful Lens! I remember as a child going to tea with two elderly sisters, Miss Louisa and Miss Nellie, who with lived with their brother in a huge country house, with a large Victorian garden. Miss Nellie served tea, and the table was highly polished. She has a pile of bone china plates, and used to deal them out like a pack of cards, and they slid down along the table landing up in the correct places! She really must have practiced for YEARS, I was fascinated. We had tea and lovely home made scones and cakes. This Lens certainly brings back memories, thank you for sharing!

Reply

StephenC Apr 10, 2011 @ 1:43 pm | delete

Spring and Easter are perfect times for tea parties! Nice lens!

Reply

OhMe Apr 2, 2011 @ 5:11 am | delete

Beautiful Tea Sets. I am not much of a Tea drinker but just love beautiful tea pots and tea sets. Lensrolled to my Tea For One Set.

Reply

WordCustard Jan 26, 2011 @ 10:04 am | delete

Thanks for your kind words, and what pretty tea sets. They would certainly make teatime very elegant! I'm British so yes, tea is very much a part of the culture here.

Reply

EpiphanyLondon Jan 23, 2011 @ 10:49 am | delete

Favorite tea is English Breakfast
Treat is scone with jam and clotted cream (in that order!)
Don't have tea parties often, but do have a tea break almost every day! :-D

Reply

noobeegin Jan 16, 2011 @ 3:29 pm | delete

I love tea as well. My favorite tea is Lady Londonderry with cream and sugar. Wonderful lens.

Reply

JaguarJulie Dec 16, 2010 @ 5:21 pm | delete

Well, grandma used to make tea at night, when we were living with her ... it was just Lipton and then I liked sugar and lemon.

Reply

JaguarJulie Dec 16, 2010 @ 5:20 pm | delete

Well, grandma used to make tea at night, when we were living with her ... it was just Lipton and then I liked sugar and lemon.

Reply

ClassyGals Nov 19, 2010 @ 5:46 pm | delete

I love exotic blends of tea and serving tea to my friends. Its such a unique way to unwind.

Reply

aesta1 Oct 30, 2010 @ 2:55 am | delete

I love those tiered serving trays. They really make your table look elegant.

Reply

teatree Feb 13, 2010 @ 6:00 pm | delete

My mother used to collect Wedgewood. There's nothing nicer than tea served in a proper china cup with cucumber sandwiches on the side! And the tea needs to be Earl Grey...
Load More