QUICK GUIDE: STYLING AN ENGLISH TEA PARTY

The English tea party is an institution, beloved far beyond Britain’s borders. A charming combination of refinement and indulgence, it is the perfect way to catch up with someone you haven’t seen for a while or to celebrate a special occasion with friends and family.  

So you have the scones, the clotted cream and the tea (and/or champagne). You have the preserves, the cucumber sandwiches and the cakes.  

The question then is: how do I arrange all these ingredients in that quintessentially English tea party way?  

Allow us to assist.  

TRADITIONAL TABLEWARE DESIGN

The food at an English tea party is neat and mannered, prepared with delicacy and care. So ensure you give them an agreeable canvas and serve on fine bone china pieces that are steeped in a traditional English look.  

Respect the aesthetic and lean into classic patterns, such as the bestselling dinnerware pattern in the world, our Old Country Roses Collection. An enduring testament to timeless style and skilled craftsmanship, this design has been synonymous with Royal Albert since its introduction in 1962 and was recently part of a photoshoot and feature with style icon Kylie Jenner in British Vogue.  

ALL THE PIECES MATTER

While teacups and saucers will be the main pieces you consider for your tablescape, don’t overlook the powerful look of a complete set of designs, including teapots, serving platters, side plates, milk jugs and cake stands, for example.  

And while the consistency of a full set is always welcome, all your tableware need not all be necessarily from just one collection. Express your creativity by mixing and matching various Royal Albert designs to curate your own personal aesthetic.  

Also on the tabletop will be cutlery and glassware, the latter especially if you’re serving bubbly in addition to (or instead of!) tea. Consider fine cut crystal for your champagne flutes to really set the scene, and ensure all cutlery is polished to a high shine.  

FINISHING FLOURISHES

The last thing is to think of some touches that will help finalise the mood. A stylish vase of freshly cut flowers forms a wonderfully on-theme centrepiece, while crisp white table linen and artfully folded napkins also promote an air of elegant refinement.  

All that’s left then is to pour the tea and start a heated debate on the acceptable order of adornments to a scone. Cream first or jam first – that’s something we’re going to let you settle for yourself…