A Wonderlust teacup filled with tea

A Tea Lovers Guide To Buying The Best Tea Sets

Getting everything for an afternoon tea party prepared and looking just how you want it doesn’t have to be stressful. Choosing the best tea sets, selecting the most delicious teas and laying the table in a style that shows off your own individual tastes can be as simple as selecting your favourite teaware patterns. We’ve put together this handy tea guide so you can paint your table with colours and patterns.

What to think about when buying tea sets

Wonderlust teaware on a white table cloth

When buying a new tea set, it’s best to decide what items you want to buy to create the look you love. Creating your own unique afternoon tea style is easy, just mix and match patterns from collections you like and you’ll have a style that is all your own.

There are a few items you’ll definitely want in your tea set, though, such as: 

Discover our colourful teaware and tea sets to create your very own afternoon tea style.
Wedgwood table setting with Wild strawberry, Intaglio and Renaissance Red
Top tip: Different types of tea require different water temperatures and steeping times. Always check the brewing instructions on the box to get the most flavour from your tea. Our Signature Tea blends come in teabags and loose-leaf caddies and are available in a variety of delicious flavours for that perfect brew.

Shop your own personal tea set

Use your best teaware to host in style

Mixing and matching colourful patterned tableware together

You don’t need an excuse to use your finest bone china, after all, it’s made to be used every day. Your favourite tableware and teaware patterns can be mixed and matched together to create an afternoon tea table setting that’s as unique as you are. Some of our collections that mix well together are:

Top tip: Serving cakes and treats at your afternoon tea party? Saucers are a great way to serve small cakes and biscuits, but for larger sweet treats a side plate or cake stand is king (or queen). Opt for a Hummingbird 2 Tier Cake Stand for an extra indulgent touch, or the Wonderlust 2 Tier Cake Stand for a colourful centrepiece.

Mix and match teaware

Make your own rules when hosting an afternoon tea party

Tea party in a swimming pool
Tea parties don’t have to be a boring formal sit-down affair. If you’re more on the wild side, skip the tea altogether and serve punch from your teapot for a more grown-up afternoon tea party. There are plenty of wild and wonderful patterns to suit the occasion, after all, the host sets the rules.
A coloured mixed table setting
Top tip: Teapots are a simple but stylish way to serve tea at your afternoon tea party. Brew a pot, pour a cup and put the world to rights. Go bold with a Wild Strawberry teapot for a stunning afternoon tea centrepiece.

Serve your tea from a teapot for extra pizzazz

A Wedgwood tea party

The best way to make your afternoon tea party that little bit extra special is to serve your tea blend of choice from a teapot. Brewing your tea in a large, colourful teapot and serving your guests will add that focal point to your afternoon tea setup.

Top tip: Want to put that finishing touch to your afternoon tea setting? Sugar bowls and milk jugs can really set off your table with a flourish. The Gio Sugar Bowl and Milk / Cream Jug provides a beautifully simple textured addition to your teaware.

Shop teapots

4 simple steps for hosting afternoon tea

Wedgwood style tea party
  1. Set the table – Teacups and saucers, side plates, cake stands, teapots, creamers and sugar bowls will all make your afternoon tea party more stylish and easier to host.
  2. Brew your favourite tea blends the right way – Always read the packaging for the best way to brew your favourite tea blends to get the best flavours and aromas from the tea.
  3. Cakes and snacks are just as important – Don’t forget to add some light food options and sweet treats to the menu.
  4. Don’t take yourself too seriously – Tea parties are supposed to be fun, so don’t stress about making it the perfect afternoon tea party, just do what makes you happy.