Host the perfect tea party

Tea set

While you don’t need a formal tea set, a tea party is a great excuse to enjoy some retail therapy. This tea set is a great pick for lovers of informal, quirky dinnerware and its soft white shade ensures it will mix readily with your existing white tableware. The textured surface mixed with the nautical and oceanic motifs will charm your guests. Ocean Explorer tea set, Anthropologie, $58 USD.

Three-tiered stand

Elegant tea parties traditionally offer the trio of tea sandwiches, scones and pastries. That’s why three-tiered stands are indispensable for such get-togethers. A simple one can be used throughout the year for any kind of party, but also at the brunch or dinner table to save space when you’re serving food with lots of DIY garnishes, like waffles or tacos, for example. Great White Tiered stand, Pottery Barn, $68.

Modern and affordable teacup set

No one can argue with the prettiness of vintage floral teacups and saucers, which can be easily sourced everywhere from thrift shops to upscale second-hand stores. Consider however that if you’re not going to use them regularly, they’re better left to someone who will. A modern option is pairing a glass teacup or mug with a white saucer for a practical but strikingly updated (and affordable) look. Mallorca cups, Create and Barrel, from $5, saucer, $5.

Linen tablecloth

Tablecloths can be a take it or leave it proposition. But a tea party almost calls out for the formality of crisp linen. White is of course a standard, but it can be a bit bright and too restaurant-like. Instead, a soft shade can add a subtle, sophisticated and almost French Country mood. Williams-Sonoma’s heirloom quality double hemstitch tablecloths come in a beautiful range of shades, including the sumptuous Mirage Gray and Purple Haze. Linen Double Hemstitch tablecloth, Williams-Sonoma, from $182.

Platter

Seeing as you don’t want to be nipping in and out of the kitchen while your tea party is in full effect, you’ll need a tray or two, especially if you’re hosting a crowd. This duo-chromatic pick also makes a perfect platter for cheese and crackers, and it’s chic enough to take pride of place displayed on a coffee table or sideboard. Black dip platter, CB2, $9.