What are the proper accoutrements for a tea table?
Proper tea table accoutrements include teapot, cups and saucers, spoons, creamer, sugar bowl, sugar tongs, tea strainer, small plates, linen napkins, and tablecloth. One might also include a tea caddy, trays with treats, and serving tongs. The table can be set in a formal arrangement for sitting, in which case the hostess will travel to each guest, or buffet style, where guests will travel to the hostess and take their seats after tea is poured. When attending a Christmas party at someone’s home, should the guests approach the hostess when arriving a the party, or should the hostess greet arriving guests? Throughout most of the 19th century, a hostess would meet and greet her guests at the door. Generally, a welcome line would be formed by the family to greet guests as they arrived. Especially in Victorian times, punctuality was of the utmost importance, and one would not arrive late. Given that, it would be very easy for the host and hostess to wait in the foyer to greet their guests.
