Tabletop Tuesday: Texas Tea

We had a great time yesterday morning on Texas Living TV with our gracious hosts Kimberly Schlegel Whitman and Hilary Kennedy. We were given the task of hosting a holiday tea party on a budget.  Watch the segment and read our tips below on setting a table for your tea party.

For your service: Silver Tea pot, milk and creamer, tray, three-tier serving dishes, Christofle small silver three-tier bon bon serving dish, mint julep cups. For the place setting: Silver Bead B&B charger, Christofle flatware, Sophia bread plate, tea cup and saucer, Silver rimmed water goblet.

Tips for a Tea:
1. Three important things to remember for any tea: Good china, good manners, and good conversation. It's time to break out the heirloom and wedding china. Supplement your personal collection with rentals or add couture pieces from P.O.S.H. collections to create an unforgettable tabletop.
2. Serve at least one caffeine free tea; we like Peppermint for the holidays (chamomile and mint are other great options). Also, keep a pot of boiling water on hand for guests who prefer weaker tea. The aroma of the teas should great guest with their warm scent upon entering your home. 
3. Tea menus include an assortment of bite-size sandwiches, savory scones, and sweets. 
4. The perfect way to toast your guests with a favor is by sending warm wishes with an organza satchel filled with your favorite loose tea or Twinings Christmas Blend. 
5. For the segment, we needed to keep our tea cost effective. Besides the hours (3 - 5 PM automatically calls for lighter fare), we choose to decorate the table with holiday tree clippings and cloches filled with Christmas ornaments. With your home likely already decorate for the holiday, you can let the china take center stage.