Choose the right table 

Fora simple arrangement, a table that can sit four to six people should be fine as long as it can fit all the tableware and food. Small tables offer ample space in the room for people to move around and is more suitable for a light afternoon tea event.

Tablecloth and placemats

For the tablecloth, you should pick a linen of your preferred colour. Along with solid colours, you can also go for prints. Floral prints with beautiful stripes look very elegant, just don't go for oversized flowery patterns as it can ruin the whole look of the table.

Placemats can either go with the same colour of your linen tablecloth or you can contrast it with printed ones. It's better to stay away from patterns and colours that are too jarring and clash with your overall table décor.

Tableware setup

With the basic parts done, it's time to pick out the right tableware. You can opt for the vintage tea sets sitting in your family's cupboards or bring out your recently bought modern style tea set that can offer you a trendy dining experience.

You can set up tea service on one end of the table for the family members. The essential tea additions should include a milk pitcher, a sugar bowl with sugar cubes in it, teapots and a tray for lemon slices. You can also set up coffee or cocoa tray on the other end of the table to add variety.

Since it's a family only event, you should provide small plates, teacups with saucers and spoons for the served foods. You can add additional tableware and cutlery depending on the food like soup bowls and spoons, dessert plates, and forks. Don't forget to provide a tray or a large plate of sweet and savoury foods on the middle of the table.

Make the centrepiece captivate everyone

For a floral centrepiece, you can choose a transparent vase and fill it with your preferred flowers like white and lavender bougainvillea. Feel free to experiment with bright colours like placing fuchsia hued flowers in contrasting coloured vases like teal. Glossy metallic candle stands can be used for flowers too to make it interesting.

Along with the floral centrepiece, you can add a homemade baked cake and display it in the middle of the table. Scented candles or candlesticks on elegant stands will also look nice beside the cake or you can get boxed colourful candles to have a radiating colour display around the cake

An informal event with your beloved family will be forever in your memories if the table décor can portray your intrinsic sensibilities, elevating any dining occasion.

Photo: LS Archive/Sazzad Ibne Sayed