A well-run afternoon tea depends on having the right equipment in the right quantities before the event starts.
A well-run afternoon tea depends on having the right equipment in the right quantities before the event starts.
Afternoon tea has become one of the most requested event formats for corporate hospitality, private celebrations, and charity fundraisers. The format is fixed: sandwiches, scones, and pastries served on stands, with tea and sometimes a glass of something cold. Getting the equipment right is largely a logistics exercise.
\n\nThe Afternoon Tea Stand in Large is a three-tier stand that holds a complete spread for two to three guests. At a seated table of four, two stands placed in the centre of the table give each pair of guests their own service point without crowding the table.
\n\nStands need to be stable and level. On round tables, place them off-centre so guests on either side can reach without leaning across. On rectangular trestle tables, one stand per four covers is the standard service ratio for a full afternoon tea spread.
\n\nRound tables at an afternoon tea are almost always dressed. The Ivory Tablecloth in 90 inch Circular fits a standard 5ft round table with a floor-length drop, which is the expected look for a formal afternoon tea. For a less formal setting, a half-drop works too and uses less linen.
\n\nWhite is the alternative to ivory and gives a crisper, more contemporary look. The choice between the two usually comes down to the room: ivory works well in warm-lit, traditional spaces, while white suits modern venues with neutral decor.
\n\nAfternoon tea increasingly includes a glass of Prosecco or a soft drink alongside the tea service. The Saxon Savoie Wine Glass in 9oz works for both wine and softer drinks and has a classic goblet shape that suits the formal register of an afternoon tea setting.
\n\nOrder one glass per person as a minimum, plus ten percent for breakages and guests who take a second serving.
\n\nCheck the table size against the tablecloth drop before confirming your linen order. A 90 inch cloth on a 4ft round table will puddle on the floor, which is a trip hazard. Match cloth size to table size with the correct drop in mind.
\n\nStandard hire is 3 days, covering delivery and collection. We deliver across England and Wales.
\n\nTell us your guest numbers, venue and event date and we will put together a hire package. Request a quote or contact us.
Afternoon tea service needs more pieces per guest than a standard meal. Each cover requires a side plate, a teacup and saucer, a dessert fork, a cake fork, a teaspoon, and a small knife for scones. For a tiered stand shared between two guests, add a second teaspoon per person. Read the full crockery hire guide for detailed quantities.
One teapot per two to three guests is the standard ratio for sit-down afternoon tea. Milk jugs and sugar bowls per table complete the setup. Expo Hire stocks all of these alongside the crockery and cutlery in one order.
Tiered cake stands are available in round and square finishes. For a formal afternoon tea, one three-tier stand per four guests balances presentation with practicality. For a smaller group or a display setup, a single centrepiece stand works well.
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