Cups, Saucers And Table Setting

While you may not grab your best cup and saucer whenever you feel like a cup of tea, there are certainly times when you may want a matching set or two. For example, it does lend an air of gentility to set a table with matching cups and saucers when entertaining.

However, it is not always as simple as it may sound to set a table properly for afternoon tea. One thing that many people fail to take into consideration is the actual table setting itself and how it appears. In order for your setting to really look as sophisticated as it should you need to give some thought to matching cups with other accessories. While most people realize that you should at least have a matching cup with a matching saucer there is more than that to consider.

One thing to pay attention to particularly is the actual table cloth you use. If your cups are delicately decorated with a fine flower design, for example, you will not want to lay down a flowery table cloth as that can make the whole setting look too confusing or 'busy'. If you use a flowered or heavily patterned table cloth you would do best to use more simple cups, such as those that are all one color without any bold patterns. If your table cloth is patterned make sure that the cups you use complement the table cloth rather than clash with it.

Another thing that needs some thought is the type of napkins and napkin rings you use. For example, if your cups are rimmed with either a gold or silver ring you should have your napkin rings made with a matching metal color. While not essential, it is this attention to small details that can make all the difference with your basic table setting.

You may also want to consider carefully any centerpiece you have on the table. One common mistake that many make is to have one that is too tall set in the middle of the table. This makes conversing across the table awkward and causes people to have to peer around the centerpiece. Ideally they should be able to talk to one another without their view being hindered. You may also want to ensure that the predominant color in your table setting matches with both your table cloth and the color and pattern of the cups you use.

If you are entertaining quite a few people you may find that you do not have enough cup sets that match with one another. In that case it is perfectly acceptable to have a couple or more different sets of cups on the table, however please make sure that they are the same or a similar style if at all possible.

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