While you may not grab your best cup and saucer every time you feel like a cup of tea, there are certainly times when you might want a matching set or two. For example, it gives an air of graciousness to set a table with matching cups and saucers when there are guests.
However, it is not always as simple as it may seem to set a table correctly for afternoon tea. One thing many people don’t consider is the table setting itself and how it appears. In order for your environment to really look as sophisticated as it should, you should think about combining the mugs with other accessories. While most people realize that you should at least have a matching cup with a matching saucer, there’s more to consider than that.
One thing you need to pay special attention to is the actual tablecloth you use. If your cups are delicately decorated with a fine floral design, for example, you don’t want to put a flowery tablecloth on it, as it can make the whole setting look too messy or ‘busy’. If you’re using a floral or patterned tablecloth, it’s best to use simpler cups, such as ones that are solid in color without any bold patterns. If your tablecloth has a pattern, make sure the cups you use complement the tablecloth rather than clash with it.
Another thing you need to think about is the type of napkins and napkin holders you use. For example, if your glasses have a gold or silver rim, you should have your napkin rings made in a matching metal color. While not essential, it is this attention to small details that can make all the difference to your basic table setup.
You may also want to carefully consider any centerpieces you have on the table. A common mistake that many make is having one too high in the middle of the table. This makes conversation across the table awkward and makes people have to look around the centerpiece. Ideally, they should be able to talk to each other without their view being impeded. You may also want to make sure that the predominant color in your table setting matches both the tablecloth and the color and pattern of the mugs you use.
If you are entertaining quite a few people, you may not have enough matching mug sets. In that case, it’s perfectly acceptable to have a couple or more different sets of mugs on the table, however make sure they’re the same or similar style if possible.