The  Hermès’ Hippomobile line features elegant yet playful motifs of the house's horse symbol Image: Courtesy of Hermès
Cover The Hermès’ Hippomobile line features elegant yet playful motifs of the house's horse symbol Image: Courtesy of Hermès

Miss having lavish afternoon tea sessions? Recreate a relaxing afternoon of indulgence at home with these effortless tips

A relaxed ambience, bite-sized delicacies, and the perfect cup of tea—take a break from lengthy Zoom calls at home and indulge in a relaxing afternoon tea session. While the current tightened measures to curb the pandemic might mean that there’s no possibilities of dining out for now, you can still recreate a luxurious high tea session in your own abode.

Organise a memorable and elegant tea-time session with your loved ones during this stay-home period. All you need is a beautiful tablescape that will uplift your mood and increase your enjoyment of these dainty treats.

See also: 10 Ways To Design A Modern Social Kitchen That's Perfect For Entertaining Guests

1. Curate your tableware

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The Mirage tableware set adds an elegant touch on tabletops Image: Courtesy of Snow Globe
Above The Mirage tableware set adds an elegant touch on tabletops Image: Courtesy of Snow Globe
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The Les Champignons designed by the Alberto Pinto agency in collaboration with The Invisible Collection adds a whimsical touch Image: Courtesy of The Invisible Collection
Above The Les Champignons designed by the Alberto Pinto agency in collaboration with The Invisible Collection adds a whimsical touch Image: Courtesy of The Invisible Collection

Every enchanting afternoon tea experience starts with one of the most important elements—tableware.

This classic Mirage tableware set from homegrown furnishings retailer Snow Globe has all the elements you’ll need to set a chic stage for your delectable treats. Crafted from ceramic, the elegant collection consists of a two-tier tray, a cup and saucer set, and several plates in different sizes. The gold-trimmed crockery can also double as an everyday dinnerware set for a stylish flair to your dining tables.

For a playful flair, choose dishware that features creative motifs, like this mushroom-themed set designed by ​​the Alberto Pinto agency in collaboration with The Invisible Collection. 

2. Drinkware matters

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The  Hermès’ Hippomobile line features elegant yet playful motifs of the house's horse symbol Image: Courtesy of Hermès
Above The Hermès’ Hippomobile line features elegant yet playful motifs of the house's horse symbol Image: Courtesy of Hermès

Don’t forget the teapot! Brew your tea of choice in an exquisite teapot and matching tea accessories. Hermès’ Hippomobile line features tea sets that add a tasteful touch to tabletops. Adorned with playful horse motifs that symbolise the luxury house’s logo, the drinkware crockery adds a colourful touch to your afternoon tea session.

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Tom Dixon's low-ball glasses add a chic flair to tabletops Image: Courtesy of Tom Dixon
Above Available from Xtra, Tom Dixon's low-ball glasses add a chic flair to your tablescape. Image: Courtesy of Tom Dixon
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This rose pink cocktail glass (pictured front) from Snow Globe can double as a dessert glass Image: Courtesy of Snow Globe
Above This rose pink cocktail glass (pictured front) from Snow Globe can double as a dessert glass. Image: Courtesy of Snow Globe

If you’re not a fan of hot beverages, opt for a thirst quencher to beat the heat. Serve refreshing glasses of iced tea in these timelessly chic drinking glasses from British designer Tom Dixon; or if you’re setting up a tipsy tea party for the adults, opt for these stylish rose pink cocktail glasses from Snow Globe that can double as a dessert glass as well.

See more: How to Spot High Quality Glassware For Your Next Dinner Party

3. Add a floral touch

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A floral centrepiece will add a fresh vibrance to your tabletops
Above A floral centrepiece will add a fresh vibrance to your tabletops

Liven up your tea session with a vibrant floral arrangement. Whether you decide to order a bouquet arrangement or have a go at curating your own, a lush tablescape will certainly impress as an eye-catching centrepiece. Your choice of vases matters too; ensure that the vessels add sophistication and don't distract from the elegant dishware you’ve set out.

See more: Floral Arrangements: How to Decorate Your Home With Fresh Flowers and Foliage

4. Prepare delicacies (or order in)

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The Tea Lounge set from Regent Singapore is available for deliveries Image: Courtesy of Regent Singapore
Above The Tea Lounge set from Regent Singapore is available for deliveries Image: Courtesy of Regent Singapore

Leave the menu to the experts and support your favourite eateries by indulging in a scrumptious tea party takeaway. Many celebrated restaurants are offering quality afternoon tea sets that will suit a range of taste buds. 

The three-tiered romantic pink Rose Veranda high tea takeaway set from Shangri-La Singapore for example, offers delectable sweet and savoury treats from raspberry choux to foie gras tarts. The Tea Lounge set at Regent Singapore presents an English garden-themed afternoon tea where you can tuck into decadent offerings such as mimosa sandwiches with avruga caviar, apricot cheesecake, and classic vanilla and citrus scones.

See more: The Best Afternoon Tea Experiences in Singapore

5. Set the scene

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When organising an afternoon tea session, factor in the little details
Above When organising an afternoon tea session, factor in the little details

It’s the little details that matter. Go the extra mile by ensuring that the table setting is well-organised with placemats and napkins. Soft music will also create a relaxed ambience, while lighting a few candles will set a warm and cosy atmosphere for everyone. Plus, just because you’re dining at home doesn't mean you can’t put on your best threads. Take this chance to pull together a fancy outfit and snap a few pictures for the memories, sans looks from passing servers.

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