Tea Service

What is more hospitable than afternoon coffee or tea, whether served on a tray in the living room or on a lavish table in the dining room? For an informal tea, the hostess pours and serves.

However, when the tea is formal, friends of the hostess sit at each end of the table and consider it an honor to pour.

Tea may be served at the other. It is wise to instruct a supplier to keep in frequent touch with the pourers to anticipate their need for additional hot water, coffee or cups.

It is also canny to have additional platters ready to replace those at the table that have become rather ragged-looking. Medium-size rather than large platters are easier to keep in trim.