A practical guide to hosting afternoon tea at home: choosing the right teapot, arranging a working tea set, and timing the brew and the food.

Compare glass and porcelain tea sets on heat retention, looks, durability and cleaning, plus practical guidance on which suits everyday brewing and which suits formal service.

Build a tea set that actually works: choose cups and saucers by volume, match your strainer to the leaf, and size the tray to fit.