A proper Victorian lady knew how to entertain with style and grace. She made her guests and friends feel welcomed and appreciated, and all who were in her company felt her care and concern. Her attention to detail showed her friends not only her excellent taste but also her concern that each guest knew she was especially invited and honored in her home. While the most important thing about entertaining is a heart of welcome. A Victorian hostess always knew how to brew a proper pot of tea, as the serving of tea was itself nearly an institution during the 19th century. A tea party is can be a sit-down formal affair or a casual gathering served buffet style, depending on your preference. If it is a relaxed (yet elegant) buffet, you need to set a sideboard (or buffet table) with the tea service, cups, saucers, spoons, dessert items, dessert plates, forks (if needed) and the napkins (cloth is preferred, but certainly not necessary.