Tea rooms are growing in popularity. If you go to a tea room and have a blast, consider planning your own tea party.
This should be fairly simple and a LOT of fun!!!
Here are some ideas so you can have your own tea party.
ENJOY!!!
Instructions
1. PICK A DATE and TIME and send the invitations out ONE MONTH IN ADVANCE.
* Usually tea parties are around 3 to 5 pm.
* Think of how many people you can serve in your home, comfortably.
* Note the type of dress you would like for your guests to wear.
* If you would like to host a traditional tea party, you will need to provide the refreshments, tea, etc. If you have a non-traditional tea party - invite each of your guests to bring an exotic tea and finger food.
2. YOUR PARTY
* Decorate your home with fresh flower arrangements
* Serve tea in tea pots and tea cups, you may go as fancy as you would like
* Have containers for those leftovers
In addition to your TEA and FOOD make sure you have these items on your TEA TABLE:
Small plates - napkins - cream - sugar/Splenda - lemon and lime slices - cups and saucers - teaspoons/forks
3. FOOD
You can go wild with the food or very simple.
Popular foods served with a tea are:
*TEA SANDWICHES - cut the crusts off your bread and make those dainty little sandwiches. (You may want to use a cookie cutter to cut your bread into decorative pieces OR serve on croissants.)
Popular ideas: Cucumber and cream cheese, pimento cheese, egg salad, ham and swiss cheese.
You can prepare ahead, but do keep bread covered with plastic wrap until serving. After the serving is done, cover your sandwiches with a damp paper towel to keep the bread moist.
*SCONES - there are many recipes online available. Give a few a try. Blueberry scones are always popular, but try a Brown Sugar/Banana Scone. for variety.
*SWEETS - always have a sweet treat at your tea. Tea cakes, cookies, fudge.
*Also, have a cool beverage to serve as well. Punch, iced tea, or anything refreshing.
4. TEA TO SERVE
*Use fresh cold water to boil - one teabag per one cup of water, follow the instructions on your tea box to prepare.
There are a variety of teas that you may serve at your party.
BLACK TEA
GREEN TEA
OOLONG TEA
WHITE TEA
BLENDED TEA ** this is my favorite category - Earl Grey, Irish Breakfast and Chai are in this category
HERBAL TEA
FRUIT TEA
Each category has a distinct taste - so for your guests consider 2 traditional teas and 2 different flavors. Also, have tea bags out for your guests to choose.
5. This TEA PARTY is your chance to go as simple or elegant as you desire.
The internet is full of good information - I've attached a few links at the end of this article in regards to recipes, teas and ideas.
Have you got some china in your cabinet? Use it.
Would you like to give favors? Go to the thrift store and pick up old tea cups and place in a tea bag with your homemade tea tag. Wrap it up in tulle and tie it up with a bow.
Be prepared for spills.
But the main thing you, as a hostess can do is HAVE FUN!!!! Laugh off the small stuff and make sure your guests are relaxed.
In it's essence, tea is very simple - yet it can transform to an elegant experience. As the hostess, you set the pace for your own tea party.
Tags: your guests, your party, Also have, keep bread, make sure