High Tea Party

Most of us love hosting parties, but full-fledged meals usually cause one to toil for days. A solution to this predicament has been found in the afternoon tea party. Not only is it conveniently situated between lunch and supper but it also has a touch of Victorian romance about it. There are many different stories and claims as to who first instituted the practice of high tea. Nonetheless, the traditional high tea in Britain refers to the early evening meal, usually consumed between 5pm and 6pm. It was mostly had by those who skipped afternoon tea, and thus required an early supper. However, in contemporary times, a high tea party refers to a late afternoon-early evening party, at which light snacks are served along with tea. It ideally starts at 3 or 4 pm, and can be a fairly elaborate affair.

Ideas for High Tea Parties

While this party is the perfect opportunity to get together with the girls, it is also well suited for several other celebrations. If you want to host a party that won't take as much effort to put together, then an afternoon tea party is your solution. It can also be an unusual birthday celebration, as many tea rooms around the country have reported it - girl gatherings and generational get-togethers! It is also well suited for a retirement party, bridal or baby shower, or any other kind of ladies get together. This does not mean one has to exclude the men, for gentleman also joined this wonderful British tradition. However, you don't need an occasion to have a tea party like this, but can be a time set aside to enjoy some delicious snacks and catch up with good friends!

The Menu

The menu for such a party is a selection of light but scrumptious foods. They are usually served buffet style, which means that they all have to be ready before your guests arrive. A china tea set is a must for this party, as is good crockery and cutlery. The British tradition is to serve tea with milk and sugar, though now plain or flavored teas are also seen as acceptable. A primary food on the menu are small sandwiches of chicken and wild herbs, smoked salmon, crème fraiche and dill, cucumber and butter or egg salad and watercress. Scones served with butter, clotted cream and strawberry jam are another essential. Savory sweet foods such as chocolate covered strawberries, cream and fresh raspberries, lemon cheesecake, tarts and red velvet cupcakes must also find a place on the menu.

Party Etiquette

If you are hosting a tea party, send out invitations that correspond with your theme in advance, giving your guest a week to RSVP. Also learn how to set the table for a tea party, and plan a pretty centerpiece. Brewing a pot of tea is an art and must be learned before hosting this kind of a tea party. Serve the tea along with a jug of milk, not cream. If you plan to serve lemon along with the tea, serve it in the form of slices, not wedges. Etiquette while drinking tea dictates that the cup and saucer must be lifted together, following which tea cup is brought to the mouth by holding the handle between the fingers. Looping ones fingers through the handle would be seen as a faux pas. Stirring of the tea must be done silently and the teaspoon must then be placed in the right side of the saucer.

By keeping all these instructions in mind, you are sure to sail through your first high tea party. However, it does not need to be such a formal affair, and a pot of tea along with a plate of cookies can also suffice.